Topic: Paper for Prints

[Verian]

I should soon be making my first prints, within the next couple of weeks hopefully. They will be B&W using a Durst Autocolour 707. Does anybody have any paper recommendations for a newbie?

I'll also be having a go at test strips and contact printing.

Very much looking forward to having a go

[Francois]

For learning, there's nothing better than a good RC paper. It might not be as beautiful as a nice FB but the processing ease and speed will help you learn much faster.

I'm a big fan of the good old Ilford RC Multigrade in either pearl or glossy finish. Matte is too dull for my taste (no dark blacks). The glossy is nice and doesn't show fingerprints. Pearl is a bit in between.

[Abdul Hye]

Hi, I had a look at your blog and couldn’t help but notice that you don’t have a focus finder or anything that looks like a timer. But I’m sure you have those.

If you are starting out then I’d stick to the cheapest resin paper you can find but stick to something that is a reasonable size   8 x 10 ins.

Not sure how much you know so apologies if you are already familiar these:
RC = Resin
FB = Fiber
VC / MULTIGRADE = Variable contrast. You’ll be able to dial in the filter from the enlarger on your head.

[Verian]

For learning, there's nothing better than a good RC paper. It might not be as beautiful as a nice FB but the processing ease and speed will help you learn much faster.

I'm a big fan of the good old Ilford RC Multigrade in either pearl or glossy finish. Matte is too dull for my taste (no dark blacks). The glossy is nice and doesn't show fingerprints. Pearl is a bit in between.

Thanks Francois. I think I'll get some Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe, 1x100, 1M, 9x13 which is £13.05, seems cheap to practice on.

[Verian]

Hi, I had a look at your blog and couldn’t help but notice that you don’t have a focus finder or anything that looks like a timer. But I’m sure you have those.

If you are starting out then I’d stick to the cheapest resin paper you can find but stick to something that is a reasonable size   8 x 10 ins.

Not sure how much you know so apologies if you are already familiar these:
RC = Resin
FB = Fiber
VC / MULTIGRADE = Variable contrast. You’ll be able to dial in the filter from the enlarger on your head.

Hi there. At the moment I am looking at Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe, 1x100, 1M, 9x13 which is £13.05.

By coincidence, this morning I bought a Paterson major focus finder for £20 including postage.

I have a darkroom timer app on my phone, no idea how useful it will be though, or whether, as it is illuminated, it will effect the results.

[Francois]

You'll quickly find that even though it's cheap, the good old Ilford RC can give some quite incredible results. I mostly do 5x7 prints these days as they're cheap (something that goes well with the fact that I'm pretty broke these days...)

[Verian]

You'll quickly find that even though it's cheap, the good old Ilford RC can give some quite incredible results. I mostly do 5x7 prints these days as they're cheap (something that goes well with the fact that I'm pretty broke these days...)

With the number of items I've bought over the last couple of months I'm pretty broke myself Francois!!!

[Francois]

Oh, well... at least we don't live in Greece, Spain or Portugal!

[Verian]

If I use Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe, which chemicals would best suit?

I have all the darkroom equipment I need now, just need paper and chemicals to get going (in the kitchen, which is dangerous as Mrs Verian isn't going to be best pleased!)

[LT]

Hi verian. Any chems will do. Just stick with the same make, dilutions, dev time, and temperatures until you feel you are ready to experiment further. The best thing to do when you are beginning is to limit the variables ... Get to grips with exposure and contrast before you begin looking towards the myriad of other controls available to you.

Hope  that helps.

L.

[Verian]

Hi Leon. I have some chemicals that I can use I think. Also ordered Ilford MGIV RC 5×7″ Glossy 100 sheets for practising and for making test strips and Ilford MGIV RC 8×10″ Pearl 50 sheets for when I am confident enough to try and produce a decent print, but it will still be practice really.

[LT]

Hi Leon. I have some chemicals that I can use I think. Also ordered Ilford MGIV RC 5×7″ Glossy 100 sheets for practising and for making test strips and Ilford MGIV RC 8×10″ Pearl 50 sheets for when I am confident enough to try and produce a decent print, but it will still be practice really.

That all sounds like a sound plan Verian.