View Single Post
  #2  
Old 8th April 2009, 06:18 PM
Bob's Avatar
Bob Bob is offline
Administrator
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: London(ish)
Posts: 2,746
Default

Ilford Multigrade IV is an enlarging paper that you use with the filters you also have (or you can use the filtration in your colour head if you have one on your enlarger) to alter the contrast of the paper. Grade 00 is the lowest contrast and grade 5 is the highest contrast - grade 2 is considered "normal" contrast and is the grade you should be aiming to use for most prints.

Resin coated paper (RC) is paper which has a plastic coating on both sides and the emulsion is coated on one side. It's advantages are that you can wash it quickly (2 mins max) and it dries quickly as the chemicals cannot soak in to the paper because of the plastic coating. It dries smooth and flat.

Fibre paper does not have any plastic coating and has the emulsion coated directly on the paper (more or less - there is a baryta coating on the paper to give a bright, smooth finish). This soaks up the chemicals so that washing takes much longer (typically 1 hour) and drying likewise takes hours. It dries with various amounts of curl and ripple depending on how it is dried and the type of paper etc. Despite all this, many people consider fibre paper gives a better result and feel it worth the extra effort.

As a beginner, most people would recommend you start with RC paper.

Practically any red/orange/brown safelight will work with Ilford MG IV - orange probably gives the brightest light but if have the brown, use that. Keep it at least 4 feet away from the paper at any point.
Reply With Quote