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> Who prints on graded papers and why? |
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View Poll Results: Who still prints on graded papers? | |||
All of my papers are graded | 1 | 4.76% | |
Some of my papers are graded | 14 | 66.67% | |
None of my papers are graded | 4 | 19.05% | |
Used to use graded but not any more | 2 | 9.52% | |
Voters: 21. You may not vote on this poll |
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#1
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Who prints on graded papers and why?
I'm curious to know how many people still print on graded papers and why?
Why am I curious? Well I just bought some Ilford Galerie which I have used before ( a long time ago) and am wanting to renew my acquaintance and see how much variation in contrast I can extract from it using traditional techniques such as variation in developer and flashing. Just wondering if others do the same. Please vote and then elaborate with a normal message in the thread. Thanks
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An old dog learning new tricks |
#2
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Originally when embarking on B&W in 2003 the course's recommended material was MG paper. I don't think at that stage I realised that graded paper existed. Subsequently when I did, I had read a number of books and none seem to extol the virtues/advantages of graded paper.
I then joined a site where I came across a number of graded paper exponents but in nothing I read could I detect concrete evidence for converting to graded. Quite the reverse, the exponents were often their worst enemy in terms of putting forward good arguments for graded paper. Mike |
#3
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I do use graded papers, as well as Variable Contrast. It’s mainly because I cannot resist the rather sad end of line offers that have occurred far too frequently recently. I do find that, provided the correct grade is chosen, I do seem to be able to extract a greater contrast range from them than from VC.
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#4
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[QUOTE.......Please vote and then elaborate with a normal message in the thread.
Thanks[/QUOTE] Mostly VC papers now but prefer graded papers for lith printing if I can find them. Neil.
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"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance." Aristotle Neil Souch |
#5
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In the past, I have used Ilfospeed and Kenthene in RC and Galerie, Kentona, Bromide, Record-Rapid, Oriental and Ektalure FB papers with Kodak Elite Fine-Art being my all time favourite graded FB paper.
My main paper these days is Multigrade IV which satisfies my requirements. |
#6
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I use a few graded papers because they do offer somethig that I believe VC papers don't, namely, a different response to toning and in some cases a surface that is not available in VC.
For example, Kodak Ektalure is a quite exquisite paper although it is no longer manufactured but I still have about 200 sheets of 16 x 20. It tones quite beautifully and has a surface unlike any other paper available today. Oriental Seagul produces a beautiful cold tone that I cannot reproduce with VC paper, although it does also lith quite nicely I do not use it for I'm not particularly keen on most lith prints. Having said that I do like Anton Cjorbyn's (sp) and Bob Carnie's work for they both have a grittyness I've not seen from any other exponent of the process. |
#7
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Quote:
However, I was thinking more of how much contrast change in a single grade of graded paper I could get with trad processing techniques rather than maximum obtainable with highest grade of paper.
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An old dog learning new tricks |
#8
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Although I have a few sheets of Agfa Record Rapid left from about 20 years ago I have not used any for some time, all my work being done on MG IV or Kentmere VC Select. My favourite combination was Record Rapid in D163. Neither are commercially available now although I think the formula for D163 is in the public domain. I don't have the equipment to make my own developers.
Bill |
#9
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Bill, D163 is/was available ready mixed from Silverprint (it does not appear to be listed on their new site in the "Developers" section - I had to use the search function to find it - I sent them a note about that...).
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#10
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Michael Maunder of Speedibrews started to make D163 when Kodak discontinued it and Silverprint have always stocked Speedibrew chemicals. However, I have heard that Michael has either sold his company or is trying to sell it so he may have stopped production. If anyone wants the formula I have it plus many other long gone developers. Drop me a PM if you want to make your own, it's not difficult, is very cost effective and it gives you many options to bring subtle tweaks to your prints.
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