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#1
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Fibre Paper
Hi,
I have been printing on RC paper on and off for about 20 years but have only recently set up a proper dark room where i can process fibre paper. Do fibre papers have better tonal reproduction properties than RC? Are there any other advantages to fibre? |
#2
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If there are, I am not sure what they are. There are claims for increased quality and 'feel' but how much of that is prejudice, snobbishness and habit of use is IMO questionable.
The expensive ones, I think, have a thicker emulsion layer so that there could be more 'depth' to the print. I haven't used fibre based paper for many a year because of the convenience, ease of use and cost advantage to RC. I would be hard put to tell the difference between prints of mine of the same neg. made on fibre and RC paper without handling. Mike |
#3
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Quote:
I say get some and try it, you won't be dissapointed Richard
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jerseyinblackandwhite.blogspot.com |
#4
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My preference for FB paper is more driven by aesthetic qualities; their look, feel and finish. However, to what degree these characteristics can be fully appreciated when behind glass is open to debate, in my opinion.
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MartyNL “Reaching a creative state of mind thru positive action is considered preferable to waiting for inspiration.” - Minor White, 1950 |
#5
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Like Richard I find fibre paper gives a better tonal range than rc. When using fibre I often sort out the printing details in rc before printing on the fibre paper when I put the two prints side by side there is a marked difference not only in the tonal range but in the aesthetic qualities referred to by MartyNL. If you have the time then you do get a more satisfying print from fibre. However Ilford MRWT rc does seem to come close to the fibre version and does seem warmer.
Despite my views I have seen many fine prints on rc paper. Tony |
#6
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Thanks all,
Very useful particularly Richards comments. I too have been comparing RC with Ilford FB Warm Tone and also find that there appears to be more tonal range and the prints seem to have more 'depth'. i.e. you seem to be able to look into them rather then at them. Thanks again i shall continue on with the FB even though i do have to stand around for half hour for the last one to wash. Bill |
#7
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WhenI started there was only fB paper. RC papers were fantastic for commercial use, still the best if you have to scan your prints.
However they lack the depth of FB papers, it's harder to write about compared to showing examples. The ultimate is a platinum/Palladium print, a Kallitype, an Albumen print etc that looks and is part of the top layer of paper itself with all its texture, an FB print is the next best alternative, and even then there's choices. Ian |
#8
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Comparing 'depth' of prints on RC and FB paper
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I believe in densitometry, which can, for instance, prove the tiny difference between variable-contrast and graded paper processed under standardised laboratory conditions. But while measured disparities between RC and FB prints can be shown to exist, they are mostly due to a slight variance in surface textures. There is an exception, and that's Agfa Portriga-Rapid, but I haven't been able to get a sample to measure because it hasn't been manufactured for some time. I got a hint that Adox might coat some - I would be really interested to test it. |
#9
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I am very interested in this question. I have been printing on MGIV RC but recently bought a small box of MG Warmtone RC Pearl. I am wondering if I will be missing out compared to MG Warmtone Fibre. Note this is all 10x8 paper as I like that as a sort of working constant for now as I can do 9.5x7.5, 7x7 & 9x6 from one paper size.
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#10
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Quote:
Ok, best described would be to go a step further and to where there's a greater difference Platinum/Palladium prints, Kallitypes etc where the image sits on and in the top layer of the water colour paper, this is the ultimate in terms of what some call depth when describing differences. Will RC/PE papers the paper base itself is encapsulated in a resin or polythene layer, the that can be flat (glossy) or patterned (pearl), or have a matte finish. The emulsion on a FB paper sits on the baryta laye which is coated on the paper base, it doesn't totally hide the texture of that base. To many that has a far more natural feel when air dried, witha bit of heat or staeming that becomes slightly flatter and a touch more glossy, however still not close to an RC Glossy print. If you want high gloss with a FB glossy paper you need to hot glaze it which was once common. That's a simplistic version of what some call depth. Portriga Rapid was a warmtone paper with a matt surface, like any warm tone the measured Dmax is lower than a Bromide paper in a warm tone developer, this is partly due to image colour, but the Matt surface knock Dmax down as well. I don't think I have any prints left made on it - I only bought 10 sheets of 20x16 back in the mid 1980's. Ian |
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