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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  
Old 19th November 2008, 11:26 PM
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Default 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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Old 20th November 2008, 12:19 AM
Mike O'Pray Mike O'Pray is offline
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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
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Old 20th November 2008, 07:23 AM
Dave miller Dave miller is offline
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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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Old 20th November 2008, 08:52 AM
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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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Old 20th November 2008, 10:28 AM
Ag-Bromide Ag-Bromide is offline
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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.
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Old 20th November 2008, 11:44 AM
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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.
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Old 20th November 2008, 11:47 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave View Post
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.
I think VC is capable of equal contrast to graded but you have to have correct negative contrast at correct filtration settings when calibrating development to acheive a full 3 stops extra on VC from G2.

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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Old 20th November 2008, 02:00 PM
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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
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Old 20th November 2008, 02:25 PM
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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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Old 20th November 2008, 04:06 PM
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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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