Has anyone tried the new Multi Grade IV Warmtone RC ? I would like to know what tones they are getting from it. I'd also like to know why I'm getting orangish/brown instead of the original white (Ok, cream) boarders when I selimium tone the paper (1:4 for 3 minutes). Thanks JIM

-- Jim Vanson (Primary_Colors@hitmail.com), August 13, 1998

Answers

I have not tried the Ilford warmtone RC paper, but I have been using their warmtone paper for some time now. I'm not surprised to learn you are getting the orange/brown tone. You are using a fairly strong solution of selenium toner, and warmtone paper by its nature is very sensitive to tonal changes with this toner. Moreover, if you have seen Ilford's advertisement for its warmtone fiber paper, you will see that a key selling point is the paper's tonal possibilites.

If you want a bit more control over the tonal change in selenium, I would recommend that you try a weaker dilutioin. I would recommend 1:20 for a period of from 3-5 minutes.

Let me also say that I have had some problems with toning Ilford's warm tone fiber paper in selenium. See my earlier posting on the forum for an explanation.

Tom Schumacher

-- Thomas L. Schumacher (tlschuma@oro-tech.net), August 15, 1998.

I tried the Ilford MG IV Warmtone RC paper last week, and I was very disappointed. All of the example images on the Ilford promo materials showed very warm tones, and I was excited about printing similar images. No where in Ilford's spec sheet did they mention that additional toning would be required. When I printed a portrait on the paper, there was almost no warm tone to it. I guess additional toning is required, but if that is the case, why not just buy regular paper and tone that? The idea of a warmtone paper was very appealing, because you won't have to stink-up the whole house with smelly toners.

I admit, I'm very experienced with toning B&W prints, but I expected warmer tones without additional procedures. I feel that I have been misled. Has anyone else out there had similar experiences?

-- Joel Collins (jwc3@mindspring.com), August 31, 1998.

Are you guys using the warm tone deveopers formulated specifically for these papers? e.g. Zonal Pro, etc.

-- Robert Thomas (thoma5@bellsouth.net), October 07, 1998.