Do you think a final print (like Adams final print) needs a Barita paper?

Sorry for my English ;-).

-- Jotxo Caceres (jotxo@yahoo.com), November 24, 1998

Answers

If by "Barita" paper you mean fiber papers such as Ilford Gallerie the answer is a resounding "yes." I have seen and contributed to discussions on this web site and on photo.net where some excellent photographers have praised the virtues of RC paper. But I have also been printing black-and-white professionally since 1985 and have seen the differences between fiber and RC prints. Even non- photographers who see the same negative printed on both papers say they like the fiber prints better. They usually cannot tell me why, but they always choose the fiber prints and are often willing to pay a premium price for them.

RC paper will get you 90 percent of the quality of fiber paper. But that last 10 percent makes all the difference in the world. Fiber papers hold better shadow and highlight values than RC papers, and toning enhances fibers paper more than it enhances RC papers.

I have a low-volume commercial lab and see these differences daily. As I educate my customers they are ordering more and more fiber prints despite the extra cost. Besides, with the questionable longevity of RC papers why would you want to use them for your best shots? Print one or two of your favorite negatives on RC paper and on fiber paper, then compare them side-by-side. You will see the difference.

-- Darron Spohn (sspohn@concentric.net), November 25, 1998.