An instuctor of mine claimed that the results and quality of a graded FB paper vs. a multigrade FB paper were quite substantial. Is this true, and does it justify storing so many different boxes of paper. BTW: I'm an Ilford fan , so would be using Ilford Graded FB (Gallerie?).

-- Peter Thoshinsky (camerabug1@msn.com), February 21, 1999

Answers

I presume from the way your question was worded that your instructor thought graded paper was superior to VC, if it'w the other way around, ignore my comments.

I suggest you get a new instructor. The VC papers today are wonderful, easily the equal of graded paper and allow you to fine tune prints in ways that would be impossible with graded papers.

I'm sure you can find some VC paper that will not be superior to certain graded papers, but that is not the norm.

Ilford MGFB is wonderful, as is Agfa Classic, Brilliant VC III, and any of the new Bergger papers.

All papers have unique characteristics that you will come to discern if you become a fine printer. Your artistry will come from applying these characteristics to enhance your images.

-- James D. Steele (jdsteele@erols.com), February 22, 1999.

Right, I wasn't too clear. I currently print on Ilford MG FB. Which is wonderful. The instructor, a quite accomplished photographer, said that the graded papers were better than multigrade papers. I would tend to doubt that, but then again Ilford makes graded FB paper as do all the paper companies (I know because they want to keep traditionalists happy and make $$$....but is there another reason? ). Before I go out and bought a box(s) of paper I wondered if anyone had any experience of printing on multigrade vs. single grade fiber paper.

-- Peter Thoshinsky (camerabug1@msn.com), February 22, 1999.

Rather than take your instructor's word, or ours, why not try it yourself and make your own decision? If you haven't already done so, take your favorite negative and make the best print you can using graded paper. Be sure to tone the print properly. Now get a box of the same brand MG paper and make the best print you can using the graded print as a reference. Tone it properly and compare the two. I think you'll find James is correct, the new MG papers are wonderful, but your mileage may vary.

The only down side I see to multi-grade papers is the cost of VC heads. If you're using a color head this is not an issue. I would rather use graded papers than plastic filters, but then I may be an old curmudgeon.

-- Darron Spohn (dspohn@clicknet.com), February 22, 1999.

I have been using both graded and MC from several manufacturers and my general impression is that graded papers hold shadow detail slightly better than MC. I have this feeling that the prints look "deeper" and more 3D on graded papers, however there is no possibility for split grade printing and this is a very powerful darkroom tool. Curently, I keep both and often make a two start prints and then take my decission. But most importantely, trust your tastes.

-- Evgeni Poptoshev (evgeni.poptoshev@surfchem.kth.se), February 23, 1999.

Your instructor may simply be behind the times. Good VC paper is a relatively new product; it used to be true that graded was better. I also would rather print on graded paper than through plastic filters. I find it easier to print with graded paper; perhaps because I have less decisions to make.

-- Ed Pierce (edpierce@together.net), March 11, 1999.

I had been printing 10 years on Ilford MG before I got my hands on a box of Oriental Seagull Grade 2. I couldn't believe the difference! The best print of the neg on the Ilford wasn't bad, but the print on the Oriental was astounding.

It isn't a question of VC vs. graded, it's all in the silver content. More silver means deeper blacks and more detail in the print. If there's a silver-rich VC paper out there, try it. But consider investing in a 25-sheet package of Zone VI or one of the other premium papers and try it for yourself. You'll be amazed at the diffe

-- Nancy Goldstein (nfayegold@earthlink.net), April 25, 1999.

"more silver equals better prints" is a myth, paper can only hold so much silver, regardless of who makes it. We proved this at Brooks Institute when I was there. Multigrade has improved over the years, but it is still no match for fiber/graded.

-- mark lindsey (lindseygraves@msn.com), April 25, 1999.

In my opinion Gallerie is a beautiful paper for certain negatives and subjects and I did not see any of my negatives printed on MG fiberbased come out that nice. But if I've got a very difficult negative, or if I want something very difficult with respect to contrast-control MG is convenient. You can't just compare it like your instructor does it.

-- Lot (lotw@wxs.nl), April 26, 1999.

Thanks for the responses. Will be purchasing some Ilford graded paper and comparing the results. Enough responses indicate that there might be some differences worth exploring. Will also be trying some Zone VI paper. But I want to go with Ilford first so I can compare Ilford to Ilford. Will post my opinions after a few sessions.

-- Peter Thoshinsky (camerabug1@msn.com), April 26, 1999.

Curious...

-- Lot (lotw@wxs.nl), April 28, 1999.

As long as you are getting Zone VI also try their Brilliant VC III variable contrast paper. I have used it for years and find it easily the equal of any graded paper I have ever used.

Also, your print developer will make a difference. I use Ethol LPD 1:2. Give it a try.

-- James D. Steele (jdsteele@erols.com), April 29, 1999.