Forte VC RC paper improves delicate tonality compared to similar Kodak and Ilford VC RC papers. The paper surface is very reflective, deaping blacks but making finger prints an issue. I like the way this paper opens up tonality but have the following questions:

1. I see an outline surrounding the dark image under the paper surface. 2. Even with 5 min washes, 90s dunk in fotoflo, and air drying, I seem to see a very slight scum/partial haze/???on the image.

Anyone else see this and what is going on??

-- Richard Jepsen (richard.jepsen@tinker.af.mil), September 17, 1999

Answers

Forget RC, use FB. Pat

-- pat j. krentz (krentz@cci-29palms.com), September 18, 1999.

I have used Forte VC RC paper (glossy) for a year now. The paper is not as glossy as other PC papers. That is what I like. It looks a little like the glossy surface of FB papers (air dried), not the metal-like look of other RC papers.

I have never oberved your problems. I use Tetenal Eukobrom as developer, a stop bath, and Ilford Hypam as fixer.

-- Thies Meincke (meincke@uni-hamburg.de), September 20, 1999.

I need to make a correction. I printed Fortespeed Polygrade Salon RC paper this weekend. I did not experience problems of a halo under the emulsion or scum. I found earlier prints and didn't see the halo effect. My conclusions are the scum was inadequate photo-flo treatment. The halo may be the print subsurface not being dry immediately after air drying. Beware of slight fog if you use an OC filter, (red recommended). Still maintain this paper has broader tonality than Ilford and Kodak RC papers. It compromises on brilliant highs.

-- Richard Jepsen (rjepsen@mmcable.com), September 20, 1999.