Where can I buy Azo paper for 4x5 contact printing? I can't even find it advertised in any Shutterbug ads.

Also, I was given a box of ancient, unopened "studio proof" paper...but, after opening it, I found that the instructions indicated that this is a "sun" printing-out paper and is not permanent...it uses no chemicals. Is there any way to make the image permanent (like using a fixer) or should I just toss it in the trash!?

-- Todd frederick (fredrick@hotcity.com), October 08, 1999

Answers

Calumet and Freestyle have Azo paper. Keep the printing out paper. Check out some of the Nelson gold toners and their use, and look at some of the alternative process web sites for info on how to expose and fix this paper without losing the image. It makes some beautiful prints, especially from very dense and contrasty negatives, as in old glass plates. Just let it cook away.

-- Tony Brent (ajbrent@mich.com), October 09, 1999.

B&H in New York also carry Azo.

-- Ed Buffaloe (edbuffaloe@unblinkingeye.com), October 12, 1999.

TODD! GOOD GOD MAN DON'T THROW THAT P.O.P. OUT!!!!!

Ahem, sorry, just paniced a bit there. Tod that stuff is GREAT and has a tonal range that goes on for miles! It can be fixed permanetly, however it requires a negative of higher than usual density and contrast. Here's Linda Connor's description of how she does it.

"If you want more than a transient proof, you must fix it. I also tone the image, because the fixing process gives the print an awful orange color. These wet processes tend to bleach back and lighten, so the print must be considerably overexposed to begin with. It takes a little practice to be able to judge when a print is done just right.

Prepare a tray of plain hypo sodium thiosulfite. You need to use plain hypo rather than regular fixer, because the latter is too strong and bleaches the image. The toner is gold chloride, and it is expensive. dissolve 15 grain vial in 500 cc of water ......

Well Tod there's more to it but I've run out of steam for the moment. Do yourself a favor and go to http://www.redhillphoto.com and check out some of the prints there. I believe Chad has also posted instructions on his version of this process. It is difficult, expensive and unpredictable, but very worth the effort. Linda Connor has at least 3 books out so check the local library.

"

-- Sean yates (yatescats@yahoo.com), October 20, 1999.