elias_roustom Posted July 26, 2007 Share Posted July 26, 2007 I've just set up my darkroom, and I've been teaching myself all about contrast filters with VC papers. Someone gave me some old FB paper, which I'm sure is graded, but no indication as to what it is graded at (Agfa, red box). I tried a sheet, and I like what I'm getting, but it looks better with a #2.5 contrast filter in place than without. Is there any reason not to use contrast filters with graded papers? I should tell you also that the neg I've been working on was underdeveloped, so it is most likely helped by the added contrast - then again I really don't know what I'm talking about. Thanks, Elias Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henryp Posted July 26, 2007 Share Posted July 26, 2007 Why are you sure the paper you have is graded? "FB" usually means fibre-based, i.e., not RC paper. There're plenty of polycontrats fibre-based papers around. Try printing the same neg with your #1 and #5 filters, altering exposure time to correct for the filter's density. See what you get. - Henry P Henry Posner B&H Photo-Video Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joseph_i Posted July 26, 2007 Share Posted July 26, 2007 Sounds multi-grade to me... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elias_roustom Posted July 26, 2007 Author Share Posted July 26, 2007 hmm. I'm not sure why I'm sure it's a graded paper - just because it's old? I'll run these tests, and see what I get. Thank you. But I am still interested in knowing whether filters affect graded papers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fotohuis RoVo Posted July 27, 2007 Share Posted July 27, 2007 Even on old Agfa box papers there must be in case of VC paper an indication MG or VC or whatever. If it's graded paper there is also an indication: normal, hard, extra in combination color coded resp. red, blue, green but you can check this by using filter 0 and 5 if it's responding or not at all. If it's very old the paper will be also fogged so then it will be not possible to get any real B&W in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elias_roustom Posted July 27, 2007 Author Share Posted July 27, 2007 I can't find any indications, but it is in a red box. The back of the sheets says Agfa, in a pretty type double underlined. Since it isn't fogged, printed well, it can't be that old... Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frank.schifano Posted July 27, 2007 Share Posted July 27, 2007 Sounds like you've got a variable contrast paper to me too. FYI, variable contrast papers have been around for at least 35 years, probably longer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff_schraeder1 Posted July 28, 2007 Share Posted July 28, 2007 When you calibrate your printing process you should do it with a fresh supply of the paper you are going to use. Playing around with old paper is fine to just get familiar with the process and the materials but unless you know exactly what you are working with your results will not give you useful information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now