Calling all past Brovira users!

[john_kasaian2]

Hello! I've been trying out different papers and came across some old Agfa Brovira. I would normally pass on old papers, but I figured this would be my only chance to use Brovira and it was pretty cheap. Has anyone here used Brovira? It isn't made anymore, so I was wondering if Brovira's demise is lamented or not(and why?) Any favorite developers/recommended times? I have no idea how old this stuff is! If it is still usable, how do you think it would it perform as "film" in my ULF pinhole? The Brovira I have is Grade 4, double wieght. Thank you for any thoughts/comments!

[dave_sherman1]

Brovira was my favorate paper, especially for 35mm because it was

available in #5 grade. I also think that a #6 grade was also

available. The combination of a shorter film development and use of

#5 paper resulted in a combination that couldn't be beat for small

film sizes. When I found out that it had been discontinued I bought

a good supply of it. Unfortunately I only have a few hundred sheets

of 8X10 left. Many fine papers have come and gone. This is one that

I truly miss. I used it with Dektol or Zone VI developer.

[jerry_flynn1]

As I recall, at the time Brovira was made, it came in grades 1

through 6. Agfa used grade numbers that were one greater than the

standard. That is, a number 3 Brovira was like a number 2 in other

brands of the time -- such as Ilfobrom.

[dave_sherman1]

I used both Brovira and Ilfobrom. I always felt that Brovira was at

least equal if not more contrasty than Ilfobrom. I never made exact

comparisons but I used #4 Brovira and #4 Ilfobrom and my recollection

was that the #4 Brovira hand more contrast than the Ilfobrom. The #5

Brovoria was definitely a #5 paper. The other great thing about

Brovira was that the whites were pure white and the blacks were pure

black. I sure wish Agfa would bring it back.

[jani finland]

Oh, that beautiful cold look of old bromid papers......developed in D-

163. I have some old pictures, made in the late 60s, found them some

years ago, framed them immediatly and hinged up in my room. I've

found no of these modern papers coming even near the delicated grays

and good black as the old glossy Brovira. Take care of your treasure!

[ed b.]

Brovira was reputed to be the last of the pure bromide papers. It was

originally available in grades 1 through 6, which were later changed

to 0 through 5. It was possibly the best paper for print solarization

that was ever made. I bought some 20 year old Brovira grade 5 that

had been kept in a cool basement in NYC, but it proved to have lost

its contrast and wasn't good for much. However, if yours is only a

few years old, it might be fine.

[mark_weatherly]

Brovira was the best portrait paper "bar-none". Grade 4 should give

excellent contrast... If the contrast is too hard, try Dektol 1:1 or

Selectol developers. Diluted Selenium baths can produce wonderful

color shifts and add a crispness to the print that is unobtainable

with today's papers, enjoy!

[david_szwec1]

Hi! I was given a quantity of Brovira-Speed (resin coated) a while

ago, and was particularly impressed with the semi-matt "312PE"

finish. The blacks have a wonderful 'charcoal' look to them, which

I've not seen in any other paper so far. Give it a go, you might be

pleasantly surprised!