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FB Paper Question

Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2012 10:22 am
by sq1970
I'm debating between Adox Premium MCC 110 VC FB and Foma Fomabrom VC FB Variant 111 papers. Any observations by recent users re quality, image, toning would be appreciated. Thanks.

Re: FB Paper Question

Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 2:04 pm
by foolscape
What developer are you using?

The Fomabrom is excellent with amidol as a developer. With standard developers it is still good, but not as good as the Adox. You can get much better results with the Adox MCC without having to use amidol. There was a time that I really wanted to use amidol, and did so for a few years, but it's highly toxic, and stains everything. However, the combination of amidol and a bromide paper like Fomabrom (which I've used extensively) is really something to behold. Be sure to strain the amidol developer through a paper filter before each session, or tiny black particulates will be suspended in the developer, and ruin your prints. I've been told that these should be able to be eliminated with extended stirring, but when I tried this, I was forced to admit defeat after a half hour of stirring. Amidol oxidizes quickly, so it's best to just strain it.

If you go with the Fomabrom, but don't want to use amidol, try Ansco 130. You'll get better results with it.

On the whole, I'd go with the Adox paper. You'll have a much wider range of developers to choose from.

I generally don't tone, except for selenium, and then only for permanence. I don't know what these papers will do with more extensive toning.

--Gary

Re: FB Paper Question

Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 7:48 pm
by Ornello
sq1970 wrote:I'm debating between Adox Premium MCC 110 VC FB and Foma Fomabrom VC FB Variant 111 papers. Any observations by recent users re quality, image, toning would be appreciated. Thanks.

Why? Can't you get Ilford?

Re: FB Paper Question

Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 8:12 pm
by sq1970
Thanks for the reply. I'm selecting these two papers because of the size available - 12x16. Re developer, although I have not used it yet, I expect to go with BW-65 from Photographers' Formulary which apparently is similar to Amidol but without the staining issues. If the Foma is in the ballpark with Adox, I may go with the Foma as it is a bit less expensive. Was a red safe light necessary with the Foma?

Re: FB Paper Question

Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 6:08 am
by Fotohuis
Yes, a red darkroom light is necessary for this multigrade fiber paper.

Here an example on 18x24cm, Fomabrom Variant 111:

Image

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6779 ... bb91_z.//jpg//