Buchtnix
Hello,
How do batch variations in multi-contrast paper manifest themselves? Does the speed, the gradation, or perhaps both change? What effects does prolonged storage (e.g. 2 years) have?
Best regards, Steffen
bernhardmangelsgmxde
It depends on the paper, too.
A little story:
I bought a box of "Maco Multispeed" in 2003. Two weeks ago, I thought I’d use up the remaining four sheets. Of course, I ended up with white spots on the very last sheet... (probably my own fault) But since I was already at it, I printed the image again using my current paper: ADOX Easyprint 312. It struck me that the two papers look DAMN similar... -> It dawned on me that with the Easyprint I’m not actually using a new paper (for me), but the same one as five years ago; Maco probably had it produced by Kentmere back then too---.
AND: It had almost identical values, despite certainly different batches AND an age difference of about five years)
With the (new) ADOX, I reduced the exposure time by about 10% and turned the yellow filter in by one calibration mark (from Y10 to Y12); I could hardly tell the results apart if the photo hadn’t been damaged and if they weren’t two different surfaces.
Over time, the paper probably becomes less sensitive and softer (which is consistent with my experience).
But as the example shows, the difference isn’t necessarily that drastic at first.
An average user would probably hardly notice a difference between two batches and/or a five-year age difference (at least with the paper mentioned), because fine-tuning has to be done anew for every image anyway.
I just wouldn’t use the test strips for enlargements on freshly bought 30x40 paper with the same brand of paper from the 9x12 pack that’s been lying around for over five years.
But as mentioned: it varies from paper to paper. Ilford apparently has excellent consistency from batch to batch. Agfa is said not to be as durable.
How the paper has been stored (both at the retailer’s and at home) is also important for its shelf life...
piu58
After 2 or 3 years’ storage, a difference between batches only bothers me in one specific case. I usually expose on 18x24. If a print has turned out particularly well, I make a 24x30 print. With tried-and-tested photographic paper, I can do this in one go; I’ve noted down the exposure time and any necessary gradation shift. If one of the batches is replaced by the next, I have to recalculate these values.
