ADOX papers: Differences?

WernerKoelbl

The current catalogue features several ADOX papers: Easy Print Classic, Fine Print Vario Classic, Nuance, Polywarmton... Apart from baryta, PE and fixed-grade papers, I would be interested to know what the differences are, if there are any at all. The description for all these products is almost identical: 'This ... is characterised by very good tonal separation and a lack of depth ...', which does not highlight the specific characteristics of the paper at all. Yet FOTOIMPEX’s great strength lies precisely in its product descriptions, which do not simply reproduce the manufacturers’ specifications uncritically, but provide practical advice and recommendations on the products, as well as indicating what they are suitable for and what they are not. I consider designing the catalogue not merely as a product catalogue but also as an advisory guide to be the best business idea of all, and I would like to see the product descriptions become even more informative and critical. This does not harm sales in any way; on the contrary, it promotes them. (e.g. Lauche & Maas) The catalogue must be written in such a way that, on the one hand, a 17-year-old newcomer to the lab can put together a decent basic kit with the right advice, and on the other hand, an old hand receives enough inspiration to say to themselves, ‘Oh, I’ll give that a go after all...!’ monochrom also writes a lot, but says little of substance and comes across as a copy of manufactum. All the others, Brenner for example, refrain from expressing any opinion of their own (a mistake), or simply post price lists online. I would never buy from them. But that’s a completely different matter. Actually, I just wanted to find out about the properties of the various papers.

MirkoBoeddecker

Hello Werner, I think that’s a very good point, and that’s exactly how it should be, if possible. We think we’ve managed to do that with most items, but with paper it’s really complicated. If you put all the papers in a neutral developer and process them under the right light for the right amount of time, the differences are virtually impossible to spot at first glance. Only the trained eye can ‘see’ anything. Putting this difference into words is almost impossible; you have to see it for yourself. That’s why, unfortunately, our answer almost always ends up being: ‘Buy a small pack of both papers and try them out to see which one you prefer!’ The few objective and clear differences are actually limited to: PE or baryta Warm tone or cool tone Multigrade or fixed gradient Gradient range (e.g. from 0–6 or only from 2–4) Maximum black Speed Resistance to light I have tried to highlight these differences, insofar as they are visible. For the catalogue, it would be helpful if you could rephrase your question in terms of the specific parameters you’d like information on. I’ll then try to give a more detailed answer than simply: ‘You’ll have to try it out.’ Unfortunately, though, that’s often the only way. Tastes vary, and this is mainly a matter of personal preference rather than objective differences. Best regards, Mirko

kugelfisch

Hi, Is there actually a list of which papers are "suitable for lith printing"? Regards, Alex

cfb_de

Is there actually a list of which papers are 'suitable for lith printing'?

At Tim Rudman’s, where else? Tim Rudman’s website Best regards, Franz

WernerKoelbl

Thanks for the reply! Sample packs: I think that’s the best option. By the way: I think your free delivery promotion is brilliant. I’m constantly thinking about what else I might need. And: your packaging filler material is getting better and better. You used to have one where the entire contents were covered in the finest brown dust, which, because it stuck so well, could only be removed by washing under the tap. That was fine for plastic containers, but everything else had to be vacuumed. Things have improved a lot now. Even so, I never unpack your parcels in the lab; I always do it outside. Best regards!