eis-vogel
Hello,
Since getting back into analogue photography with my own darkroom, I initially made my first prints on Ilford MG IV (PE), just as I used to. However, I no longer like the paper’s grey tone at all. So I’ve now ordered two baryta papers from Fotoimpex to try out: Adox Variotone semi-matte and MCC 110 gloss. I particularly liked the MCC; the maximum black that can be achieved is absolutely top-notch. Prints look very vivid, almost three-dimensional. However, I would prefer a semi-matt finish. So my question is: are the properties retained with this finish, or is the maximum black, for example, lower?
Thanks and best regards,
Harald
Otto
Compared to PE papers, baryta papers are more labour-intensive to process. This usually starts with the development time. Baryta paper should be developed for at least 2 minutes, preferably 3 minutes. The fixing time is usually twice as long, or even longer, than for PE paper. Rinsing and drying take considerably longer. It also takes some effort to get baryta papers to lie flat. Prints on baryta paper look significantly more elegant than those on PE paper. Baryta prints have been proven to last well over 100 years (provided they are processed properly).
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The two papers mentioned are of very high quality but have very different properties. Variotone is a warm-tone paper. This means it produces a warmer image tone than a neutral-tone paper such as MCC. A warm-tone paper is more expensive, requires significantly more light during exposure and responds better to the various developers and toners than a neutral-tone paper. The classic method is air-drying glossy baryta paper. This produces a very beautiful, elegant image tone (not quite glossy). A high-gloss finish is usually only achieved with a high-gloss dry press. Matt or semi-matt papers are very popular for portraits. The dynamic range of these papers is not quite as high as that of high-gloss papers (the more matt the paper, the lower the contrast range). Which surface you choose also depends very much on the subject and how the image is presented. A glass pane in a picture frame, for example, further reduces the apparent contrast of the print. It’s best to simply try it out. As with so many things, the initial question is also a matter of personal taste.
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Good luck with the processing.
Best regards,
Otto!
Renate
The Adox Variotone seems to be being phased out. Impex currently only has a few residues left. I think that’s a shame, as it was my favourite paper. I’m surprised I haven’t come across any mention of this on various forums yet.
Best regards,
Renate
RalfMichael
Hello Harald,
As Otto has already mentioned, the processing of baryta paper is more labour-intensive – it’s perhaps worth noting that the shelf life of the chemicals (developer and fixer) is also significantly shorter. Furthermore, it’s essential to use a stop bath between the developer and fixer; with PE papers, a simple intermediate rinse is sufficient. (If you already know this, please excuse me. I’m just mentioning it in case this is your first time working with baryta paper)
Best regards, Ralf
eis-vogel
Good evening
and thank you for your comments!
In the past, I didn’t have to think twice or experiment much: there was the Forte PW14 and that was that. Today I’ve done a bit more testing and I find the MCC quite impressive. But perhaps it’s simply down to the improved quality of my negatives after studying the ‘Beyer Bible’
For my taste, the MCC could do with a slightly warmer tone in the image. I’ll give a warm-tone developer a go; perhaps that will help.
Best regards,
Harald
