Vario Classic processing

Gast · 2004-06-30T21:21:48+00:00

Hallo, vor längerem (2 Monate) habe ich mir ein Päckchen Vario Classic Barytpapier gekauft. Nach langem rumprobieren gebe ich jetzt auf. Ich bekomme einfach...

Gast

Hello, A while ago (two months) I bought a pack of Vario Classic baryta paper. After fiddling around with it for ages, I’ve now given up. I just can’t seem to achieve any sharp contrast. Where I need a Kodak Polymax filter of 2 or 2.5, the same negative with Vario Classic and a gradation filter of 5 still comes out too flat. I’m using Ilford filters, Tetenal Eukobrom developer and Tetenal Superfix. I develop the paper for 2.5 minutes (I think it’s fully developed – at any rate, even with a longer development time, there’s no further increase in density). Does anyone have any advice? Am I doing something wrong? Or is there a batch issue with the paper? Or is the paper just that flat? I’m really desperate! Best regards

Urnes

Hello, Well, I’m really impressed with the Vario Classic and haven’t had any problems with it, though I do develop using N-113. But that shouldn’t really be the issue. Hmm, well, if it’s not the paper itself. The only other thing I can think of is that you might have placed it under the enlarger with the coated side facing downwards, i.e. upside down. You should have noticed this, though, as your exposure times would have increased. Regards, Sven.

Gast

I’ve got exactly the same problem. That’s why I won’t be buying it again either. My brother’s 20-year-old Orwo paper is still top-notch! But I’ve no idea what’s wrong with the Classic Vario either. Micha

MirkoBoeddecker

Are you sure you’re not using DUKA light that has a yellowish, green or yellow-orange cast? ORWO is a fixed-grade film (so it’s good for yellow-green) and Ilford is desensitised for light yellow. If you send the pack in, we’ll be happy to run a test. The paper is on sale because it is now almost two years old. Furthermore, in terms of filters, Vario Classic has always been about half a gradient below Polykaltton and others. Polykaltton is also more brilliant, which is why it has ‘displaced’ the VC. As for the highlight rendering, however, the VC was better, which is why we ordered another batch in 2002. But Filter 2.5 vs 5 sounds a bit of a stretch. There’s definitely something wrong with the processing. Do have a read through our troubleshooting guide: http://www.fotoimpex.de/Technik/Fehlersuch...rswpapiere.html 1) What else comes to mind: how much has the developer been diluted? 2) Take them out of the developer after 90 seconds!! At 2.5 minutes, a base fog can already start to appear. So it’s better to increase the exposure a bit and put them in the stop bath after 90 seconds rather than to leave them in the developer for 2.5 minutes. Regards Mirko