Okay, after years of RC papers I switched to fiber base paper. I have gotten good with, and enjoy printing, on Ilford MG IV FB. Plus I guess I'm just loyal to this brand. However, for the life of me I don't see selenium toning as having ANY effect. I have tried as low as 1:3 for five minutes. I'd prefer keeping the dilutions up and the cost down. Has anyone noticed that this paper won't tone ?

-- Anonymous, July 09, 1997

Answers

Peter, I also print some of my work on this paper & it seems to resist toning. But, I have found it does tone for me, with selenium at about 1:20 after 10 minutes or so. I keep a second print in a water bath next to the toning print for comparison. You might try Forte papers as Bruce Barnbaum gives them quite a good recommendation. I've just gotten some to try as I cannot get Oriental papers any longer. Good luck

-- Anonymous, July 09, 1997

In response to Dan, I tried Forte Elegance FB after Bruce Barnum's glowing account in Camera Techniques. I found it selenium toned as warm as Ilford MG FB Warmtone, from red to purple and very fast. Not the effect I was after. Looking fr neutral/cool selenium tone with deep cold blacks.

-- Anonymous, July 09, 1997

Are you using a hardening fixer? Some papers won't tone after the emulsion is hardened.

-- anonymously answered, July 15, 1997

No, no hardening fixer. Ilford mutltigrade fixer.

-- Anonymous, July 17, 1997

No, no hardening fixer. Ilford mutltigrade fixer.

-- Anonymous, July 17, 1997

No, no hardening fixer. Ilford mutltigrade fixer.

-- Anonymous, July 17, 1997

No, no hardening fixer. Ilford mutltigrade fixer.

-- Anonymous, July 17, 1997

Response to MGIV Toning

After two separate baths in Kodak Fixer (3 min. ea.) try 5 min. in selenium 1:10 diluted with water followed by 5 min. in hypo clear.

-- Anonymous, July 17, 1997