I have been printing my keepers on Kodak Polymax Fine Art FB, but I am considering switching to a graded FB paper since my D-II doesn't have a filter drawer and for my LF pictures. I tend to print everything at a grade 2 or 3 with filters anyway. Does anyone have a specific paper to try first? I was thinking about either Forte, Ilford Galerie, or Oriental as a start. B&H seems to be out of pretty much every size of the Forte, though. Any suggestions?

-- Erik Asgeirsson (erik2@mediaone.net), November 15, 2001

Answers

Erik,

It has been a while since I've used Galerie (it's indent only here in Australia - a carton of each grade at a time!) but it was always something of a bench mark for me.

Recently I've been having great joy with Fortezo museum weight. It is fairly punchy but I find the 'Soft' gives me a nice print from a full range TMY neg. Dektol 1+2 at 24º for around 2 mins.

I might add that I am never as elated with any of the VC papers I use. The wait for supply may well be worth the inconvenience.

Cheers ... WG

-- Walter Glover (walterg@netaus.net.au), November 16, 2001.

For contact printing, Kodak Azo "gaslight" paper. Look at Michael Smith's website and article (he's in the list of photographer websites in this LF website). The oldest continuously marketed photographic product in existence (over 100 years). Tonal range approaches that of platinum. Easy to use (extremely slow, a tungsten lamp in the next room around the corner is no big deal).... For enlarging, the Bergger papers, especially Silver Supreme. Check out their website, which includes a list of vendors (Freestyle included). -jeff buckels (albuquerque nm)

-- Jeff Buckels (jeffbuck@swcp.com), November 16, 2001.

Paper is a very personal thing, but for me Oriental Seagull wins hands down. Not that other papers aren't fine.

-- Charlie Strack (charlie_strack@sti.com), November 16, 2001.

I also agree with Charlie...Oriental is a wonderful paper.

-- Jorge Gasteazoro (jorgegm58@prodigy.net.mx), November 16, 2001.

While graded papers can have some advantages, and I frequently promote their use here and elsewhere, if you are happy with your smaller format "keepers" on Polymax Fine Art FB, why not use it with the D-II as well? Polymax is a very nice paper, and, if you use under-lens Polymax filters (the ones in plastic frames), keeping them dust- and scratch-free, there will be no difference in print sharpness compared to above the negative filters.

-- Sal Santamaura (santamaura@earthlink.net), November 16, 2001.

Erik,

Another vote for Oriental Seagull G. Nick.

-- Nick Jones (nfjones@pitt.edu), November 19, 2001.