The Biggest New Darkroom Paper Launch for 20 years!
This week Harman Technology Limited, the manufacturers of the Ilford darkroom brand, announced significant new papers for use in home and commercial darkrooms.
A year in the development stage, their new Multigrade FB fibre-based paper range is, in our view, the biggest new paper launch since 1994. Coincidentally, this was also the year when Ilford announced the original Multigrade IV FB which has now been superseded by the new paper.
Called Multigrade FB Classic, this all-new fibre-based monochrome paper’s main improvement is that it offers far sharper images thanks to the smaller crystal used in the manufacture (which in turn gives less diffraction). It also has improved DMax considerably over its predecessor but equally importantly is that Multigrade FB Classic now tones beautifully –whereas the old version frankly, did not. We’ve seen some images toned in Selenium and they render really rich tones. The paper is available in glossy or matt surface choices. Multigrade FB Classic improves in processing terms too. Although the development time of 2-3 minutes is the same as before, images now arrive in half the time (30 seconds). We’ve also noted that mid-tones “drop-in” well, meaning less exposing work.Technically, the paper also has a Grade Scale that is higher than before (0 to 4 before having to increase exposure).
The good news does not stop with just one new paper though because they have also introduced a Multigrade FB Cooltone version of the new emulsion. A cooler image FB paper was never available previously and this new introduction shares the same colder image as that of its Resin Coated sister paper. We view it as a modern version replacement for Kentmere Art Classic but it’s only available in glossy surface. You either like a cold image (or you don’t) but if this is your choice it’s a Fine Art winner for you. It can be made even colder by toning in Gold Toner – quite a feat from Ilford! Just a side note, although now Ilford has an FB line-up to match its RC relatives, the original Multigrade FB Warmtone remains unchanged and will (for the time being) not be made in the new Classic formulation. We really love these new papers from Harman Technology. There’s no price increase over the existing range (which will be discontinued from January) and both the FB Classic and FB Cooltone share the same prices.
If you’d like to try these new papers for yourself we have put together a really special introductory offer. We are offering 25 sheets of any 8 x 10 inch version for only £20 (saving £6.80 on the normal price) until 30th April, 2014. See our website for details on this introductory offer: MGFB Classic Glossy, MGFB Classic Matt or MGFB Cooltone Glossy
- 6th December 2013
