Has anyone switched from graded to VC papers (or the other way round) and what were your reasons for doing so? Do you feel that your print makeing improved? The reason I ask is that I have been using a regular condensor head for about a year (35mm & MF, soon to add 4x5) and have tried most of the usual VC papers and developers and while not unhappy keep thinking that graded papers and a regular Aristo cold light would give me better prints. By better, I mean less spoting, broader tonal range (maybe better for my larger formats), no negative pop problems. Downside with graded is paper costs or that favorite paper not being made anymore or split contrast printing not easy, although I have tried split contrast printing a little bit but my results so far are not that different from straight filtering. So I keep pondering and wondering if I should just make this "simple" with a few graded papers and a reg cold light. From most of what Ive read this is what most fine printers do. So what about your own experience with graded & VC?

-- bill zelinski (willy226@yahoo.com), December 13, 1999

Answers

Personally, I don't like to change my materials and working methods too frequently, because I found that the potential improvement by getting familiar with a decent material's characteristics is often greater than that from a new material. I do try new things from time to time to find out whether they offer some potential for improvement, and I do retain the things I like, but I wouldn't want to change my method just because "this is what most fine printers do". To become a decent printer in my own right, I have to find my own methods.

You also say that you tried split-grading, but the results were not too different from straight prints. Maybe you tried it on negatives that didn't really call for it? Also, a good print might not look very different from a fine print, but the difference might still matter.

My suggestion would be this: If you feel you need the experience, try the graded papers for some time before entering a one-way route, i.e. with your current equipment. If you are pleased with the results, stick with the graded papers, and buy the cold-light enlarger.

I can't quite see how graded paper reduces the spotting work.

-- Thomas Wollstein (thomas_wollstein@web.de), December 14, 1999.

Whether you use a condensor or cold light won't make that much difference, though cold light has the advantage that you can print from somewhat denser negatives, and as you say the prints may need a bit less spotting.

I use both graded and variable contrast papers, but I must say that recently I have been leaning toward the convenience of the variable contrast. My new favorite is Ilford Multigrade FB Warmtone. I've been toning it in selenium at a 1:5 dilution for about a minute. It is especially good for nudes because it gives delicate gradation in caucasian skin tones. I haven't gotten a true split tone out of it, but the dark areas tone very warm, while the higher values remain closer to the original color.

-- Ed Buffaloe (edbuffaloe@unblinkingeye.com), December 14, 1999.

Im sure that part of what makes the difference between a good print and a truly fine print is the ability to see the difference. My negatives could certainly be more consistant and thats a large part of this but it seems that a lot of the postive comments on VC paper are more about the ease of use as opposed to final results. Im willing to do the work but not waste a lot of time with materials that in the end may not satisfiy. Most of the prints I really admire are from a time that probably predates VC paper. I will start working graded with my current set up but I was wondering if anyone else has gone through this and what they discovered. Thanks.

-- bill zelinski (willy226@yahoo.com), December 14, 1999.

What I have discovered is that there is no advantage to using graded papers over variable-contrast. I think graded papers used to have the edge in quality, but not any longer.

-- Ed Buffaloe (edbuffaloe@unblinkingeye.com), December 15, 1999.

if you set for yourself the highest goals of reflection and revelation then I cannot imagine using anything but what you suspect are the best materials. Graded papers are generally viewed to be better than filtered papers. Even if this is just hearsay, until you try them extensively, master them and knowingly reject them you will not be sure. For the sake of your craft and ambition please learn to exploit the strengths of these wonderful materials. I eagerly recommend Oriental Seagull graded paper.

-- Jim ryder (jimryder12@aol.com), December 16, 1999.