I was recently asked for a print. I replied, "RC or fiber?" The person who wanted the print didn't know. How would I explain the difference? Well, the RC Print is more "dimensionally stable," but isn't considered "archival." What does this mean? Well, a fibre based print will curl with changes in humidity. In the old days, we dry mounted them to keep them flat, but these days that's passe. They're supposed to be just held by corners. However, the fiber print is said to have more "depth," and air-dried glossy is the classic look. Here's my quandry. I find RC much more stable, quite good looking, and the RC prints in my portfolio books stay flat. The fibre prints are always curling, and the curl detracts from the presentation. So I'm not so sure that I wouldn't prefer RC prints, provided that they were given selenium toning to protect against "bronzing," which I have observed in RC prints over the course of time. Is this heresy, or the fact that RC papers look a lot better than when they were first introduced, and got a bad rep with the reps?

-- Phil Stiles (stiles@metrocast.net), May 17, 2002

Answers

Depends on what the project is. RC prints can look fine, and they are a lot easier to process. If you use selenium toner or a product such as Agfa Sistan, they can even last a long while.

But to the discerning eye, most will agree that fiber looks better and lasts longer. Play to your audience. If you are printing for an art show where people know the difference, use fiber. If you are dealing with the masses, and if you are satisfied, use RC if that is your choice.

The correct answer in many ways is, "Whatever floats your boat." I'm not a fiber snob, though I print most everything on fiber, and I sure wish printing fiber wasn't such a pain in the you know what. There is a reason people take the time to print on fiber, but the reality is that many people cannot appreciate the difference.

-- jennifer (photomatic99@yahoo.com), May 17, 2002.

I agree with Jennifer. I wonder why they don't use polyester as base material for photo paper. It's said to be more stable than the current RC material. Ilfochrome is availble on polyester.

-- Patric (jenspatricdahlen@hotmail.com), May 17, 2002.

When holding a print in my hand, I like my prints on Ilford MGIV Mat Fiber slightly better than the same image on Ilford MGIV RC Satin. However, once matted, I defy 99 percent people looking at it, to tell the difference. Once framed and under glass - forget it.

Now, when I use Forte paper, I truly hate the RC 'shine.' So, I have discovered that a couple of coats of Pro Tecta Lacquer gives it the perfect surface texture and look.

Where I live, on a dry island in the Gulf of Mexico, I cannot justify using all that water for printing fiber prints.

I think RC has gotten & is continuing to get a bum rap.

chris

-- Christian Harkness (chris.harkness@eudoramail.com), May 18, 2002.

Though, as I said, I'm not a fiber snob, I can tell the difference, even behind glass. Just because many people can't appreciate the difference doesn't mean it isn't there. Otherwise, fiber would not be used as much as it is. RC will still fit many needs, but it's not the same quality as fiber.

-- jennifer (photomatic99@yahoo.com), May 19, 2002.

I have to agree with Jennifer. I can tell the difference even behind glass. I have seen a lot of prints and I haven't been fooled yet. But all paers were created for a certain need. And if RC or FB fits your needs then use it. It's a non issue. I just prefer FB for all my prints.

-- james (james_mickelson@hotmail.com), May 20, 2002.

Maybe this is another thread, but how do those who prefer FB keep them flat? I can spot a FB print; it's the one that's curling!

-- Phil Stiles (stiles@metrocast.net), May 20, 2002.

A dry mount press as a final step is unfortunately the only method I have found that is reliably effective. Put the prints between two matt boards at about 180 to 200 degrees for a minute or two. You either have to get access to one, or bit the bullet and buy one on eBay. Fortunately, most art departments at local community/adult education centers will let you use theirs.

-- jennifer (photomatic99@yahoo.com), May 20, 2002.

Since the Earth will incinerate in about 5 billion years, what difference does it make! Nothing lasts forever, and RC looks great.

-- Todd Frederick (fredrick@hotcity.com), May 20, 2002.

I flatten my FB prints by drying them till they are nearly dry and then place them between mat boards and layheavy objects on them over night. They are flat as a pancake after this.

-- james (james_mickelson@hotmail.com), May 21, 2002.

James,

Where you been man? Haven't seen you in a while. I've tried what you suggest and it works to the extent that the fibre based paper will stay flat until the emulsion side hardens/shrinks or the backside absorbs moisture and softens again. Then the print is curly all over again. What say you to this?

RR

-- robb reed (reed@nhrc.navy.mil), May 22, 2002.

Hi Robb. Just taking some time off from things. I will be back soon. My finished prints are always mounted on mount board. And I keep my unmounted prints in a box so they aren't subjected to swings in temp or humidity. If you have a print that recurls then just dampen the back with a wet sponge and reflatten it under something heavy. By the way if you are free Mon-Teu you are welcome to come and participate in a shoot. I'm shooting some artwork for a catalog in the morning on each of these days.

-- james (james_mickelson@hotmail.com), May 25, 2002.

#1- I too like the look of un-ferrotyped glossy fiber prints, just wish I could find one that looks as rich as the Ilford MG warmtone RC I use now. #2 - Most people use and prefer fiber because it's what they were taught in college. They also still soup Tri-X in D76 for the same reason; safe and boring. #3 - I have RC prints dating back to the early 80's which still look fine, thank you! #4 - Scientists,(not PR people) at both Kodak and Ilford have shown that there's no reason why RC won't last as long as fiber. Not that anyone's listening. #5 - A century from now 99.9% of all fine art photogs - and their prints - will be long forgotten. Though your great grandchildren may enjoy your efforts at archival permanance,( while looking thru boxes in a dusty attic).

-- Warren Jackson (dubyaj@mindspring.com), May 26, 2002.

When you get around to talking to most fine art photographers making some kind of living at photography you will find out why they all use FB paper. The look can't be duplicated by RC. Now don't get your bonnet in an uproar. I said go talk to them.

-- james (james_mickelson@hotmail.com), May 27, 2002.