Using b&w papers instead of sheet film?

sparty

sparty

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Steve Davies
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I'm getting desperate to use some of my older cameras for which film is now discontinued. I'm thinking of quarter plate and some of the early 20th century Kodak formats.
One suggestion I've seen (with good results) is to use Grade 2 b&w papers.
This looks easier than cutting sheet film as it can be done using red light conditions...

Now! Although familiar film photography and developing I'll be a complete newbie with using paper negs.
I'd be grateful for advice on choosing suitable paper.
Would Ilfospeed RC delux in gloss or pearl be suitable? Or the more pricey Ilfobrom FB?

Any tips or recommended reading on using paper negs?
 
Would you then not have to do a contact print? Perhaps one direct positive paper would be an easier/less time consuming alternative.
 
VirtualAdept said:
Would you then not have to do a contact print? Perhaps one direct positive paper would be an easier/less time consuming alternative.
Click to expand...

Contact printing would be good and 'keeping it real' but at this moment in time I'd be happy with just scanning the negs and potching in photoshop as I'm curious to see what images these old beasts can produce.
 
Fair enough, I hadn't even thought of that, possibly because I don't have a scanner
 
I've been using standard Ilford RC MGIV paper and FB Direct Positive paper in my 5x4 camera.

Paper is much much sower than film, you know that right? Like iso4.

I think I slightly prefer the look of paper negs to direct positives, and I much prefer the cost but I do like the direct positive being quite an artifact. Finalised as soon as the shutter closes.
 
brianwar said:
I've been using standard Ilford RC MGIV paper and FB Direct Positive paper in my 5x4 camera.

Paper is much much sower than film, you know that right? Like iso4.

I think I slightly prefer the look of paper negs to direct positives, and I much prefer the cost but I do like the direct positive being quite an artifact. Finalised as soon as the shutter closes.
Click to expand...

Thanks, yes was thinking of metering around ISO 6.
 
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