Fiber based paper

[Mohain]

Tonight I'm using fiber based paper in the darkroom for the first time - Ilford Warmtone Multigrade Semi Matt.

I'm aware that fiber based paper needs more washing and you have to be careful drying it (the darkroom as a fiber paper dryer).

Is there anything else I should know? e.g. dev and fix times same as resin coated?

TIA

Guy

 

[Steep]

The reason you need to wash it more is because it soaks up the chemicals more, it also has a tendency to curl so (if I remember correctly) you are best to dry it flat on fine gauge netting, make yourself a drying rack using a simple wooden frame and some net curtain material. Dev and fix times are pretty much the same as resin coated paper I think, though you'll find out soon enough. I always found the best way to develop prints was by eye, times vary so much with temperature, dilution, age of chemicals etc.

 

[Mohain]

Thanks Steep

 

[Steve Smith]

The reason fibre (not fiber) paper soaks up more fixer is that it doesn't have the polyethelene coating which RC paper has.

Have a look on Ilford's website. They have some very good data sheets: http://www.ilfordphoto.com/download.asp?n=35&f=20061302015431815.pdf


Steve.