Photographic Papers - ILFORD Photo Darkroom Guides

[@Ilfordphoto]

It was pre-lockdown that we started working on this series with Rachel and Tomfoolery. We're so glad to finally be able to share this with you and hope that it gives you an insight into just some of the photographic darkroom papers available in our range. To see the full range of papers, tones and surface available check out www.ilfordphoto.com/photographic-paper.

[@martinemanuel7919]

Want to order

[@Ilfordphoto]

@@martinemanuel7919 Check out out store locator for you nearest reseller:) www.ilfordphoto.com/storelocator

[@Irnbruist]

Really love this educational videos of Ilford lately, great job to make it accessible for our yunger generation!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thank you for watching and the lovely feedback. We love hearing that people are enjoying the videos, and the good news is that there are still a couple more to come in this series:) Do you have a favourite ILFORD darkroom paper?

[@petervanorsouw2858]

@@Ilfordphoto Hi the ART300 paper sounds great. Would a water colour paint soak well into this paper.

[@Ilfordphoto]

@@petervanorsouw2858 Hi Peter. We'd always suggest experimenting, but we do know of people happily using water colours with MG ART 300. Photo dyes and graphic pens also seem to work well. If you do some hand colouring then please share some of your prints with us. We'd love to see them. We are @ilfordphoto on Instagram and Twitter #ilfordmgart

[@MrHolga]

Another lovely video from Rachel and Tomfoolery. Thanks for the paper info, y'all. I really need to get my darkroom set-up again. Cheers.

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thank you kindly Sir 😁 We always enjoy working with both Rachel an Tomfoolery. You definitely need to get your darkroom set back up. Think of all of those medium format black and white negatives that you have just waiting to be printed!

[@estovaono]

Thank you Ilford for helping keeping darkroom and photography alive ❤️

[@tonyzhu403]

DarkRoom Guides are Back!! Nice.

[@rachelbrewster-wright9297]

Absolutely! ☺️ Do you print yourself too?

[@tonyzhu403]

@@rachelbrewster-wright9297 No Yet. I will be taking a Dark Room course in college this coming semester. Ilford Products, Of Course. But, it is always interesting to watch.

[@rachelbrewster-wright9297]

@@tonyzhu403 great news! Hope you have a wonderful time exploring it all & feel free to get in touch with questions. Happy to help if possible.

[@tonyzhu403]

@@rachelbrewster-wright9297 Thank you very much.

[@Ilfordphoto]

@@tonyzhu403 Brilliant. Which college are you at?

[@blazerbarrel2]

I have been using ilford multigrade fiber paper for over 30 years and has always has helped me make the best prints of my craft !

[@Ilfordphoto]

Wow. That's a great endorsement, thank you. Do you have your own darkroom?

[@History-beneath-your-feet]

Racheal you are very talented and have a great way of inspiring people. I used to develop my own prints many years ago, you have developed that need to re visit the developing world, thank you. Ed

[@Ilfordphoto]

What lovely feedback thanks Edward. Glad that watching Rachel has inspired you to revisit darkroom printing.

[@DeRose05]

I love these videos! I only use Ilford. Cheers from the United States!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks for taking the time to watch them Michael. There are a couple more still to come in this series too. Do you make many darkroom prints?

[@DeRose05]

@@Ilfordphoto I have just started to get into it during the Pandemic. I really enjoy it! I am still a novice, but I'm working on getting better. I have a stack of HP5 still unopened. I got that when you had the promotion for the "Golden Ticket". If you have any clothing/hats that I could buy, please point me in that direction!

[@iandvaag]

I bet Dr. Mees would have gotten a kick out of seeing his book in an official Ilford video! Very nice overview. Ilford makes some superb papers.

[@rachelbrewster-wright9297]

Love that book! Found it on a shelf outside the darkroom and had to give it a starring role!

[@kozegeszsegugy]

dude this lady explains things perfectly. i wish she was my colleague

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks. We love how Rachel keeps it simple :)

[@666tsai5]

Love this video!!! Really helpful and easy to understand!!! Thank you!!!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thank you. Do you have a preferred ILFORD darkroom paper at the minute?

[@666tsai5]

ILFORD Photo I’ve tried MULTIGRADE FB CLASSIC MATT once and I really love it!!

[@rachelbrewster-wright9297]

Ah that's wonderful to hear!

[@derekkonigsberg2047]

I really wish Ilford sold a sample book, with the same image (or a small handful of images) printed on all of their different papers. That would make it much easier to actually decide whether its worth trying a particular paper, without having to buy a large variety of stock that could go to waste.

[@l10industries]

Derek Konigsberg I have seen them at some camera stores, but haven’t seen any that sell it.

[@thedarkshed]

I've got the swatch book (although it's got the MGIV paper in in) - very useful to for reference. Not sure if the version for sale has been updated with the MGV yet...? www.ilfordphoto.com/mono-paper-swatch-book-2

[@CertainExposures]

Yes a standard swatch would be excellent

[@derekkonigsberg2047]

@@thedarkshed That's a dead link, and I've seen no evidence of a swatch book currently being sold. All I can find is evidence that they had one at some point in the past. I'd gladly pay for a brand new one, if it were offered.

[@thedarkshed]

@@derekkonigsberg2047 That's strange, link works here (UK). Maybe it's something to do with the territory you are in?

[@suecrewstudio8994]

Very useful video to understand all kind of Ilford papers. Thanks a lot!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Glad it was helpful! Do you have a favourite ILFORD darkroom paper?

[@suecrewstudio8994]

@@Ilfordphoto I´m beginner but in next days I´ll try Multigrade Classic FB Glossy and RC Multigrade Deluxe Glossy

[@andrewdavies984]

Great video. When I used Ilford Multigrade paper. After it had dried I would put prints in different places inside a book or several books and put a concrete breeze block on top.......that flattened them !!!!!!! 😃 Andrew a Press Photographer for 35 yrs. B&W.....then colour neg...then digital.

[@adriancullen8159]

Excellent video providing a good overview of these papers.

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks for watching Adrian. Do you have a favourite paper?

[@adriancullen8159]

MGFB Classic glossy is probably my favourite although I’ve yet to try Warmtone glossy.

[@rachelbrewster-wright9297]

Ooo! Definitely try the warmtone! It'll give you such a different look to your work. Totally worth experimenting with ☺️

[@labradorhund7769]

I only use Ilford paper, because I got the best results with them. And I think the whole company seems so .... nice, passionate and photographer-friendly. I like the "pearl" papers the most. They have a certain elegance to them.

[@rachelbrewster-wright9297]

They really do don't they? It's lovely to see the subtle differences in the final print depending on the paper you print on.

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thank you so much we are definitely passionate about what we do and it's good to hear that that comes across. I'm like you and ted to use the pearl papers, especially if i'm going to frame the print behind glass. Although I am partial to the MG ART300 for landscapes, I think the slightly warmer tone and texture helps to highlight the details.

[@johanvanhuyssteen9217]

Fantastic video. Short, and to the point with great examples and a great presenter too. Thanks for sharing!

[@RBain]

Great - very succinct. Thankyou!

[@JamesMartin-vm2zo]

Thanks for the great videos! Have to say I'm very happy with the new MGRC papers. I usually like the look of MG FB papers for exhibition prints and clients, but the new RC paper is quite impressive. Cheers!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks for watching James and for your feedback on the new MGRCDL papers. it's good to hear that you're impressed by it. We often hear darkroom printers say that they use RC papers for day to day printing and test prints then use the FB papers for final prints and exhibitions. It seems to be a popular way of working. Do you have your own darkroom?

[@JamesMartin-vm2zo]

@@Ilfordphoto Yep, have a B/W darkroom at home, printing all formats from 35mm to 8x10 large-format. I've also been shooting LF 5x7 and 8x10 dry glass plates which I then contact-print. Learned how to develop and print when I was a kid back in the 70's, and it's my favorite part of photography. I do use other films besides Ilford, but I've been shooting a lot of HP5+ in 35 and 120, and primarily Delta 100 sheet film for 4x5, 5x7 & 8x10. I use Ilford chemicals and paper almost exclusively in the darkroom, and I really appreciate the consistent quality and extensive documentation Ilford provides. There's a small sample of my work on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/photo_jim/ . All The B/W images are from flat-bed scans of the darkroom prints. Most prints are done on Ilford paper. Thanks!

[@aandyjackson]

that cool tone paper looks really great! i’ve wanted to try it for a while, but was never sure. i’ll have to get some next paper purchase.

[@Ilfordphoto]

We'd love to see some of you darkroom prints Andy if you give the Multigrade Cooltone a try. You can share with us on Instagram #illfordmgrcct or #ilfordmgfbct depending on whether you prefer RC or FB paper.

[@aandyjackson]

ILFORD Photo most definitely! i always tag y’all and use the appropriate hashtags on instagram! i’m looking forward to using it.

[@MasterChief-sl9ro]

40 years later. Still playing with different combinations of Developers\Paper\Temperatures.. And still manage to get that stuff on my clothes..

[@rachelbrewster-wright9297]

You need a snazzy apron like me! One of my all time favourite birthday presents!

[@anishamm685]

Very nice

[@followthe-Light]

Well done :)

[@terrywbreedlove]

I find ilfords Classic Glossy Fiber simply perfect. It is all will print with.

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks for that Terry. I take it you're a fairly experienced darkroom printer then? We'd live to see some prints if you fancy sharing them on Twitter or Instagram #ilfordmgfbclassic #mgfbclassic

[@terrywbreedlove]

ILFORD Photo For sure when I get home I will share thank you

[@martinemanuel7919]

@@terrywbreedlove .Want to order

[@tedsmith_photography]

Nicely done Rachel. A useful summary of the papers we can use. I've not ventured down the fibre rabbit hole yet but intend to do so fairly soon :-)

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks Ted. Do you have a favourite surface and tone in the MULTIGRADE RC paper that you currently use?

[@rachelbrewster-wright9297]

Ooo it's great! As I say in the video, it does take a bit more time to work with Fibre Papers, but it gives a really different feel to the final print as a physical object. Definitely worth trying to see if you enjoy it!

[@tedsmith_photography]

@@Ilfordphoto I've only ever used the Multigrade RC Deluxe believe it or not. I tend to stick with the things I like and try to get really good with understanding them. But everyone keeps saying "you must use Fibre...its the best", but I must confess I get put off by the rinsing and the drying issues. All of that said, I'm not in Rachels league or anything so I am not pressuring myself about it :-)

[@tedsmith_photography]

@@rachelbrewster-wright9297 yes I really should give it a whirl one day. Maybe next time I need to order more I'll see if I can sneak a pack in :-)

[@AlpcanAras]

I used foma paper for my first time in the darkroom now I’ll have a second go and I wanted to buy an Ilford paper. This guide is really helpful, I think I’ll go with neutral tone and it’s of course resin for a beginner like me!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Let us know how you get on and enjoy!

[@AlpcanAras]

@@Ilfordphoto in the end I got the pearl coating and really happy with its texture. Really shines smoothly and feels authentic. I need to put hours and hours of work to perfect my technique now but I am happy with simple prints

[@MJ-dw4wu]

lovely lovely

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thank you:)

[@raybeaumont7670]

I always use the Warm Tone Fibre Based in glossy - a beautiful paper, but expensive these days. You certainly don't want to make too many test strips!

[@philipu150]

Although I am now familiar with all the surfaces, I second the comment below about a sample set. Such sets used to be made at least for dealers by the paper manufacturers, but now that there is a growing market of users coming new to film photography and that people buy online to such a great extent, a sample set, perhaps something like 8x12 cm, might be sold at a reasonable price. Regarding this video, there is one moment when the tracking camera shows a rectangular specular reflection of one of the lights on a glossy surface. A shot showing this one the several surfaces would have been very helpful to the viewer, who otherwise can get no clue about "satin" or "pearl", especially, but cold also compare the others.

[@Ilfordphoto]

This is definitely something that we're looking into Philip. Leave it with us:)

[@anzaeria]

I agree. I would have liked a light source moved across all three print surfaces to help illustrate the differences. Alternatively, hold each print by hand and give a little flex to each one so we could see how the light reacts with the different surfaces.

[@gregpantelides1355]

Thank you so much for this! :-)

[@Ilfordphoto]

You are welcome Greg :)

[@CertainExposures]

Funny. I just purchased most of your darkroom paper types to do this test for myself. I am still planning to because you can't experience it through the screen alone, but thank you for this guide. I never considered the art 300 paper.

[@rachelbrewster-wright9297]

Ah this is great news! Have a brilliant time experimenting in the darkroom. ☺️ I know Ilford love to see what people create too so make sure you share with them & tag us in!

[@Ilfordphoto]

@@rachelbrewster-wright9297 Definitely. We love seeing what people create with our products.

[@Ilfordphoto]

We love to see your results too. Please share if you are on IG or Twitter. Or you could write a blog about it for our website??? 😉

[@CertainExposures]

ILFORD Photo and @Rachel, definitely! I’m not on Instagram or Twitter but I do plan on making a blog post and video. I’ll share them with you sometime in the future ;-). I’ll see if I can put together something worthy for your site. 👍🏿

[@andyvan5692]

ilford, at 4:24 rachel says about the developing process of the fibre based, but uses the term ' wash aid", is this the same as the "photoflow", or "de-watering" fluids used for film washing, aka the detergent that stops water drop marks forming while you dry the film.

[@Ilfordphoto]

No, Washaid is a hypo eliminator that is used to help speed up the washing of fibre based papers. Whereas Wetting agent helps to prevent drying marks

[@andyvan5692]

@@Ilfordphoto when you say hypo, what do you mean, the fixer?, as this is in effect bleach (chemical slang-hypo, for the true name, sodium hypochlorate)?

[@andrewdavies984]

Regarding a previous comment wishing Ilford would produce a paper sample book....they did. I had a booklet containing from memory around six 6" x 4" photos on different paper surfaces held together with a plastic rivet in the corner.Can't remember if I bought it or was given away as advertising material

[@WeirdSide]

Hey guys, are you in Ilford, as in Ilford in Essex?

[@shaylawatson1244]

I legit forgot about photographic pictures until now I guess when you get older you just forget about

[@Gabriel-e5g3e]

I’ve heard of people using photographic paper in vintage cameras… depending on the stock, how long would the exposure have to be?

[@Ilfordphoto]

Most of our papers have an ISO of around 3 so it can take a while!

[@Gabriel-e5g3e]

@@Ilfordphoto Any that would work in a vintage instant camera? The shutter speed is fixed, so I have no idea if there’s any that would be sensitive enough.

[@andyvan5692]

ilford, with the paper in this video it says on the box 8x10" does this mean it can go into an 8x10" film holder and into a camera? also would be nice if you had a "pdf" catalogue of films and the darkroom chemistry/equipment we could download, as in 2021 not much is still printed about film stock, what is available, what iso (asa) it is, what is best for beginners, in ALL Formats (even 4x5"/5x7"/8x10" sheet film), how to go about finding gear, contacting suppliers, etc.

[@Ilfordphoto]

Hi Andy - There is a brochure available for download on our website although we are currently updating it. There is also quite a bit of information about each of the film stocks that we offer on the individual product pages www.ilfordphoto.com/downloads

[@andyvan5692]

@@Ilfordphoto thanks, Have Autism, and didn't realise the first "photo" was that(product catalogue), thought it was one of the "posters", like the rest of the site has for downloading to put up around the place, can you title it better, so people know this is what it is.

[@Ilfordphoto]

@@andyvan5692 I'll look at doing that Andy when we finish updating it

[@veremenko]

I find it weird that she stands in front of two color enlargers.

[@mdbdoc]

yeah, gosh, it’s just so weird Ilford filmed this in a darkroom.

[@petervanorsouw2858]

Colour heads on enlargers are a great way of adjusting filter type from 0 to 5 grade and work the same as drop in filters just check paper instructions for the corresponding grades. Smart thinking Ilford 👍

[@veremenko]

@@petervanorsouw2858 Using filters feels much easier than fiddling with dials. I'm sure they have these enlargers from Ilfochrome times, not because of alternative to graded filters.

[@petervanorsouw2858]

@@veremenko Sorry, I just wanted to make the distinction between different filter methods for those who may not realize this with the use of a colour head or using a filter tray. I do find that changing filters in a above lens enlargers can cause movement in split grade printing. Which ever methods you choose you still have the ability to adjust your contrast the way you choose.

[@Ilfordphoto]

Hi Yaroslav. This is our 'posh' darkroom, that we use for training as well as videos and we find that being able to show how to use filters as well as how to 'dial in' filtration levels is a useful skill to pass on. (In fact, one of the upcoming videos with Rachel is all about filters). We do have lots of other enlargers around site and these are a mix of brands and types..

[@jmk868]

would be much much better without the annoying music.

[@ursbernhard1074]

The background music is not at all necessary, it is disturbing more than only being a nuisance; I wnat to listen what here is told, I'm not waiting in a lift until I arrive in the toys or the underwear department...

[@Ilfordphoto]

We like the music, but if you prefer not to listen then you could always turn the sound off and use the provided close caption subtitles.

[@armandmartina]

The music is not nice and she talks to fast !!! The product is perfect !!!

[@mdbdoc]

sounds like you're not too nice either

[@Ilfordphoto]

We're glad you like the papers, do you have a favourite? As for the music. You could try watching with the sound off and subtitles on:)