old RC prints

[Ronald M]

Remember when RC vs fiber was debated? RC did not last. etc.

I am sitting here looking a Kodak RC matt print I made in middle 1980`s. It has been on a wall all that time, mounted but not framed or glazed. Push pins if you must know.

It looks the same as when I made it. No yellowing, staining, bronzing, or any other defects I can see.

I will probably not be around to see the end of the 100 year test. If I had exif data, I could date it better.

 

[Tom A]

The modern RC print is truly very good. I have some that go back to early 80's and they are holding up fine. I usually selenium tone (just 1:20 for 5 min - not enough to change tones, just for long time storage).
In 1971/72 Ilford introduced a RC paper and the local distributor in Finland, where we lived at the time gave me several boxes of 20x25cm and 2 boxes of 12x16" to test. There were some problems with it. It would not fix properly and started staining quickly as well as de-laminating. I stayed away from them for a while - but once the problems were fixed, they are convinient and when I print now, it is about 50% RC and 50% baryta. The difference is very small now. The baryta fiber base still tends to give a better black and a "micro" 3D effect as the emulsion is in the paper base and has a depth to it. The RC still has a 2 dimensional look to it.
Having to double fix and wash for hours - the fiber based is 'saved" for specific prints - developer made up for its contrast (Du Pont D 52, Defender, Adox 130) - a good session might give 3-4 prints. With the RC you can run 20-25 prints - convinience does win mostly.