Great shot, NB23! Nice print too! What paper do you use?
btw, Unfortunately I have only two arms, so I use only one Focomat IIc. Ilford MGFB.
Erik.
Thank you! Same for all your shots and prints!
I used to use a Ic for 35mm and a IIC for 120 and xpan prints, but then a IIc appeared locally and I just had to have it.
It is important to have two enlargers because it is always a chore to go from 35mm to 120 to xpan, from 8x10 to 5x7 to 11x14 prints... this is why I use one IIc for 8x10 prints and when, for example, I run into shots of the kids, instead of breaking my setup I simply move onto the other IIC and quickly print a few 5x7 and then return to the first Focomat IIc to finish the job I started...
Papers, I use anything I can get these days. I was heavily into FB papers, I had a huge stash, but I’ve printed through them all. Lots of 20”x24”, 16”x20”, spent a few years just going through those papers, then switched to 11x14 fb, had about 70 boxes of Ilford fb (warm tone and regular MGIV, matte and glossy), then 8x10 fb... And in the meanwhile paper has doubled in price. I started using rc 8x10 lately, I don’t like it that much but I can go through a lot without hassles, like 50 per day easily.
In revenge of not really liking rc papers, I do tone them all in selenium or polysulfide toner for a guarantee (so they say) of archival properties. This is my only concern, really. I favor semi-matte or matte FB, and definitely satin RC over pearl and glossy.
I’m glad, I am starting to see the end of my printing marathon which started 2 decades ago lol. My favorite paper, and so lucky to have printed a lot of it in 20”x24” was polywarmtone matte. Didn’t have the chance to use a lot of portriga, sadly! Ah yes, went through 500 sheets ilford art 300 this past year; great paper. Requires some dedication and lots of twists in order to master well.