Ronald M
Veteran
Kodak came up with this in 1980`s to replace "low silver content" papers that were ruining monochrome at the time. It is double weight & more with crisp deep blacks, glossy surface that can be dried smooth, grades 1-4.
It was expensive, very expensive. Which is why my local Leica dealer had a close out sale which I took advantage of. Soon after, Color became easier to do at home with Leica V35, and heated slot processors. Elite went into the freezer at zero and there it remained until last week.
My son has become interested in darkroom and monochrome. I bought him a box of Ilford MG RC and some chemicals and reopened the darkroom. He learns fast.
I showed him my darkroom data guide that had all the old Kodak paper samples, Ektalure, Opal, Mural, Polycontrast, all in various surfaces and base tints. A world lost to the ages.
Anyway last night I cracked a box of #2 8x10, 100 sheets not knowing if it would fog or what.
Even after 30 years frozen, it printed without a problem. I have 6 boxes of 8x10 and lots of 11x14 all sealed in plastic and ready for use. My M6 is ready as are my recently acquired 4 Nikon F2 camera that can be had for cheap today. Lenses are AiS or Ai I sometimes used on digital. Another generation will enjoy.
I did make one improvement. I mark the inner plastic bag with tape. 2 strips for #2 etc. Paper cut for test strips is marked with pencil on the back multiple lines, 1 line for #1 etc. Mark B/4 cutting
The paper safe has shelves which also can be used for separation, Braumberger 11x14. I bought in the 1960`s or it was a gift.
I have to Hypo Clear and tone the prints as we ran out of time last evening.
It was expensive, very expensive. Which is why my local Leica dealer had a close out sale which I took advantage of. Soon after, Color became easier to do at home with Leica V35, and heated slot processors. Elite went into the freezer at zero and there it remained until last week.
My son has become interested in darkroom and monochrome. I bought him a box of Ilford MG RC and some chemicals and reopened the darkroom. He learns fast.
I showed him my darkroom data guide that had all the old Kodak paper samples, Ektalure, Opal, Mural, Polycontrast, all in various surfaces and base tints. A world lost to the ages.
Anyway last night I cracked a box of #2 8x10, 100 sheets not knowing if it would fog or what.
Even after 30 years frozen, it printed without a problem. I have 6 boxes of 8x10 and lots of 11x14 all sealed in plastic and ready for use. My M6 is ready as are my recently acquired 4 Nikon F2 camera that can be had for cheap today. Lenses are AiS or Ai I sometimes used on digital. Another generation will enjoy.
I did make one improvement. I mark the inner plastic bag with tape. 2 strips for #2 etc. Paper cut for test strips is marked with pencil on the back multiple lines, 1 line for #1 etc. Mark B/4 cutting
The paper safe has shelves which also can be used for separation, Braumberger 11x14. I bought in the 1960`s or it was a gift.
I have to Hypo Clear and tone the prints as we ran out of time last evening.
