newfilm
Well-known
I'm about to buy my first batch of paper to try out some dark room printing, since I'm going to buy a batch, and with my relatively low volume use (probably 10 picture every 6 months? most likely more since I figure I'll destroy some paper in the beginning of the learning curve)
So I was wondering how do you guys store un-used paper? In a fridge? like the film? Or leaving it in a dark drawer is good enough? I might store for longer than a year, probably not over two years (very low volume use and buying in batch to save cost on postage).
So I was wondering how do you guys store un-used paper? In a fridge? like the film? Or leaving it in a dark drawer is good enough? I might store for longer than a year, probably not over two years (very low volume use and buying in batch to save cost on postage).
x-ray
Veteran
For a year or so I wouldn't worry about refrigerating it. Just keep in the original box in a cool dry place. Paper is more stable than film.
You'll probably use more than you think. I've been printing for over fifty years and it takes a couple of sheets at minimum per negatives. The more refined you become as a printer the more paper you'll use. Virtually ever negative requires dodging and burning to make a really find print and that takes paper to see the results of how you dodge and burn.
I buy large quantities and keep it frozen in a dedicated freezer I bought just for film and paper.
You'll probably use more than you think. I've been printing for over fifty years and it takes a couple of sheets at minimum per negatives. The more refined you become as a printer the more paper you'll use. Virtually ever negative requires dodging and burning to make a really find print and that takes paper to see the results of how you dodge and burn.
I buy large quantities and keep it frozen in a dedicated freezer I bought just for film and paper.
mwoenv
Well-known
I've had black and white paper for a few years, stored in as cool and dry a place as possible but not refrigerated, without any problems. I store color paper (Fuji Crystal Archive II) in the refrigerator as the box indicates it should be stored at 50F or less.
newfilm
Well-known
x-ray, mwoenv, that's great to know! What are your guys' favorite long shelf life paper developer by the way? From what I gather "Ethol LPD" or "Moersch ECO 4812" would give me good long shelve life, the Moersch even claim 8 months working solution storing life! I guess either one would work just fine?
Ronald M
Veteran
Good exposures and consistent developing will yield acceptable prints first time every time. use a paper cutter and make 4x6 prints . They all scale up one extra stop per size, 3.5 x 5, 5x7, 8x10, 11x14 16x20. You can also just cut a strip 1" wide and set it over the most important part of pic, say across the eyes for a portrait.
Chems diluted to working strength have a short working life, 4/6 hours. Can not be extended by rebottling.
Best thing to do is is place fresh developer concentrate in small one time use bottles. Dilute for use. Then toss.
Modern paper life can not be extended by refrigeration, Buy from a high volume dealer and keep cool and dry. Not true for older paper now long gone.
Enough tips to get you started.
Chems diluted to working strength have a short working life, 4/6 hours. Can not be extended by rebottling.
Best thing to do is is place fresh developer concentrate in small one time use bottles. Dilute for use. Then toss.
Modern paper life can not be extended by refrigeration, Buy from a high volume dealer and keep cool and dry. Not true for older paper now long gone.
Enough tips to get you started.
newfilm
Well-known
all this wisdom! Many thanks guys!
skibeerr
Well-known
Do not buy old(er) paper from craigslists/ebay, etc. however cheap it may be you will repay double in a longer learning curve dealing with fogged paper or not reaching maximum black.
Use fresh chemicals and develop a good protocol for tests trips etc.
And especially take your time and enjoy.
Use fresh chemicals and develop a good protocol for tests trips etc.
And especially take your time and enjoy.