I was surprised to discover that graded paper has become a rare
commodity. I only recently went back to darkroom work after a 20 year
hiatus. When I quit in 1980, graded paper was much more common and
widely used than multigrade (or polycontrast as the yellow gang would
say). Now, the numbered paper appears to be almost extinct on local
shelves. I visited four large camera stores in my area. Some of them had
lots of paper. All the Kodak and Ilford multigrade varieties. Only one
had any graded paper -- Forte -- and that was accompanied by a sign that
it was about to be discontinued in that particular store. I know I can
buy it mail order, but I do like to work with something I can obtain
locally and immediately if I so desire. I had been working with Ilford
Multigrade IV with my condenser enlarger and was very pleased with it. I
think I'll give it a try with the cold head and see how it responds. I
did buy a new set of multigrade filters. Rather than the
cut-them-out-yourself variety I got the set that comes with the plastic
holders. It's obviously intended for using below the lens, and if I can
keep my mitts off the gels, they should be okay. (I figured if I'm going
to put something between the lens and the paper, it ought to be
pristine.) I have no idea if my Zone VI cold head is warm enough for
multigrade printing, but I'll soon see.
Paul
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