Paper grades higher than #4

[Michael Wainfeld]

Are there any #5 or 6 papers currently available? As noted below-I remember using Agfa Brovira #5. Just trying out a few things in the darkroom, and seeing the limits of multigrade paper with my VC head.

[ic-racer]

If I need higher contrast than a multigrade max magenta or 5, I go to a lith developer or other high contrast paper developer.

[Eric Woodbury]

I don't know, but even when you could get Oriental, it was pretty twitchy. I found the Agfa pretty good, but this was the Agfa of 30 years ago. Now I use VC paper. When I want the highest, hardest paper grade I can get, I use deep blue lighting gels with my coldlight. The standard VC filters just don't have enough umph.

If you have a stubborn neg, maybe try toner, but others better advise you here.

[Merg Ross]

For a high contrast MQ developer, you may find this thread helpful.

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=50845&highlight=paper+developer+contrast

[Kirk Gittings]

Selenium tone the negative. You can gain about +1 from a full tone.

[Merg Ross]

Selenium tone the negative. You can gain about +1 from a full tone.

Very true, Kirk. However, regarding contrast with paper, and assuming a M/Q developer, the ratio of Metol to Hyroquinone determines contrast. A 1:7 ratio will give at least one grade in increase of paper grade. Work above 70 degrees F.

[Sal Santamaura]

Adox claims its MCC 110 can reach 5.5:

http://www.adox.de/english/ADOX_Papers/MCC/MCC.html

I love the paper for many reasons, but haven't had a reason to verify that capability. Definitely worth a try.

[Merg Ross]

Adox claims its MCC 110 can reach 5.5:

http://www.adox.de/english/ADOX_Papers/MCC/MCC.html

I love the paper for many reasons, but haven't had a reason to verify that capability. Definitely worth a try.

Hi Sal, thanks for the link. What filters are you using with this paper?

My order arrived from Freestyle on Wednesday, will give the MCC 110 a test this week.

[Sal Santamaura]

...What filters are you using with this paper?...So far I've only contact printed on MCC 110 using the LED source I had Herr Heiland custom fit to my 23C. He advised that the Adox paper would print exactly like Agfa MCC 111 but require 0.4 stop less exposure and my results confirmed that.

Without the Heiland source I'd probably start with Ilford Multigrade filters. Is there anyone here who has used those with Agfa MCC 111 and can provide Merg some guidance? I'd expect a similar situation, i.e. same contrast response to the filters but a little less exposure needed.