Re: Freestyle Catalog review
Hi John,
There is a thread that talks about discontinued Ilford/Harmon products over on APUG in the Product Availability category. Simon did not mention anything about Bromide, but a poster mentioned Freestyle's message about its availability, and asked Simon if Bromide was discontinued. Simon (from Harmon) posted, but did not discuss Bromide one way or the other. Sal and I both posted asking him to clarify what was happening with Bromide, but no answer.
My am assuming that Bromide is gone. Whether it is going to be replaced with something or not is another question. Probably not, but you never know. I can make arguments in my mind for why they are replacing it with a Bromide II or something, and I can make arguments for why no company in its right mind would market a brand new graded fiber paper.
Too bad if it is heading to the great fiber paper graveyard. I just started using Bromide a short while ago (for my WP contact printing). It is a very nice paper.
Regarding the plastic cameras. I bought a couple of Holgas for my little kids to play with. My friend who used to work at Freestyle recommended that I tape the back shut with gaffers tape. I thought it was to prevent light leaks. Maybe it was to keep it closed!
Re: Freestyle Catalog review
Hi David.
I've been waffeling between Bromide, Galerie, Emaks and Slavich. I've had very good luck with Bromide except for the curl, which didn't want to allow the paper to easily fit into a Ganz Speel Easel. Once I switched to a nifty little old Leitz easel the problem was solved for enlargeing (the new dark room dosen't have enough room for me to use the Saunders so it languishes in storage) and a Printfile proofer is what I've been using for contact printing.
What I find really cool about Slavich and Emaks is that they allow for a red safe light (actually thats the only color safe light recommended for Slavich) so I got a string of red led Christmas lights on clearance at Longs Drugstore to replace my GE Guide lamps. It makes the ol' darkroom look down right holiday like! I've even taken to playing Bing Crosby and Perry Como Christmas albums when printing! :D
I wonder if I can still use the reds with Fomabrom 111?
Re: Freestyle Catalog review
Quote:
Originally Posted by
John Kasaian
Even more ominous, Ilford FB Graded Galerie isn't even mentioned. I honestly don't know if it is actually on Harmon's chopping block as it is usually listed on Freestyle's website and seldom in thier printed catalog. Perhaps the lower cost Kentmere Bromide was stealing Galerie's market? Perhaps Harmon put the brakes on FB graded papers altogether? Maybe some Ilford-ista, if you're reading this, can set me straight.
B&H, Adorama and Calumet all still show Galerie FB, as does the latest Ilford Product Availability Listing.
(Does that make me an -ista? ;) )
Re: Freestyle Catalog review
Christmas lights in the darkroom.... you west coast guys live large.
I haven't been able to get an answer from anyone regarding Bromides future. Although in Canada I'm still able to put in orders for it. I did get a box last shipment, but have a few still on backorder. I've decided to stop selling my supply until I find out... since I use it myself and have a show this fall that I'm printing for.
-rob
Re: Freestyle Catalog review
John,
Is one of those other papers similar to Bromide (in tone, brilliance of the white base, etc.)?
Re: Freestyle Catalog review
Quote:
Originally Posted by
David Karp
John,
Is one of those other papers similar to Bromide (in tone, brilliance of the white base, etc.)?
David,
I can't say for sure but the Foma 111 is on a baryta (sp??) base, so I'm guessing it would have a brilliant white base, perhaps like some of the old Agfa papers (I haven't used 111 yet.). Emaks and Slavich appear to me to have an over all warmer tone than Bromide. IMHO Galerie probably comes the closest to Bromide but ymmv of course. I've been using Ansco 130 pretty regularly for the past 2 years now, although I'd suspect the choice of developer would contribute something to the tone, eiher cooler or warmer, with any of these emulsions.
Re: Freestyle Catalog review
Quote:
Originally Posted by
John Kasaian
...I see that Kodak Tri-X is now being offered in 50 sheet boxes in 5x7!...
The change to 10-sheet boxes was for 8x10 only. 320TXP in 50-sheet boxes has been continuously available.
Re: Freestyle Catalog review