Kentmere Fineprint VC, Variable Contrast Double Weight Fiber-Based Fine Grain Semi-Matte Paper, 11x14", 50 Sheets

2009-03-04T19:00:00

Where has this paper been all my life? It has the feel of pearl RC paper, but is ever so slightly more to the matte side of the scale. Your deep blacks are preserved and you don't have to go Hollywood glossy either! I've noticed it acts more like an RC paper in the developer tray as it takes about a quarter of the time as Ilford MGIV FB matte paper to come to fruition. The paper starts getting fogged quickly after that, so don't think you can get away with neglecting this guy in the tray like you can other fibre based stock. It is also more forgiving if you get a little bit of dry mount on it when in the press. You can rub a moist finger on the print and the glue comes off a little at a time. Kentmere is made by Harmon Technologies which also produces Ilford, so this isn't some second-rate paper.

Ben