Kodak/Ilford consistency; was X-mas Tree Test

[Bill Welch <Bill.Welch@Pressroom.com>]

C.M. Fortunko wrote:
> ...
> Incidentally, I do my own B&W printing on Kodak VC paper. It is really great
> fun. For some reason, I seem to get more consistent results than on Ilford
> materials. Can someone shed some light on this. What am I doing wrong?
> 

Chris:  One possible explanation for the difficulty you are encountering 
may be the filters. Are you using Kodak VC filters on the Ilford 
Multigrade IV paper? If so, invest in a set of Ilford filters. There are 
differences. While each brand's will work on the other's paper, the tonal 
response is different and less predictable. Switching filters made a big 
difference for me. I found I got much better results when I used the 
Ilford filters. I also like the Kodak Polymax II RC paper out now (with 
the Kodak filters). But I prefer the Ilford products in both RC and 
fiber. 
     Of course, if you like the results you're getting with Kodak, stick 
with that. 
     By the way, if you normally use Tri-X, you might want to experiment 
with HP5+ in your Leicas. (See, we got back on topic.) It has the 
familiar grain pattern and tonal range, but with (to my eye) slightly 
less grain. It is also more pushable. I use both, as well as Tmax 3200 
and 100.
     Good luck.

Bill Welch