I Took a Chance on Expired Photographic Paper.
It’s not just the cost of film that’s rising. Photographic paper costs a pretty penny too. I know shooting expired or out of date film is popular—and fun if you like potentially unexpected results—but it’s not for me. So why would I print with expired paper?
Above: The Old Train Station, Rhydymwyn — 8 x 10" Silver gelatin print Ilford Multigrade RC IV Glossy.
Buying ‘second-hand’ out of date paper is a savvy purchase. After scouring through eBay I took a chance and bought a box of Ilford Multigrade IV. Out of date but sealed, unopened and came with a promise of careful storage. At less than half the price of a brand new box.
This cost-effective paper allows the freedom to print without being too precious about the prints or wasting paper. It’s much cheaper than a brand new box of Ilford’s latest incarnation and even if the paper has deteriorated it might yield some interesting results.
My usual paper is Ilford Multigrade Deluxe V. The blacks are rich, punchy and responsive to split grades. But with some scenes when I want a flatter look, I’ll reach for a sheet of IV. I see a difference between the two, softer tones of soot and charcoal make IV perfect for some scenes. Contrasty negs with bright highlights are easily tamed with grade #0 or #1. I don’t know if the flatter, less contrasty print is down to the paper being older but I like it.
I’ve been printing with out of date paper for a while and haven’t seen any problems at all. No stained, yellowing paper or bad prints. Certainly no inconsistency with prints from the same packs. I’m almost out of my initial box of 100 and I’ve already purchased more packs of IV.
My finger is poised on the buy button for more.
