Finally got around to testing the Arista paper

It has been a long time since I managed to go into the darkroom. I finally managed to test out the Arista paper I got back in November! Not sure what happens with all my time...

I used Arista Private Reserve Paper and printed from Kodak T-max and Agfa APX films.

The paper is very nice. Easy to handle, it sits very flat. Contrast range is very usable, I ended up printing on grades 2 (T-max) and 3 (APX). The base is very white and the paper produces slightly warm toned grays. Overall I would say this paper is excellent value for money.

Now I still need that scanner to get the images from paper to computer.

Nice Touch

Nice Touch
Originally uploaded by M Skaffari

The film and papers arrived. The thank you note was a very nice touch.

New film and paper source

Last week I discovered Freestyle Photographic Supplies, a photo shop in Hollywood. They are kind of a photo shop I would like to have here locally. They seen to have very extensive selection of quirky materials, such as Croatian films and papers, infrared, reversal, Polaroid etc. Basically everything you don't _need_ but still want. They also seem to have extensive selection of cameras and accessories. Very cool!

I ordered a box of EFKE PL100M film and a box of Arista Private Reserve VC RC photo paper. Including delivery charges I paid 84$. I'm really waiting for the delivery which is happening today even though I ordered the material on Thanksgiving day. Very, very fast delivery.

Buying Ilford film & paper from Calumet would have cost me roughly 125$. Ilford may be somewhat better quality, but 30% cheaper is still better for me.