This 100-sheet pack of 5 x 7" Multigrade FB Classic Matte Variable Contrast Paper from Ilford is a baryta-coated fiber base paper designed for traditional black & white photo printing. This paper features a double weight of 255 gsm and a white base tint providing neutral colors. It utilizes a matte finish to dull possible reflections. Additionally, it is variable contrast paper with seven full grades of contrast available. These grades are accessible with the use of speed-matched filters.

Multigrade FB Classic is designed for use with all enlargers and is equally suitable for printing from conventional negatives and from XP2 Super negatives. Safelights are recommended to have dark orange, dark brown, or red filters and a 15 W bulb.

For Traditional Black & White Printing    Baryta-Coated Fiber Base    Matte Finish    Weight: 255 gsm    White Base Tint

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. I'm torn between getting Adox MCC 112 and the Ilford multigrade FB, semi-matte. Which would you suggest?

A: Hi Amanda. I've used both the Adox and Ilford matt. Paper's always a personal matter. But I find I can get a broader range of tones from the Ilford. Also I love the color of the Ilford matt blacks & whites. Warm but deep. I find the Adox to be equally sharp, but a different shade of warm...tending a little more toward pinkish. Not a bad look, but I prefer the ilford. I develop in Tetenal Eukobrom and if I want to cool down the black tones, I add about 5ml of Moersch Finisher Blue to a 1000ml solution of Eukobrom. Hope this helps. They're both good papers, but I prefer the feel and tonal range of the Ilford.

Q: 2. Can the FB paper be used with a ferrotype heat source?

A: Yes, you are able to ferrotype this paper.

Q: 3. How can you get this paper to dry flat and lint free? I've tried a blotter roll (unsuccessfulj); and a heated plate dryer (better but imperfect).

A: Here is my cheap solution. Drain off most of the water (I don't even squegee), dry face down on screen overnight. When dry I put in my kitchen oven, set at 170F; I put the photo between two clean mat boards, with rigid cutting boards underneath and on top, and something heavy on top of it all. Leave in for 30-45 min. I then put it in a book with weight on it for 24 hrs., which keeps it flat. Heat plus pressure, just like a dry mount press. More work, yes, but cheap and no big, expensive press.Richard

Q: 4. I have 3/4 of an 8x10 box left that I purchased 5 years ago an d has been stored at room temp. Do you think it's still good? I

A: Ilford Multigrade Art 300 Paper (8 x 10", 50 Sheets) might still be okay. But it can loose sensitively and can fog over time. The best is to try it and see the results.

Q: 5. Does this work in normal paper developers?

A: Yes, this paper is compatible with normal D-76 black and white paper developers.

Q: 6. Is the cooltone surface more similar to matt or glossy? Important because hand coloring on matt is easier than on glossy paper

A: This paper has a glossy finish.

Q: 7. Hello, I am interested in sending this package of Ilford Multigrade Art 300 Paper (20 x 24 , 15 Sheets) to Colombia via your international shipping options.I am worried about xray during the flight affecting the paper.Do you think it will get damage or should I not worry about this?Thank you very much for your attention and I will be waiting for your response.Sincerely,Carlos Saavedra

A: Carlos, Xray does affect B&W photo paper. It does depend on the dose used though. A few years ago, Ilford found out about high-power X-rays via a Walkman printed on half a box of paper in a shipment! In the words of a spokesman, We were impressed. Also, all shippers reserve the right to Xray packages in and out of the US. They might do it routinely but the possibility exists. One option would be to mark the package with Photographic Material - please do not Xray and also discuss it with the shipper beforehand. I hope this helps.

Q: 8. Weight

A: This paper would be 255 gsm

Q: 9. This is fiber based and not resin coated, right?

A: Correct. It is a heavier than normal fiber paper that tends to move to the warmer side, responds well to different developing agents, tones well and dries relatively flat.Try a few sheets. You may like it. Great for portraits.

Q: 10. Is this paper good for hand coloring photos?

A: It is warm in color. It will accept hand color inks well yes.