old ilford paper

[pmu]

Hi,

I have a change to buy a lot of older Ilford multigrade 3 paper, but I should ask this; the paper is about 10-15 years old, but it has been stored in unopened boxes all the time in the refridgerator. The seller says that the paper is 100% "as new" - you can´t see any difference compared to a new paper. I don't have the opportunity to test the paper before buying. I would buy 20x30cm paper / 900 papers total, 180 eur.

What do you think about this? Could there be some defects in the paper? If yes, what would it be?

[avandesande]

very likely is fogged

[Les McLean]

Don't waste your money

[pmu]

Oh, just to correct: the seller is honest - I am sure about that (I have done business with him before...I bought out-of-date films which also worked "like new").

So please focus on this; Stored correctly in unopened 50 sheet boxes (those boxes in different boxes - as they came from the store when they bought them - so totally unopened). The papers (and films that I earlier bought) have been used in professional/company work but they couple of years ago moved to digital.

Likely fogged or could they be flawless?

[Jim Noel]

If this paper has been stored as adertised, it should be fine.
If there is a very slight overall fog it may help you save some of those negs with burnt out highlights as it will act as pre-exposure of the paper.

I use a lot of very old paper which is always stored in my refrigerator or freezer. It is rare that I have a problem.

To give you an idea. Not long ago I opened and printed on a box of DuPont Varigam, single weightpaper, Use by date 1956 - NO FOG!
Jim

[honerich]

Hi,

I have a change to buy a lot of older Ilford multigrade 3 paper, but I should ask this; the paper is about 10-15 years old, ...
What do you think about this? Could there be some defects in the paper? If yes, what would it be?

I had Ilford MG3 paper in the attic for about 8 years, with up to 40°C during summer. I was astonished that it still was okay!

But 900 sheets are pretty much and will last for years in an amateur's darkroom. To be sure I would take 1 box for testing.

[john_s]

.........
To give you an idea. Not long ago I opened and printed on a box of DuPont Varigam, single weightpaper, Use by date 1956 - NO FOG!
Jim

And Brovira from 1971 is still ok, having been stored at temperate room temperature. Newer papers don't store so well.

[Brac]

Old films seem to last better than paper which tends to lose contrast. Personally I wouldn't bother with it as there is a considerable risk element.

[pmu]

Thanks for your advices. I will buy one box and do some testing before buying more...

[pmu]

OK, can you help me - how do I test that paper?

-Fogging; taking a small slice of paper in total darkness and developed it straight away and then compare the result for undeveloped slice? If no difference = the paper is not fogged?

-Contrast; just checking if I get real blacks and whites to the same paper?

-Anything else?