black photo paper instead of white

[jnanian]

hi

does anyone know of a company
that makes/made black photo paper instead of white ?

i don't mean the emulsion being black, but behind the emulsion ...
( like a tintype or ambrotype is on a black background)

thanks !

john

[phaedrus]

I'm trying to think of possible uses for that and can't imagine them. What are you up to? ;-)
If it's for the alt processes mentioned, why not use them themselves?

[jnanian]

i'd like to use the alternative processes
mentioned, but don't really want to deal with
the chemistry needed.
so i am looking for a way to make another sort
of "direct positive" ...

[richard ide]

Do you want a black image on black?

[Mike Crawford]

The lab I used to work for used Agfa PMT (Photo Mechanical Transfer) paper to make pure line positives on paper from artwork. The thin RC negative paper was black and was exposed using a process camera. This was then sandwiched emulsion to emulsion with a receiving paper and put through a simple machine with a monobath developer which put the two wet papers through rollers. They were peeled apart and the receiving paper would then have the positive image printed on it. As I remember, the black paper would show the negative, similar to how a Polaroid backing negative would appear. (Welcome to be corrected or more detail given about the process; this is only what I remember.) This was in the 80s and we never used this process for creative uses, though other films and papers in the Agfa graphic range worked well for lith and high contrast effects. As these materials were primarily for preparing artwork for reproduction, they fell out of use around this time as digital had revolutionised the printing industry long before it got hold of photography.

[Marco B]

i'd like to use the alternative processes
mentioned, but don't really want to deal with
the chemistry needed.
so i am looking for a way to make another sort
of "direct positive" ...

Why not coat some black paper with one of the available commercial liquid emulsions? (and if you ever desire to try making you're own silveremulsion, there are enough people here that will be willing to help you out). It is not as difficult as it may seem, and it doesn't need any potentially harmful chemistry, like dichromate.

I have had some good experiences with Maco Black Magic VC, but there are other options like Liquid Light etc.

Well, and in terms of alternative process there is cyanotype of course, as one of the least cumbersome and least toxic options.

[Ray Rogers]

i'd like to use the alternative processes
mentioned, but don't really want to deal with
the chemistry needed.
so i am looking for a way to make another sort
of "direct positive" ...

Interesting... I sometimes use this technique for a specific & unique reason.
I think I understand what you have in mind... but I wonder, it it necessary to specify "photo" paper? It sounds like you don't need "photo" paper at all.

Does your process require a silver halide emulsion?

On second reading, if chemistry means alt process non Ag, then I see where you might mean you want a black trad. photo paper.

Kentmere used to make colored papers, but no black I am afraid.

[Ray Rogers]

Another Challenging Idea is to try to dye regular photo paper...
or recoat the emulsion onto a black paper.... This (on white paper) has been done successfully by conservationists etc...

Lots of trouble... but skill building!

[AgX]

John, you won't need black paper (paper base that is) at all.

Just dye the emulsion, after your special processing.

[Akki14]

cyanotype on black paper wouldn't really show up... cyanotype on red paper makes a sort of black image on red but you can't make it stand out more.

Possibly gum prints using gouache (opaque watercolours)?

John, I've already mentioned the physautotypes to you but i don't know if that's too "toxic" or not... you could paint the back of the glass black or possibly use black glass for that but then you still have the positive to positive issue and long exposure times.