Selenium Toning of Ilford RC MG IV Paper

Selenium toning is a common procedure to improve the archivial property of B&W photographic prints. When toned in selenium the metallic silver of the paper emulsion is converted into more stable silver selenide inducing a change in the overall tonality of the print. Resin Coated (RC) papers are usually the most stubburn to react with selenium compared to FB (Fiber Base) ones.
The change in colour depends upon dilution: the stronger the solution the more purple-brown hue is generally imparted to the print.

Besides improving archivial longevity and colour, selenium toning also tends to increase the paper Dmax by darkening the shadow areas of the prints tinting them purple whereas no significant change is visible on the highlights density. Therefore, the overall effect of selenium toning is to increase the print contrast (usually by one stop).

Among the kits available on the market we have tried the SLT20 FotoSpeed selenium toner. It's a a single part concentrate toner that can be used in a 1+3 or 1+19 dilution depending on the speed and depth of tone required. We have tried to use it with Ilford RC MG IV paper. Because RC papers can be slow to react with selenium we have used the lower manufacturer recommended dilution (i.e. 1+3) at 21°C with a toning time of 1'.

Below is reported a side-by-side comparison between untoned (left) and toned (right) pictures.

As a result of selenium toning, a remarkable increase in the Dmax of the paper is shown in all the reported examples (a noticeable intensification of the dark shades in the pictures on the right). Besides, at this dilution and toning time an effect on the mid tones which have darkened significantly (i.e. skin tones appear darker compared to untoned images) has also been observed.

On the other hand, only minor changes are visible in the print overall colour. On Ilford RC MG IV paper selenium toning has the beneficial effect of removing the greenish colour typical of the untoned prints giving it a quite pleasant and subtle (very subtle) purple hue.

Unveiling Forgotten Memories

This is an unsual story about an old medium format Lomo camera that was bought at a local street market almost 15 years ago. Apparently, after having being used to take a few shots the camera has been left on a shelf (still loaded with its film) where it collected dust for years.

What kind of results would you ever expect (if any) by developing that film after such a long time? Curious? Have a look!

The film (Fuji Super G 400) was developed in NOVA ProSpeed 41 chemicals @33°C for 5' 15''. On the left and right columns are reported the raw and colour restored (apparentely not a big deal) images respectively scanned using a CanoScan 8800F.

The moral of the story is: unlike wine film doesn't mature, it simply ages.