Ilford Harman Selenium Toner

Ilford Photo Press Release

Extending darkroom options on printing black-and-white images to further levels of artistry is a new selenium toner from ILFORD Photo.

One of the major benefits of using silver photography, and processing prints in chemistry baths, is the degree of control which can be exerted on the finished product. This is never more obvious than when extending the purity of tone and line inherent in black-and-white photography with the use of toners. Not surprisingly, therefore, it is a field into which ILFORD Photo has put a great deal of research and development. Due for availability in summer 2006 is the first of what will be a full range of colour toners from ILFORD Photo - ILFORD HARMAN selenium toner - which takes the artistry of a monochrome print to perfection. This high quality formula is straightforward in use and has several advantages in addition to emphasising the versatile tonal range of black-and-white prints.

The degree of effect which any toner will have on a print depends on, firstly, the dilution of the solution; secondly, the time the print is immersed; and thirdly, the type of paper being used.

The ILFORD HARMAN selenium toner will be supplied as a ready prepared liquid, so there are no particular toxic concerns, and is recommended to be used at 1+10 dilution for optimum results. The time required will depend on the tonal quality of the print, but around 5 minutes is a general guide.

This mix will enhance the maximum density (Dmax) of the blacks, and change the image tone. The toner absorbs any olive hue present, and pushes shadows towards a purplish black finish with no discernable effect on the highlights. The effects will be most noticeable when using MULTIGRADE WARMTONE papers, but more subtle on harder papers such as MULTIGRADE IV.

The reaction of the selenium on the silver halide (AgX) of the print hardens the adherence of the image to the paper, thereby improving its stability, permanence and archival properties as well as defining its appearance.

Altogether, ILFORD HARMAN selenium toner will provide the finishing touch which turns an excellent black-and-white picture into a photographic masterpiece.

Further information on ILFORD Photo toners can be found on the new ILFORD Photo website: http://www.ilfordphoto.com . 

Published: Wednesday, March 15, 2006

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