Extalure
SCHRAMMR@WLSVAX.WVNET.EDU
Sat, 03 Jan 1998 20:33:05 -0500 (EST)
Kodak Ektalure is a fiber-based, double weight paper. It has a matt finish.
I think it is a "G" finish. It is a warm tone paper. I like it a lot for
portraits. The paper does not have a lot of contrast. I usually tone it in
a mild selenium toner which produces a warm red-brown. I use it with Selectol
soft developer. I don't know if this is still commercially available but I have
the formula for it if you want it. Development time is 1-3 min. Stopbath
, if you use it, is about 30 sec. Fix for at least 10 minutes or for archival
prints use two fixing baths. Hypo clear and wash as you would any fiber paper.
You might be able to fool some people with this since platinum prints usually
have a matt surface and, with some developers, are reddish brown, but if you
have ever seen a real, well made platinum print, you will be able to tell
right away
since well made platinum prints have an enormus tonal range which cannot be
achieved with silver.
I don't know about the tea toner. It seems to me that all it would do is
stain the whites and muddy-up the print. Good platinum prints are not muddy.
Bob Schramm