U of S | Mailing List Archive | alt-photo-process-l | Re: Platine nightmares

Re: Platine nightmares




Tom, Even if you succeed in finding some of the good old Platine, permit me to suggest that you call Daniel Smith and, first, ask if they have any of the old stock left -- they might have some singles, perhaps too small for your order... and they surely should know that a product they're selling is not as ordered. There may be pressure up the line to the manufacturer (Smith is a big customer). I would also assume they'd refund your money on at least the unused batch.

But, incidentally, if memory serves, this isn't the first time Arches has changed a paper without a printed announcement.

J.


On Tue, 1 Jan 2008, Tom Hawkins wrote:

I'm doing some printing with a batch of Arches Platine received yesterday from Daniel Smith.

I was dubious when I opened the package, because the paper felt 'spongy', unlike the usual 'hard' surface quality of Platine. And it didn't have the characteristic rigidity of Platine.

But, there's an 'Arches Platine' watermark.

The paper's a mess: emulsion's absorbed unevenly, and when dry, there are crystals sitting on the surface. These leave pockmarks all over after exposure and development.

It's unusable.

I did side by side coatings with a 'known' sheet of Platine. The 'known' sheet behaved as expected.

I'm at the end of a project that was printed with Platine, so I have no choice but to continue with this 'brand' of paper. And when it's good, it's very good...

The project has to be completed by Tuesday of next week.

Any suggestions for a 'reliable' source?

I live near the SF Bay area, so could drive to the city to buy a few sheets from someone, if they're willing to sell me a bit. Or if anyone knows of a retail supplier in SF, I'd be grateful for a name.

Thanks,

tom