BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: All About Photography

Kyra Kverno		Changes in Prints On the Fridge I have some b&w photos on my fridge, shot about a year ago. I have been noticing that some of them have this pink/orange tint to them that has not always been there? To love this question, log in above September 08, 2001

John A. Lind		Kyra, Your question poses some additional ones to help with your problem more: (a) What B/W film did you use? (b) How did you have the negatives printed (what type of lab: one-hour, send-out, professional, etc.)? (c) Look on the back of the prints and see if they have a brand and paper type used. If so, what does it say? -- John To love this comment, log in above September 09, 2001

Kyra Kverno		John, I used Ilford 400 Delta. I used a professional lab. There is nothing on the back of the photos. To love this comment, log in above October 26, 2001

John A. Lind		Kyra, I asked about the type of film to determine if you had used a chromogenic C-41 B/W or a standard single emulsion layer film. This would be a clue as to the most likely type of paper used for making the print. Chromogenic C-41 B/W can be printed on any paper, but usually it's printed on "C" type paper (color or B/W) using a color print enlarger/processing machine. Inquire with the lab what paper they use(ed) for the type of print you ordered from them. Inexpensively priced B/W "machine prints" or "reprints" are sometimes done on "C" type print paper (e.g., Kodak Ektamax) or other non-archival B/W "activation and stabilization" process papers (e.g., Kodak Ektamatic SC), even by "pro" labs. Note that a "C" papers are color print material, even though ones like Ektamax only render B/W. Ektamax isn't the only paper like this, there are others. Prints done on "C" type B/W paper or "activation and stabilization" papers are not highly archival, especially when displayed and continuously exposed to light. Ektamax can turn somewhat purplish; I'm uncertain how Ektamatic SC shifts over time (discoloration, fade, etc.). The most archival B/W papers are traditional silver gelatin. Even those prints can deteriorate if they are not properly "fixed" and thorougly washed when developed. Take the prints to the lab that printed them and discuss what printing process and paper was used. Explain where they were displayed, the type of light illuminating them, and for how long (you stated about a year). Some things to consider in displaying prints: Avoid display under fluorescent lighting unless the print is under special UV filtering glazing. Fluorescent lights have a high UV content. Do not display prints in a location that receives direct sunlight; no print (or mat) can withstand this, even museum and gallery archival quality ones with museum grade glazing (UV filtering and AR optical coatings). For display prints, I now mat and frame them under clear UV glazing. The print materials are also selected for high archival qualities under continuous illumination. -- John To love this comment, log in above October 28, 2001

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