| Introduction | Stability | Sharpness | Masking | Manipulation | Digital Advantage | RC vs Deluxe |
Ilfochrome Classic®, formerly Cibachromes, prints are photographic prints made directly from transparencies. They are the most archival and vibrant color prints available. Ilfochromes are known world wide for their exhibition quality and are widely accepted by photo galleries and museums because of their stability.
Ilfochromes are more stable, more stain resistant. and more fading resistant. The Ilfochrome system employs azo dyes while most other color print systems use chromogenic processes. The azo dyes are more stable than the azo-methane and indo-aniline type dyes used in chromogenic systems. Most chromogenic-type prints contain residual color couplers that can discolor with time, whereas properly processed Ilfochrome prints are free of any potential degradation substances. Hence Ilfochrome prints have exceptionally good dark and light stability and are more resistant to staining and fading by industrial gases and other atmospheric pollutants than chromogenic-type dyes.
Ilfochrome prints have better resolution and sharpness. The Ilfochrome system has azo dyes in the film during exposure and eliminates them during development while chromogenic processes adds the dyes during development. The presence of the color dyes in the Ilfochrome emulsion layers minimizes light scattering within the layers during exposure. This ensures higher resolution and better image sharpness than other color print systems.
Currently prints are made using Ilford Cibachrome A-II print materials and Ilford Cibachrome A-II P-30 Processing Chemicals. Cibachrome A-II print material incorporates "self masking" which Ilford states gives a truer rendition of the original slide with brighter, more saturated blues, more accurate reproduction of yellows and greens, and even more brilliant reds. That said, masking and other manipulation during printing are still a major complication and the largest detriment to general acceptance of Ilfochrome printing.
A significant percentage of transparencies need dodging, burning, and/or contrast reducing masks. And the more dynamic the transparency, the more likely manipulation will be needed during printing. Making contrast masks is a hassle and often involves trial and error. And dodging and burning is an additional complication during exposure, is difficult to repeat for a series of prints, and often involves more trial and error. All of this means that much time and print material and chemistry are consumed for each successful printing. This is why commercial Ilfochrome printing is so expensive and many commercial printers no longer offer Ilfochrome prints.
The 2" x 3" transparencies used in the Ilfochrome printing are digitally generated. These transparencies are not optimized for projecting. They are optimized for straight Ilfochrome printing; that is without any exposure manipulation. The digital images are "dodged" and "burned" as needed and the contrast and dynamic range adjusted so contrast masks are not needed. These digital manipulations are done more accurately and with more repeatability than are possible in the printing stage.
Ilfochrome Classic is available with resin coated (RC) paper support and white opaque polyester (Deluxe) support. The only difference is the support, both are based on Ilford silver-dye-bleach technology and they use the same chemistry, exposure, and development technology. Ilfochrome Classic prints are available in medium contrast (RC) Paper (CPM.1M) and medium contrast Deluxe (CLM.1K). The choice used to be - use RC for exposure and manipulation trial and error than use Deluxe for the Museum print. The choice is not that clear now.
The RC is somewhat easier the handle in exposure, developing and mounting; and more resistant to fingerprints. The Deluxe is stated by Ilford as having maximum print permanence, stability, and sharpness. The difference is in the mechanical support, however both are rated by Ilford as being mechanically robust. Some independent tests indicate that when optimally processed, mounted, framed and exhibited; both can acheive similar lifespans; both far greater than most other color printing systems.
The initial plan was to offer only Deluxe prints however experience indicates that some may actually prefer RC prints, so both are offered. The cost difference reflects the material cost differences.
Additional information on Ifochrome prints can be found at:
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