Following an absence of over a year, Ilford Photo, Knutsford, Cheshire, U.K.announced that Harman Direct Positive FB paper is now back in full production at the factory in Mobberley, U.K.

The emulsion for this product was developed in Switzerland for the Imago project and became part the Harman product range when company teams decided to coat the fiber base version using emulsion made by Ilford Imaging Switzerland GmbH, the company that ceased trading late in 2013, causing interruption to product supplies.

Since that time the management of Harman technology Limited has been working hard to secure access to the emulsion and the know-how to transfer production to Mobberley. This has now happened. Following a successful trial coating at the U.K. factory the product is once again available. A new agreement now allows for the emulsion to be made by Harman in the UK, ensuring the continued availability of Harman Direct Positive FB paper.

Steven Brierley, Director of Sales and Marketing at Ilford Photo/Harman technology, said "We have had many enquiries from all over the world asking when and if users would be able to buy the product, so we are now delighted that after the uncertainty of the last 12 months we have finally found a route to bring this product back."

Harman Direct Positive FB paper is a high quality, traditional silver gelatine black and white, high contrast paper, on a 255g/m2 fiber base with a Glossy surface.

It is primarily suited for use in pinhole cameras where exposure and processing in conventional black and white photochemistry achieves a unique positive print - without the need for a film negative or inter-negative.

 

 

Harman Direct Positive FB paper can also be successfully used in other applications such as direct exposure in large format cameras (sheet sizes 4x5in up to 16x20in) or by cutting small sheets for exposure in Lomo type cameras. Creative and unusual effects can be achieved with direct positive paper when used to make photograms or perhaps substituted for standard photo paper when printing from negatives.

Customers will place orders with their usual photo dealer or distributor. Stock is expected to be available in the U.K. from early July, mainland Europe mid-July, and in North America and the rest of the world starting in mid-August.