Ilfochrome, the Print

The negative is the equivalent of the composer's score, and the print the performance. -- Ansel Adams

Ilfochrome™ Classic (previously known as Cibachrome™) - high color saturation, extremely low grain, incredible color range and high contrast color print material. Cibachrome was developed by the Ciba-Geigy Corporation of Switzerland in the 1960's and was sold to Ilford in the 1990's who renamed the material Ilfochrome. The dyes in this paper are extremely stable and are the same dyes used in laser applications like writable DVDs. The paper itself is not paper in the normal sense of the word but an extremely archival and dimensionally stable form of polyester (Melinex™ by DuPont). Ilfochrome is simply the highest quality color photographic print material available in the world today. It is these extraordinary characteristics that make Ilfochrome prints the hallmark of Vic Mitchell Photography.

AZO Dyes

In Ilfochrome Classic, the dyes are built into the paper, and are bleached out selectively in processing. The dyes used are called AZO dyes and they are known for their exceptional stability, rich saturated colors, and color purity. When you compare them to other prints, they are also noticeably sharper and this is directly due to the dyes being in the paper, not in the chemistry. By incorporating the AZO dyes in the emulsion, they act as an anti-light scattering layer, keeping the projected image from spreading out as it penetrates and exposes the emulsion.

Since most of the dye stays in the paper little is in the waste chemistry, unlike chromogenic processes such as Fuji Crystal Archive, which release toxic dyes during processing. The developer used to process Ilfochrome is similar to that used in black and white processes. The bleach step, while containing sulfuric acid, is neutralized with sodium bicarbonate before disposal and contains no toxic substances after treatment to further pollute the planet. I make a point about this because one of the false myths spread about darkroom processing is that it is toxic. (Most likely to be spread by someone that trashes several pieces of highly toxic electronics every 12-18 months!)

Archival

Archival is a word that is thrown around a lot by photographers. Primarily it is of concern because color photographic materials typically have a shorter life span (resistance to fading) than black and white photographs. Initially digital prints were not archival at all and would fade in strong light in a matter of minutes but this is no longer true. In fact, current digital ink systems are equal to or possibly better than the best photographic materials when exhibited normally (defined as properly framed). However, this is based on accelerated testing and in the real world subjective reports seem to differ. Ilfochrome on the other hand has been around since the 1960's and has a proven humanly observed track record as being the most fade free color photographic print material available. If you rotate the artwork that you display, which is the recommended procedure, Ilfochrome prints will last longer than black and white prints (according to the accelerated testing labs). Stored in the dark, Ilfochrome should be considered permanent. A little silly I know, who wants to keep a beautiful print hidden away just so it will last forever? My point is that the material is very stable and when treated with the proper care that good artwork deserves, it will be around for many generations to come.

See what a commercial lab has to say about Ilfochrome: Hance Partners, Professional Darkroom