FOMA RETROBROM 152 SP B/W Paper – Premium Semi-Matt Finish for Stunning Darkroom Prints, 9.5×12″ (10 Sheets)

FOMA RETROBROM 152 SP B/W Paper – Premium Semi-Matt Finish for Stunning Darkroom Prints, 9.5×12″ (10 Sheets).

FOMA RETROBROM 152 SP B/W Paper is a distinctive black-and-white photographic paper crafted for photographers who appreciate the classic aesthetics of analog photography. This fiber-based (FB) paper features a semi-matte finish and is renowned for its warm green-brown image tone, making it ideal for creating retro-style prints, especially in portraiture, still life, and landscape photography.

Product Specifications

• Product Name: FOMA RETROBROM 152 SP B/W Paper

• Size: 24 x 30.5 cm (9.5″ x 12″)

• Sheets per Pack: 10

• Surface Finish: Semi-Matte

• Paper Base: Thick Double-Weight Baryta (Fiber-Based)

• Emulsion Type: Silver Bromide-Iodide

• Contrast Grade: Special (Grade 2)

• Tone: Warm Green-Brown

• Base Tint: Light Green-Yellow

• Optical Sensitivity: Medium

 Here Some Unique Features of FOMA RETROBROM 152 SP B/W Paper:

1. Silver Bromide-Iodide Emulsion

The paper utilizes a silver bromide-iodide emulsion, delivering a rich halftone scale and fine grain structure. This emulsion type ensures flexibility in exposure and development, allowing photographers to achieve the desired tonal range in their prints.

2. Warm Green-Brown Image Tone

One of the standout characteristics of FOMA RETROBROM 152 SP B/W Paper is its warm green-brown image tone. This unique coloration imparts a vintage feel to photographs, making it particularly suitable for retro-style images and artistic expressions.

3. Semi-Matte Finish

The semi-matte surface offers a balanced sheen that reduces glare while maintaining image depth and detail. This finish is especially beneficial for portrait photography, where skin tones and textures are rendered with subtlety and nuance.

4. Thick Double-Weight Baryta Base

Constructed on a thick double-weight baryta base, the paper provides durability and a substantial feel. The baryta coating enhances image sharpness and tonal depth, contributing to the overall quality of the final print.

5. Medium Optical Sensitivity

With its medium optical sensitivity, the paper is versatile for various printing techniques, including contact printing and enlargements. This feature allows photographers to experiment with different exposure methods to achieve optimal results.

 Ideal Applications

• Portrait Photography: The warm tone and fine grain make it perfect for capturing the subtleties of facial expressions and skin textures.

• Still Life and Landscape: The paper’s tonal richness and semi-matte finish enhance the depth and detail in still life compositions and landscape scenes.

• Retro-Style Prints: Its unique coloration and texture are ideal for creating images with a vintage or nostalgic aesthetic.

• Artistic and Abstract Photography: The paper’s characteristics support creative experimentation in abstract photographic works.

 Processing Recommendations

For optimal results, consider the following processing guidelines:

• Developer: Use a neutral-tone paper developer to achieve the characteristic warm green-brown image tone.

• Fixer: A standard black-and-white fixer is suitable; ensure thorough washing to maintain archival quality.

• Toning: The paper responds well to various toning techniques, allowing for further customization of image tone and contrast.

Additional Informative Points: FOMA RETROBROM 152 SP B/W Paper

1. Toning Capabilities
FOMA RETROBROM 152 SP B/W Paper responds exceptionally well to various toning processes such as selenium, sepia, or gold toners. These allow photographers to fine-tune the final image — deepening shadows, warming highlights, or achieving beautiful split-toned results ideal for expressive darkroom work.

2. Archival Longevity
Thanks to its fiber-based baryta construction and premium silver halide emulsion, FOMA RETROBROM 152 SP B/W Paper offers outstanding archival quality. When properly processed and washed, prints made on this paper can last over 100 years, making it an excellent choice for galleries, museum collections, and archival portfolios.

3. Handling and Curl Resistance
Unlike some traditional glossy fiber-based papers, the semi-matte surface of FOMA RETROBROM 152 SP B/W Paper resists curling and warping. This means easier flattening, simpler mounting, and more predictable behavior in exhibition or portfolio use — saving photographers from time-consuming post-processing steps.

4. Enlarger & Safelight Compatibility
FOMA RETROBROM 152 SP B/W Paper works seamlessly with all standard black-and-white enlargers. While it is a fixed-grade paper (typically around contrast Grade 2), it produces excellent results when used under standard red safelights like Ilford 902 or Kodak OC, maintaining image clarity and tonal control during development.

5. Drying & Finishing Tips
To preserve its semi-matte finish, air-drying is highly recommended. Avoid using ferrotype tins or drum dryers, which can alter the surface texture. Simply dry prints face-up on clean screens or mesh racks for consistent drying without gloss distortion.

6. Eco-Friendly Manufacturing
Manufactured by FOMA Bohemia, the RETROBROM series is created with environmentally conscious practices. The chemicals used in its production follow EU regulations, and the packaging is fully recyclable. This makes FOMA RETROBROM 152 SP B/W Paper a suitable option for photographers who prioritize sustainability without compromising quality.

7. Ideal for Exhibition-Grade Printing
The unique vintage warmth and tonal richness of this paper make it a top choice among fine art photographers. FOMA RETROBROM 152 SP B/W Paper is often featured in monochrome exhibitions, museum-quality prints, and limited-edition archival prints where both longevity and artistry are essential.

8. Comparison with Other B/W Papers
While papers like Ilford Multigrade FB Classic or Kentmere Fineprint VC FB offer broader contrast control, FOMA RETROBROM 152 SP B/W Paper stands out for its character-rich tonal rendering and fixed mid-grade contrast. This makes it an ideal match for photographers seeking a timeless, traditional look in black-and-white printing.

9. Sizes and Sheet Availability
Although this variant comes in a 10-sheet pack of 24×30.5 cm (9.5×12″), FOMA RETROBROM 152 SP B/W Paper is also available in other formats, including 8×10″, 11×14″, and larger sheets. This flexibility ensures that photographers working in different formats can enjoy its benefits regardless of project size.

 10. Recommended Developer Combinations

For neutral to warm tone results:

• Foma Liquid Developer (FOMADON LQN)

• Ilford Multigrade Developer

• Moersch SE6 Blue (for deep tone separation)

🔗  Some Important link may be you like; Check Out!

• For FOMA FOMABROM Variant 111 Multigrade Glossy B/W Paper: For those who prefer a classic glossy finish with multigrade contrast control, FOMA FOMABROM Variant 111 Multigrade Glossy B/W Paper offers deep blacks and brilliant tonal reproduction.

• For FOMA FOMAFIX P Fixer for B/W Papers: Ensure your prints are properly fixed and archival-safe with FOMA FOMAFIX P Fixer — a reliable powder fixer specifically designed for black and white photo papers.

• For FOMA FOMATONE MG Classic 132 Warmtone Matt Finish B/W Paper: If you’re aiming for rich warm tones and subtle gradation in your prints, consider using FOMA FOMATONE MG Classic 132 Warmtone Matt Finish B/W Paper — perfect for portrait and fine art darkroom printing.

🌐 Expand Your Knowledge:

• You can also check out our full range of FOMA Black & White Papers to find the perfect surface and tone for your next darkroom project.

• If you need a more versatile contrast paper, consider trying our Ilford Multigrade FB Classic which allows multigrade contrast control.

• Looking for film to complement this paper? Explore our collection of black & white 35mm films.

 Conclusion

FOMA RETROBROM 152 SP B/W Paper stands out as a premium choice for photographers seeking to infuse their black-and-white prints with a timeless, vintage quality. Its unique emulsion, warm image tone, and semi-matte finish combine to produce prints that are both aesthetically pleasing and archival in quality. Whether you’re capturing portraits, landscapes, or abstract compositions, this paper offers the flexibility and character to bring your artistic vision to life.