Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC B&W Velvet 108cm (42”) Roll – Excellent

Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC Multigrade Velvet Finish 108cm (42 Inch) 10 Meter Roll

Darkroom photographers and professional printmakers need photographic paper that delivers reliable contrast, smooth tonal transitions, and premium surface quality. Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC is designed to meet those expectations with a versatile multigrade resin-coated paper that combines excellent image quality with fast and convenient processing. Its velvet finish creates elegant black-and-white prints with reduced glare, making it ideal for exhibition prints, portrait photography, fine-art enlargements, and professional darkroom workflows.

The Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC paper roll in 108cm (42 inch) x 10 meter format is especially suitable for large-scale enlargements and continuous printing applications. Manufactured by FOMA Bohemia, this paper uses a silver chlorobromide emulsion and a high-quality RC base to provide consistent performance, excellent sharpness, and beautiful tonal reproduction.

One of the strongest advantages of Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC is its variable contrast capability. By using standard multigrade filters, photographers can easily adjust contrast grades from soft to hard, allowing greater creative flexibility during enlarging. The velvet surface also gives prints a refined semi-matte appearance that closely resembles premium satin-style papers used in gallery presentations.

Premium Velvet Surface for Elegant Black & White Prints

The velvet finish of Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC creates a sophisticated print surface with subtle texture and minimal reflections. Unlike glossy papers that can create glare under strong lighting, the velvet surface maintains excellent image visibility while preserving deep blacks and bright highlights.

This makes the paper highly suitable for:

• Gallery and exhibition prints
• Portrait enlargements
• Fine-art photography
• Landscape photography
• Professional display prints
• Educational darkroom use

The surface is often compared to satin or pearl-style photographic papers because it balances image richness with viewing comfort. According to product specifications, the velvet finish offers smooth tonal rendering and impressive halftone detail.

High-Quality RC Base for Faster Processing

A major feature of Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC is its resin-coated paper base. RC papers are preferred by many photographers because they process significantly faster than fiber-based papers while remaining easier to wash and dry.

Benefits of the RC base include:

• Shorter washing times
• Faster drying
• Reduced curling
• Easier handling
• Consistent flatness during enlarging
• Efficient workflow for high-volume printing

Because of its practical handling characteristics, Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced darkroom users. The paper works efficiently in tray processing as well as machine processing systems.

Variable Contrast Control for Creative Flexibility

The multigrade design of Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC allows photographers to control image contrast using standard contrast filters. This flexibility makes it possible to print negatives with different densities while maintaining optimal tonal balance.

The paper supports a contrast range approximately from Grade 00 to Grade 5, enabling:

• Softer contrast for portraits
• Medium contrast for balanced tonal scenes
• Hard contrast for dramatic artistic prints
• Enhanced highlight and shadow control

This adaptability makes the paper highly versatile for many darkroom printing styles. The smooth gradation and detailed tonal response help photographers achieve professional-quality enlargements with excellent image depth.

Neutral to Slightly Warm Black Image Tone

Another reason photographers appreciate Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC is its pleasing neutral-to-medium warm image tone. Depending on the developer and processing technique used, the paper can produce subtle tonal variations that add character to black-and-white prints.

The silver chlorobromide emulsion contributes to:

• Rich blacks
• Clean whites
• Smooth gray transitions
• Excellent highlight separation
• Strong image depth

This paper is also receptive to various toning methods, including selenium toning and indirect toning processes, making it attractive for creative darkroom experimentation.

Technical Specifications of Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC

Here are the important technical details of Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC:

The incorporated developing agents inside the emulsion help achieve shorter development times and efficient darkroom workflow. Full development is typically achieved within approximately 60–90 seconds at 20°C depending on the chemistry used.

Ideal Applications of Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC

The large 108cm roll format makes Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC especially useful for photographers who regularly produce large prints. It is widely suitable for:

• Professional photo labs
• Educational institutions
• Fine-art print studios
• Darkroom workshops
• Large exhibition enlargements
• Commercial black-and-white printing

The roll format also allows users to customize print sizes according to project requirements, reducing waste and improving flexibility during printing sessions.

Excellent Sharpness and Tonal Reproduction

One of the defining characteristics of Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC is its excellent tonal scale. The paper reproduces fine image details while maintaining smooth transitions between shadows, midtones, and highlights.

Photographers who print portraits often appreciate the paper’s ability to maintain soft skin textures while preserving important shadow detail. Landscape photographers also benefit from its strong contrast handling and bright highlight rendering.

Because of its balanced tonal response, the paper performs well across multiple genres of black-and-white photography.

Easy Handling for Beginners and Professionals

The fast processing speed and forgiving exposure characteristics of Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC make it highly approachable for beginners. At the same time, experienced printers appreciate the consistency and flexibility the paper offers in demanding darkroom environments.

The paper is known for producing strong results even on first test prints, reducing wasted material and simplifying the printing process.

Useful Links

You can also explore other black-and-white darkroom products on your website:

• View all Paterson Developing Tank
• Check out Film Changing Bags
• Check out all film and paper Chemistry Developer
• View all FOMA B/W Paper

External Resources

• FOMA Official Website
• Fomaspeed Variant RC Information

• FOMA Fomaspeed Variant Technical Information

Conclusion

For photographers seeking professional-quality multigrade photographic paper with a refined velvet surface, Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC is an excellent choice. Its combination of RC convenience, variable contrast flexibility, beautiful tonal reproduction, and elegant finish makes it highly suitable for both everyday darkroom work and premium exhibition printing.

Whether you are producing portrait enlargements, gallery prints, or fine-art black-and-white photographs, Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC delivers reliable and consistent performance with impressive visual quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC used for?

Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC is used for traditional black-and-white darkroom enlargements and fine-art photographic printing.

2. What type of finish does this paper have?

This paper features a velvet finish that offers a smooth, low-glare surface with elegant tonal appearance.

3. Is Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC resin coated?

Yes, it uses a resin-coated (RC) base for faster washing, drying, and easier handling.

4. Does the paper support variable contrast?

Yes, the paper supports multigrade contrast control from approximately Grade 00 to Grade 5 using standard filters.

5. What image tone does the paper produce?

The paper produces a neutral to slightly warm black image tone depending on the developer and processing method.

6. Can Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC be toned?

Yes, the paper responds well to selenium toning and other indirect toning techniques.

7. What safelight is recommended?

A red or brown safelight is recommended for safe darkroom handling.

8. Is this paper suitable for beginners?

Yes, the paper is beginner-friendly because of its easy handling and fast processing characteristics.

9. What is the roll size of this product?

This version comes in a 108cm (42 inch) x 10 meter roll format.

10. Can the paper be machine processed?

Yes, Fomaspeed VAR 313 RC is suitable for both tray processing and machine processing systems.