Hello Mark,
many thanks for all the information you have provided, I really appreciate it.
However,
there is something puzzling and hurting me in the current launch management of these new Legacy papers:
all the press release information highlights that “Working with famous
European paper makers, art galleries and chemical engineers, Epson created the Legacy paper line to be the finest papers available.”
That's nice, so, given that they have worked with European paper makers, why on heart is the current launch not even known in Europe?
My country Epson support (which I have contacted) knows literally NOTHING regarding these papers and they told me that currently there is no planned delivery schedule. (!?)
This is really irritating: I can get a sample pack from USA but In Europe there is nothing planned?
We are very lucky that they worked with the European paper makers, I cannot imagine what could be the result if they don't have done this collaboration...
Sorry for the rant...
More on the topic:
do you have the possibility to make a new comparison of the (post Ilford bankruptcy) currently available alpha-cellulose baryta papers?
I would really like to directly compare the new Legacy Baryta against the recent HM Photo Silk Baryta (which, based on the SpectrumViz response is nearly identical to the currently re-branded Ilford GFS, and 99% probably both are manufactured from Felix Scholler), and including the old known Canson Baryta Photographique (which is what more near to the old Ilford GFS one can get today).
I have finished my old stock of Ilford GFS and I have adopted the HM Photo Silk Baryta now, because, despite the cheaper packaging which I hate (there is not a plastic envelope containing the sheets inside the box, just to say), I have done a good profile for it and it works very well.
In addition I feel myself more confident to use the HM protective spray on a HM paper.
Nonetheless, if you note, there was up today NO one super smooth low OBA alpha-cellulose baryta paper eligible as Epson Digigraphie certified media (the Ilford GFS and the Canson were not, neither is the recent HM Photo Silk Baryta. The HM Photo Rag Baryta is a cotton paper without OBA so not this category).
The new Legacy Baryta fill the gap now, and this is something to highlight in my opinion.
This is another reason why I would like to see a new chapter of the "battle of Barytas" saga updated with the latest editions of the alpha-cellulose papers on the market.
What do you think?
Thanks again,
ciao.
Andrea