So here are my final thoughts (I really hope this is true!) on this paper. I have been working through the 300 sheets of Fomabrom Variant III VC FB 8×10 I had recently purchased. Thankfully all seems well vs. the Arista EDU Ultra. The two papers really do look the same and if there are any differences they must be very subtle and/or my older eyes can’t detect them.

My final stash of Arista had no issues until the paper slid into the selenium toner … then the emulsion started peeling from the edges per usual. Oh well … Freestyle continues to sell both papers for $99.95, so it’s a no brainer for me as to which one to purchase. Of course you can get the Arista from B&H with free shipping.  This could be important to you, as the shipping from Freestyle is not what I consider inexpensive.

All in all, this has truly been a weird experience. Maybe one of the Zombies I have photographed in Asbury Park placed a curse on my darkroom and my experience is an isolated circumstance. Thankfully even with the edge peeling I have never lost a print. In any case I have found these papers to be just wonderful and they make printing a real joy.

Be grateful we have materials like this to enrich our photographic lives. I am!