What is a Digital C-Type Print?
A digital C Type or Chromagenic print is any photographic print that has been exposed using digital technology, rather than traditional analogue (otherwise known as ‘darkroom’) techniques. In an analogue setting, an enlarger, an optical apparatus similar to a slide projector, projects the image of a negative onto a sheet of photographic paper whilst controlling focus, intensity and duration of light.
With a digital C Type (Chromagenic print) this part of the process is controlled from a computer and the paper is exposed using lasers or LEDs rather than a bulb. The second part of the traditional process is much the same however: the paper is processed in a photographic developer, followed by bleach fix before being washed to remove the processing chemicals.
So a digital C Type (Chromagenic) is a traditional photographic print, made from a digital file rather than a negative. Many customers think that a ‘digital print’ has to be a Giclée print but this is not so. A Giclée print is quite different, using no chemistry or light sensitivity.
At Vogue and National Portrait Gallery we can say, without any question, how much we appreciate the quality of the work and service provided by Metro.
— Robin Muir, Vogue 100
Our range of Photographic Papers
Fuji Crystal Archive Paper
Available in Classic Matt or Gloss up to 50 inches. This paper uses optimised Silver Halide Crystals for laser exposure, producing excellent prints from laser printers; and it's considered to be the industry standard for photographic art printing. Find out more
Kodak Professional Ultra Endura Paper
Available in Classic Matt or Gloss. An all-round winner for colour printing as it’s possible to print directly onto it from both film and digital media. This is a resin-coated paper giving rich colours with great flesh tones, as well as intense blacks. Find out more
Fujicolour Crystal Archive Velvet Paper
This dead matt paper produces a creamy texture and muted tones. Its zero-reflective top layer creates a remarkably soft and flat matt effect, ideal for low-contrast images. Find out more
Kodak and Fuji Metallic Paper
With a glossy finish and metallic appearance, it works well with both colour and B&W images, providing a different visual aspect to your work. Find out more
Fujiflex Crystal Archive Paper or 'Supergloss'
Fujiflex is a reflective silver halide colour printing paper on a super high gloss PET base for professional use at the highest level, designed exclusively for digital output on large-format laser printers, such as our Lightjet or optimum high-quality images. Find out moreWhy Choose a C-Type Print?
C-type prints are ideal for personal and exhibition printing; they are the perfect 'all-rounder' paper type, giving good colour rendition as well as clear black and white prints.
All of our c-type prints are produced on laser printers, giving optimum results and colour accuracy for your images, as well as lightfastness and archival quality. Please note that c-type printing is a colour process, and all B&W images will contain a partial colour cast due to the paper emulsion. For no colour cast, we recommend selecting a B&W Silver Gelatin paper.
What is a C-Type Print?
A digital c-type is a photographic print, on light-sensitive paper, that has been exposed using digital technology, rather than traditional analogue (otherwise known as ‘darkroom’) techniques.
Digital c-types are created by exposing the paper using lasers or LEDs rather than a bulb, like in a darkroom. The second part of the traditional process is much the same however: the paper is processed in a photographic developer, followed by bleach fix before being washed to remove the processing chemicals.
C-Type vs. Giclée Inkjet Printing
C-type prints and Giclée prints are two very different printing processes, one is a photographic print the other is an inkjet.
A digital c-type is a traditional photographic print produced from a digital file, rather than a negative. Many people think that a ‘digital print’ has to be a Giclée print, but this is not so. A Giclée print is quite different, using no chemistry or light sensitivity, only archival ink.
Turnaround times
Matt, Gloss & Velvet up to 40×30 inches: 24 hours.
Matt, Gloss & Velvet above 40×30 inches: 48 hours.
Metallic Prints: within 5 working days.
Supergloss: within 5 working days.
