100asa b/w film

[Harry Lime]

I shoot Tri-X 99% of the time, but an upcoming project would really benefit from shooting some 100asa stock. Only problem is that I am mostly ignorant of slow speed films. I used to shoot a little APX100 and Plus-X about 8 years ago, but it's all a dark memory.

Therefore I have a few questions.

Do the modern films like TMAX100 and Delta100 have as much range as the more traditional films? Think Tri-X vs Tmax400-2. IME Tri-X certainly holds the highlights better. In that case would the better choice be something like Plus-X or FP4, at the expense of a little more grain? Tonality is my priority, over grain.

I've considered ADOX (art100), but I'm not sure if they have even more grain than Plus-X/Fp4, which would defeat the whole point.

Normally I would do some testing, but I'm pressed for time...

thanks

 

[Christopher Walrath]

I get seven stops range with TMax. Never shot a roll of Ilford in my life so I can't speak to that but I suspect it is the same. The only difference I have ever noticed is the need for a tripod in more dull/low light situations due only to film speed.

 

[jim appleyard]

IMO, yes, the better choice would be PX or FP-4. APX 100 is still available on ebay, but prices are up there.

I've never cared for the tonality of t-grained films and when I stopped using them and went back to trad-grain, it was like using a new camera and lenses.

PX is often called Tri-X's little brother. I'd agree. You can actuallybuy Freestyle's Arista Premium brand, (but you're in the UK, right?) which is TX and PX under private label.

D-76/ID-11 is always good for these films.

 

[Andrew Horodysky]

I agree with Jim; Plus-X or FP-4+ would be the way to go. D-76/1:1 or XTOL/1:1, the latter affording a little more perceived sharpness.

 

[Harry Lime]

I was leaning towards Plus-X. It's fingerprint is very much in the Kodak/Tri-X family, which would make it easier to match prints for a photo story.

From what I remember Plus-X had a really long center and lot's of headroom in the highlights, which should make it really good for portraits (or snow).

 

[Tom Kershaw]

(or snow).

Do you have access to the new Met Office computer then?

Tom.

 

[Harry Lime]

Met Office computer?

 

[Tom Kershaw]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/weather/article6338014.ece

 

[aparat]

You should get great success with most 100 ISO films available today. My personal favorite is Fomapan 100 for a more traditional look.

 

[Philippe Grunchec]

@ aparat: I agree with you, the three Fomapan films give a traditional look and they are pretty cheap!

 

[CuS]

APX100, Plus-X or Acros for me

I luckily still have a couple of 100' rolls of APX100 (my main film). But of these three, I would have to say that Plus-X is my favoite folowed closely by Fuji Acros.

I like APX100 and Plus-X best in Rodinal (1+25) and Acros (as well as all the neopan films) in HC-110.

 

[RobertV]

APX100 and Fomapan 100 are pretty close to each other in Rodinal. It's a pity the fiirst film is running out of the last worldwide available stocks.

Recommended APX100 iso 80 or Fomapan 100 iso 80 in Rodinal 1+25 or 1+50.

Acros 100 will only give iso 64 with the Rodinal combination. I prefer Acros 100 in Beutler (iso 100). It's the finest grain iso 100 film IMO.

Good luck with your choice!

Robert

 

[fschifano]

There's no question really. If you like the look of Tri-X, then Plus-X is the slower alternative. Nothing wrong with any of the other films mentioned, but Plus-X is special. Give it a shot and I think you'll agree.

 

[2F/2F]

If you like the general look of Tri-X, but want it to be slower, I'd just go for Plus-X. It doesn't look just like Tri-X, but it and Tri-X do go hand in hand, as they are the only two Kodak films without "T-grained" emulsions.

(Better yet: Go for Arista Premium 100 for the slow film, and Arista Premium 400 for the fast film.)

 

[nocrop]

Go for Arista Premium 100 for the slow film, and Arista Premium 400 for the fast film.

Best deal around.

 

[liquid695]

Rollei Retro 100 is the last stock of AGFA APX 100 re branded according my sources. You can find rollei retro film in Freestyle

 

[Harry Lime]

Thanks everyone. I think I'll stay in the Kodak family and go with good old Plus-X.