2x3 in 25

Curt · Feb 14, 2006

Anyone using a slow speed fine grain film in 2x3 sheet film size? Will Adox/Efke ever be offered in ASA/ISO 25 sheet film size? Even though I have a 4x5 enlarger and larger format cameras I find that the lighter 2x3 is easier on the back. Spotting a sheet film is easier than fighting a curled up roll film and it can do individual exposure and development. It can use lenses that wouldn't be possible as compared with my medium format 645 and doesn't have any electronics.

Donald Qualls · Feb 14, 2006

I see two good options, Curt.

One is to cut down the Efke/ADOX PL25 from 4x5.

One possibly better option, if you really like fine grain and don't care for the odd color response of the Efke 25, would the J&C Micro film, also cut down from 4x5. With the right developer, this stuff will flatly blow away the old-technology Euro film, though it is quite a bit more expensive. Another alternative would be Fuji Acros 100, if you can find it in this country in plain sheets instead of the preloads; it's actually got finer grain than Efke/ADOX 25, perfectly ordinary Type B panchro response, and it's two stops faster...

Ole · Feb 14, 2006

I've got some EFKE PL 25 in 6.5x9cm size - maybe you can use that size?

Curt · Feb 14, 2006

Donald, I'll look into the Fuji Arcos and I have been checking into a cutting machine. I couldn't find a ready made one that wasn't $600. so I need to make one. A strong cookie cutter type blade in a press to stamp out two on a 4x5 sheet. That would allow me to use a wide variety of films.
Time to get busy!
Ole I would have to cut that size down also, so I am looking into a cutter.

Thank you both,

Curt

waynecrider · Feb 14, 2006

Curt said:
Donald, I'll look into the Fuji Arcos and I have been checking into a cutting machine. I couldn't find a ready made one that wasn't $600. so I need to make one. A strong cookie cutter type blade in a press to stamp out two on a 4x5 sheet. That would allow me to use a wide variety of films.
Time to get busy!
Ole I would have to cut that size down also, so I am looking into a cutter.

Thank you both,

Curt

Curt, if you do a search on cutting film down, here and at Pnet, you'll discover a few threads about home made options that are easy and cheap. Your other option is a roller cutter for prints, a couple of clamps and stops.

Donald Qualls · Feb 16, 2006

Curt said:
I have been checking into a cutting machine. I couldn't find a ready made one that wasn't $600. so I need to make one. A strong cookie cutter type blade in a press to stamp out two on a 4x5 sheet. That would allow me to use a wide variety of films.

Most folks I know of who recut film use a plain swing-arm paper shear, with clamp stops to facilitate use in the dark. You'd have to make three cuts to get 4x5 to 2x3 -- one to cut the four-inch dimension to match the long size of the smaller film, then two to cut the two widths and leave a scrap. You'd then have to notch or at least corner clip to maintain emulsion side identification. The 6.5x9 (which you can get from J&C, no need for Ole to mail it across the Atlantic) would only require one cut, IIRC; it's the same length, but a smidge wider than 2x3.

Curt · Feb 16, 2006

Thanks Donald, I'll go with the 6.5x9, less waste and available.

Donald Qualls · Feb 17, 2006

Might want to verify my memory on the dimensions before ordering a box, just in case...

MenacingTourist · Feb 17, 2006

JandC hasn't had any 6.5cm x 9cm for a while now. I know because I check just about every day. As soon as it's back in stock I'm going to buy as much as possible. I really loved the results I got with my camera that uses that film and don't want to be without like the last time when I only bought one box.

Tom Hoskinson · Feb 17, 2006

Curt said:
Anyone using a slow speed fine grain film in 2x3 sheet film size? Will Adox/Efke ever be offered in ASA/ISO 25 sheet film size? Even though I have a 4x5 enlarger and larger format cameras I find that the lighter 2x3 is easier on the back. Spotting a sheet film is easier than fighting a curled up roll film and it can do individual exposure and development. It can use lenses that wouldn't be possible as compared with my medium format 645 and doesn't have any electronics.

I have a 2x3 Crown Graphic with a bunch of 2x3 sheet film holders.

And Yes! I have a small supply of Efke PL 100M in 2.25"x3.25"

I have J&C Classic 400 in 2.25"x3.25"

I have Efke PL 100M in 9x12cm

I have Efke PL 25M in 4"x5"

Those of us who shoot this format should talk to John of J&C about getting Adox/Efke to cut some 2x3 and 9x12cm for us (maybe a group buy).

Curt · Feb 17, 2006

I agree, even if I have to buy 11 x 14 sheets and cut them down. I have a near mint Busch Pressman C, a dozen new sheet film holders, a nice case and a roll film holder I hope not to fix to the camera. If an ASA/ISO 25 Adox/Efke is again available I'll be happy. I check almost daily also, just in case.

Curt

MenacingTourist · Feb 17, 2006

I think John is changing his buying schedule and getting a years supply at at time or maybe 6 months at a time. This change may solve the shortage issue as will me buying more than one box at a time

jandc · Feb 17, 2006

We've placed an order with Efke for PL25 in 2x3, 3x4 and 6.5x9. It's just a matter of when they produce it and get it to us.

Thanks

ricksplace · Feb 17, 2006

I use lith film at iso 5. The grain (or lack thereof) is far better than efke 25. You can cut it and develop it with the safe light on. Try Rodinal 1:150 for 7 min. agitate once every minute. Thin lattitude, beautiful for landscapes.

MenacingTourist · Feb 17, 2006

jandc said:
We've placed an order with Efke for PL25 in 2x3, 3x4 and 6.5x9. It's just a matter of when they produce it and get it to us.
Thanks

That's what I thought was happening. Thanks for the reminder.
I get sweaty hands thinking about that order

2x3 in 25

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