Adox CHS (Efke) versus CMS

What are the differences between the original Adox (formerly Efke, and Adox before that) and the emulsion called CMS 20? From what I gather, CHS 25 has a wider tonality range and CMS 20 has higher resolution. Although they claim good tonality for the latter as well. The website doesn't really explain the differences. As most manufacturer's websites seem to have trouble doing. They only clearly note the good selling points.

The history of the brand names is very confusing too! It took me long enough to figure out why the same film was being sold as Adox and Efke, but I think I've straightened it out now. Adox sold the name and the technology to two different companies. Then the name eventually came 'round to another company, as did the chemistry (from Efke). Aye?

Qoph said:

What are the differences between the original Adox (formerly Efke, and Adox before that) and the emulsion called CMS 20? From what I gather, CHS 25 has a wider tonality range and CMS 20 has higher resolution. Although they claim good tonality for the latter as well. The website doesn't really explain the differences. As most manufacturer's websites seem to have trouble doing. They only clearly note the good selling points.

The history of the brand names is very confusing too! It took me long enough to figure out why the same film was being sold as Adox and Efke, but I think I've straightened it out now. Adox sold the name and the technology to two different companies. Then the name eventually came 'round to another company, as did the chemistry (from Efke). Aye?

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Efke (Adox) 25 is an old 25 ASA emulsion, with the properties you would associate with such a film: fine grain, and somewhat higher contrast than normal. CMS20 is a microfilm with extremely fine grain and extremely high contrast, but you can get fairly normal contrast by using special developers. I do not know who manufactures it, but I have heard that it is probably Gevaert in Belgium. Interesting film, but definitely for those who like to experiment...

Efke (Adox) 25 is mistakenly called an old-style emulsion, in fact it's just the opposite. It was the first of trhe thin layer emulsions and on it's release in the early 50's was way ahead of competitors in terms of fine grain and sharpness. I began using KB & R14 (the DIN speed name) in the 70's and have never found it any more contrasty than other normal films.

The advantage of EFKE/Adox CHS25 over CMS20 is it doesn't need a special developer, is great in Rodinal & staining developers like Pyrocat HD.

Ian

The history of the brand names is very confusing too

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efke is a brandname/trademark of Fotokemika Nova ltd., Croatia
ADOX is a brandname/trademark of ADOX Fotowerke GmbH, Germany

Both companies (ADOX Fotowerke and Fotokemika Nova) sell products under his/her respective trademark.
Some of these products are similar, however many others are not.

Fotoimpex (parent company of ADOX Fotowerke GmbH) has sold efke films worldwide since 1992 with the link to their ADOX roots and started rebranding them with the ADOX trademark in 2002.
This was done mainly to take advantage of the well known brand ADOX in Germany where Fotoimpex has its main market.

In recent years Fotokemika also gained new dealers outside Croatia providing them with efke branded products.
This lead to the situation were efke and ADOX are often adressed in one word or sentence in a way as if ADOX Fotowerke GmbH and Fotokemika Nova would be one company.

I would like to make clear again that this is not the case.
We have very good and long standing relationships and cooperate in a friendly matter but Fotokemika Nova ltd. and ADOX Fotowerke are economically independant companies both producing a variety of different goods.

As for ADOX the sales of the "original ADOX films" made by Fotokemika are today only one part of the companies business.
We have mooved on as have others too.
Our main turnover today is done with the resurrected Agfa black and white products called ADOX MCP and ADOX MCC plus the former Agfa films (APX line) yet to come.

Best regards,

Mirko

Adox CHS is the same emulsion in various speeds as the Efke films.
Adox CMS is a high resolution film that is best used with the purpose made developer.
Check out www.freestylephoto.biz to look at them side by side.

ADOX Fotoimpex said:

Our main turnover today is done with the resurrected Agfa black and white products called ADOX MCP and ADOX MCC plus the former Agfa films (APX line) yet to come.
Best regards,
Mirko

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And that's the bright light for the future -- the former Agfa films (APX line) yet to come.

Many of us use the term Adox/EFKE, but only when the films actually are of EFKE manufacture & sold by you (as Adox).

Ian

Holy crap, that's all very complicated, but you've described it all well. Merci!

Thanks for the answers, everyone. I think I'll try the CHS film.