Agfa APX100

Just to share

- This is I just found about Agfa, APX100 B&W film.
- Developer Rodinal 1:50, dilution in no treated tap water, 20 degC, 10.5 min and condenser enlarger.
- Acutance (or sharpness) the best (the same as with Delta 100, and even Agfa “looks” sharper due to visible grains).
- Grain larger and very close to Delta100 (processed in Rodinal 1:50 too)
- Tone separation for different colors: when shoot a lot of different colors (like carnivals) many colors will blend into the same gray tone, so use it carefully in a such condition.
- Skin color and red well separated (better than Delta100 films) so the best choice for portraiture, especially for female with 35mm and at F1.4 or F2 with Nikkor 1.4/85AF or Leica 1.4/80, even enhanced when used with light blue filter.
- Grain visible on 8x10 and larger prints (mostly in around middle gray) and adds drama when need.
- Far the best film on the market for work in Rembrantian style and B&W (mostly with tones darker than middle gray, or zone V, or DeltaToneZero). An Excellent separation all of dark tones down to “zone II”, or three zone “below” zone V.
- no straight portion on density-exposure curve but close to straight line.
- OVERALL: TOP NOTCH B&W FILM processed in Rodinal as above. Neck to neck with ilford Delta100 within many purposes.

- Come back Agfa. We in Canada have supply on Agfa for several years to come.

You might want to try out Rollei Retro 100, which has response nearly exactly like APX100. There was a thread a while ago about this new film, and some stating it was actually the APX100 left over after the AGFA Photo works closed. I think it might have been for legal reasons they cannot directly state that the Rollei film is the old AGFA emulsion. Anyway, search here for Rollei Retro 100, and you should find more information. I agree with you that it is one of the best portrait films.

Ciao!

Gordon

Ciao Gordon,

I don't think Maco (who is marketing the Rollei films) has any problem stating that they're made out of the Master Rolls of Agfa that they bought when the company closed its plants. The Email I got from them (Maco) clearly declares the above, and so I guess it's no secret.

Daniel, indeed you're right about APX. It is rather good for portraits. But not only for that. And I woudn't agree that Rodinal is the best soup for it, especially if you want good highlight separation. I usually soup it in Emofin (my special, diluted version), Neutol Blau or Perceptol, depending on the subject matter and contrast needs. Sometimes I use Rodinal, but I don't think it suits all kinds of subjects.