Any hidden gems available?

MTGseattle · Mar 24, 2023

I've been watching a few threads in the hope of catching wind of a current B&W 8x10 film stock that works well and could possibly be called a bargain. Kodak TXP320 is +/- $200 for 10 sheets. (I mis-quoted in another thread, TXP is what I meant). I'd be curious to try Fomapan or even grab some Arista Ultra if there are favorable reviews in 8x10 size. At the same time, there's the thought that I should stick with a film I feel I know reasonably well (Ilford Delta) due to the expense.
Can we call any 8x10 film a "budget" film these days?
I'm not looking for a this vs. that film debate, there are plenty on here. I'm not going to drop down to x-ray film. I feel like that would be counterproductive for me as I'm not brand new to field/view camera use.
Has anyone noticed a recent 8x10 film that punches above its weight class?

abruzzi · Mar 24, 2023

If you're willing to deal with some challenges (and no red sensitivity) you can shoot X-ray film. Fuji HR-U seems to be the most commonly used. $38 for 100 sheets:

8x10 in. Fuji X-Ray Film

8x10 Fuji Medical X-Ray film available in Green Sensitive and Full Speed Blue. 100 sheets per box. Fuji Reference Numbers: HRU 47410 12976 RXN 47410 19291 HR-U Medium Speed Green Film RX-N Full Speed Blue Film

www.zzmedical.com

EDIT: I missed that you said no xray--but its not too bad, and is great for practice. Otherwise, Foma, Arista, or Catlabs are your cheapest options.

Peter Schrager · Mar 24, 2023

nothing wrong with Arista..I use the 100 ASA film and it's very nice...just handle it with more care

ic-racer · Mar 24, 2023

Shanghai is inexpensive but not all that good. It is ok for some subjects; I made this print on Ilford MG FB from a Shanghai 8x10 negative. I think it is one of my best prints, the detail in the original is amazing compared to this low resolution reproduction. Otherwise I use HP5 which I consider AVERAGE cost for 8x10.

AnselMortensen · Mar 24, 2023

Beautiful print, ic-racer!
Shanghai seems to be hit-or-miss, that's definitely a hit.
I just bought some CatLabs X-80 film in 8x10 the other day, haven't used it yet..... ~$120 for 25 sheets.

jimgalli · Mar 24, 2023

Agfa Aviphot. About .85 buck a sheet if you're willing to do the work. Excellent film. Always consistent. Currently using 10 year old stock. Maybe I'm not as fussy as some folks. Or maybe I'm just the worlds biggest cheapskate. Either way.

MTGseattle · Mar 25, 2023

Thank you all. I have a bit of expired stuff to play with, but I want some fresh stock around as well. I may just stay with Ilford for my first box since I'm familiar with it. I have the Stearman SP810 on the way for processing.
I need to do some reading regarding that Agfa Aviphot. I feel like I've seen it mentioned here and there throughout the analog forums. I used a lot of Arista roll film my first 2 years in college, but that was Arista circa 1995.

ntenny · Mar 25, 2023

Arista EDU Ultra is by all accounts Fomapan; good films, some history of spotty quality control. I feel like Fomapan 100 at EI 50 is the sweet spot of the line, and they all seem happiest at a stop or so under box speed. I ended up deciding that for the limited amount of 8x10 I shoot, I could bite the bullet and buy FP4+.

-NT

Bill Burk · Mar 25, 2023

Keith Canham has in-stock 10-sheet boxes of 8x10 TMAX100 which he says are at a great price less than 8x10 Tri-X

Immediately available (exp 10/2023).

I’d say that’s worth checking out. My motto is “Get the good stuff because when things turn out wrong with the cheap stuff you won’t know it’s your fault”.

Nitroplait · Mar 25, 2023

I am a fan of Foma 200 for practicing and cases where FP4 is too rich. Good enough for prime time in the cases where the right motif unexpectedly shows up, just be careful when processing- the emulsion is soft.
I shoot both films @ 100 which makes my life easier.

Rick A · Mar 25, 2023

I've been shooting EDU Ultra (Foma) in all formats for years, I love it. I've been trying to get a handle on the 200 for a couple of years but just can't get it where I like it so I'm sticking to 100 exclusively. I mourn the loss of Efke 25, my all time favorite.

MTGseattle · Mar 25, 2023

I've done a bit of looking. From my 2 most likely sources:

Kodak Tri-x 320txp 14.99 per sheet of 8x10
Kodak t-max 400 16.99 per sheet of 8x10
Ilford Delta 100 7.39 per sheet of 8x10
Ilford FP4+ 125 6.99 per sheet of 8x10
Arista Ultra edu 100 4.99 per sheet of 8x10
Fomapan classic 100 5.20 per sheet of 8x10

Catlabs x80 II 4.76 per sheet of 8x10

Unless Canham has that T-max for 75% off, Kodak B&W is kicked right out of my 8x10 thoughts. There may be a cheaper vendor out there, but these (Freestyle and B&H) are both trusted sellers.

Does anyone have experience with the Adox CHS 100 II ? 7.99 per sheet of 8x10

I haven't done all of the required reading for x-ray films yet (Blue vs. green and different makers), but it looks like x-ray should drop the price down to like 1.00 per sheet of 8x10 depending upon type/source. Based solely upon budget, it's an attractive option.

outwest · Mar 25, 2023

Get your X-ray while it's hot! $38 / 100 is only 38 cents a sheet;-)

AnselMortensen · Mar 25, 2023

If you go the x-ray route, try to find single-sided....most types are double-sided.

ntenny · Mar 25, 2023

MTGseattle said:
Does anyone have experience with the Adox CHS 100 II ? 7.99 per sheet of 8x10

I shot a box of it in 4x5, liked it OK, didn’t immediately see anything that made me say “this is special”. Negative scan attached, at box speed in HC-110.

-NT

MTGseattle · Mar 26, 2023

Good grief. that price at ZZ medical is something like 40 % less than Amazon. .38 cents per sheet feels like too good a bargain to not give it a try.

outwest · Mar 26, 2023

I'm afraid the single sided Kodak is long gone. The double sided Fuji works well, just remember that you are developing both sides of the sheet and the emulsion is equally soft on both sides.

Axelwik · Apr 6, 2023

I've been playing with X-ray film in 8x10 and it really is a bargain - almost the same per exposure as 35mm film! I develop in flat bottom trays one at a time to prevent scratching.

Here's a portrait from a week or so ago. Contact printed.

Any hidden gems available?

MTGseattle

abruzzi

8x10 in. Fuji X-Ray Film

Peter Schrager

ic-racer

AnselMortensen

jimgalli

MTGseattle

ntenny

Bill Burk

Nitroplait

Rick A

MTGseattle

outwest

AnselMortensen

ntenny

Attachments

MTGseattle

outwest

Axelwik

Attachments

Any hidden gems available?

Attachments

Attachments

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency