Anyone tried Arista EDU Ultra film?

f/16 · Apr 18, 2015

I'm in the process of gathering up everything I need to develop B&W film. I figure the most expensive part of it will be the cost of the film itself if I continue to shoot Ilford FP4 and HP5. I see Freestyle Photo has the Arista for about 3usd a roll. Is it any good?

Rick A · Apr 18, 2015

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Use the search feature here, many threads about Arista EDU Ultra. I shoot piles of it in three formats, yes it's good, in fact it's rebadged Fomapan.

mgb74 · Apr 18, 2015

I (and others) have had issues with film curl with Foma films. Drying technique seems to play a factor.

If you want to reduce film cost, consider bulk loading. Also consider Ilfords Kentmere line. Unfortunately, this applies to 35mm only.

chip j · Apr 18, 2015

Isn't Kentmere contrasty, I mean grainy?

summicron1 · Apr 18, 2015

short answer: fine film, especially for learning, but just fine anyway.

trythis · Apr 19, 2015

Kentmere looks great to me. Its personal opinion so have you used it?

I have been using lots of expired film after using a Kentmere bulk roll and will be getting another 100 ft roll soon. I might order a roll of easch fresh ilford stock just to see which I prefer but the Kentmere price is tempting me again

Typos made on a tiny phone...

R.Gould · Apr 19, 2015

f/16 said:
I'm in the process of gathering up everything I need to develop B&W film. I figure the most expensive part of it will be the cost of the film itself if I continue to shoot Ilford FP4 and HP5. I see Freestyle Photo has the Arista for about 3usd a roll. Is it any good?

The edu Ultra is re badged Fomapan, a fine film, In use Fomapan film for everything and have done so so for a few years now and have yet to have any problems, There used to be a problem with curling a while ago but that has been addressed by Foma and has all but gone

revdoc · Apr 20, 2015

Nice film, and I've never had problems with curl, though I only use it in 5x7.

The only drawback is the worst reciprocity failure I've ever experienced.

Kyle M. · Apr 20, 2015

I've used the Arista EDU Ultra 100 and 400 in both 35mm and 120, never had any problems with either.

DWThomas · Apr 20, 2015

I've used it in 100 speed 4x5 successfully -- although for pinhole, so I can't assess the resolution too well.

Rick A · Apr 20, 2015

Arista EDU Ultra 100 -4x5 in PMK Pyro. An extremely capable film, in any format. I do recommend using Pyro developers with it,and the spec sheet says not to use stop bath as it could cause pinholes in the emulsion. The factory also recommends hardner(reason I use Pyro)as the emulsion is not pre-hardened.

MattKrull · Apr 20, 2015

I haven't played with Arista EDU/Foma simply because it requires as hardener and is supposedly prone to scratching (I'm not the smoothest guy when it comes to loading my film on the spool).

For inexpensive shooting, I'm with the others that have recommended Kentmere. I love the results from enlarging it (as opposed to scanning it). (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Rick A · Apr 20, 2015

The scratching easily part is mostly when the emulsion is wet. I handle it the same as any other film. When I develope in D-76(on occasion) I do use stop bath at 1% instead of usual strength, haven't had issues with pinholes. I don't use stop with pyro developers, not recommended as it strips some of the stain, which is what I like it for. Pyrocat HD is pretty cheap developer, I use that or PMK Pyro.

chip j · Apr 20, 2015

My lab makes a mess of EDU 100, because it's not hardened.

Rick A · Apr 20, 2015

Process it yourself and dump the lab.

Ricardo Miranda · Apr 20, 2015

And there's no need for hardener or stop bath with any of the Fomapans. I don't use either.
One only needs to take care when film is wet. they dry quickly and flat as a pancake.
And I love Foma products!

Mainecoonmaniac · Apr 20, 2015

Yes. It's very good film. They've improved manufacturing inconsistencies and got rid of the very curly film base. I buy bricks of it at Freestyle and it lasts me a few months.

r.reeder · Apr 20, 2015

I used Arista EDU Ultra 120 film, ASA 400, & I had a hard time getting it started on the reel for development, as well as rolling it onto the reel. It kept bending & folding, & I'd have to unroll it & start over. Eventually I got it on & in the tank, but it was difficult. I thought that the base was unusually thin, as opposed to something like Plus-X or Ilford's FP4+. Just my 2-bits worth.

Paul Howell · Apr 21, 2015

I use Foma 200 in 35mm, 120 and 4X5 and in the past used their 100 and 400 in 35mm and 120. The last batch of 400 in 120 I used had the blue base which I did not care for, I understand that the new version has the clear base so I plan on order a few rolls and box of 4X5. I use a water rinse so I have not had any issues with pin holes. Overall I like Foma, papers and developers as well.

Wallendo · Apr 21, 2015

I shoot a lot of Arista EDU 100. My only caveat is that is is quite prone to halation in its 35mm incarnation. It is my go-to film in 120 format.

chip j · Apr 23, 2015

Rick A said:
Process it yourself and dump the lab.

I don't shoot a lot anymore--I'm backed up w/ 45 yrs of film to print. My lab does well w/Kentmere 100 and everything else.

marcmarc · Apr 26, 2015

About two or three years ago I gave Arista Edu 100 a try in 120 size. Using Rodinal I really liked this film. Then one roll had scratches. I don't squeegee my wet film and I've never had scratches from Ilford or Kodak films so I really didn't think it was mis-handling on my part. About the same time I also started noticing on some rolls the highlights looked splotchy for lack of a better word. There was on evenness of tone in a highlight in open sun, it would look, well, splotchy. This was supposed to be the improved emulsion with the clear base as opposed to the older version which had a light blue base. I was really disappointed because it was such a nice film otherwise. Thankfully Freestyle took back my remaining unused rolls.

Anyone tried Arista EDU Ultra film?

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