Anything close to Plus-x

jordanstarr · Mar 11, 2008

Hey...

I'm runing low on my plus-x supply in 35mm and 120 format and cannot find anymore 4x5 for the life of me. I hate to say it, but I'm going to have to switch, given that it's discontinued and for me to find a supplier in Canada is impossible. I'm still going to try and find it in every corner I can, but it's almost inevidable I'll have to switch. Does anyone know of a film that comes close to it?

I was thinking of some FP4, but I'm looking for that gritty look that plus-x was able to give me for so long. Any suggestions and developer combinations? I got xtol, d76, ifosol-s, hc-110 and (soon) pyrocat for developers and I'm willing to try anything in 120 format to start out as a test. Thanks in advance.

MattKing · Mar 11, 2008

I've had success placing internet and telephone orders with Don's Photo in Winnipeg for Plus-X in 120. A look at their website (search criteria under film - Black and White, 120, 35mm, Sheet film, ASA 125) shows listings for Plus-X in 120 and 35mm, and FP4 in 120, 35mm and 4x5.

Matt

P.S. Here's the link

http://www.donsphoto.com/products.html

Colin Corneau · Mar 11, 2008

Try Big Camera Workshops, if no luck with other Canuck sources...I bought my Berlebach tripod from there and got great service and he caters to - you guessed it - big camera users.

Why not order from the US, if Canadian sources won't give you joy? Badger, Freestyle, B&H...plenty to choose from.

jordanstarr · Mar 12, 2008

I know that's an option, but it's much more expensive with the shipping and then there's the fear of xrays at the border.
Also, I have yet to find any stores in the USA that sell Plus-x 125 4x5 sheet film. Thanks for the advice though, I'll keep trying.

Jordan.

GraemeMitchell · Mar 12, 2008

TXP is the closest thing I've shot to PX. Both have that unique up-swept curve.

Captain_joe6 · Mar 12, 2008

Its been my understanding that Plus-X is no longer available in sheet sizes. Looks like you'll have to move over to FP-4 or bump up to Tri-X.

jim appleyard · Mar 12, 2008

Try FP-4 in Rodinal. That's the closest IMO.

Mark_S · Mar 12, 2008

I always liked the detail that I got in highlights using Plus-X in 4x5. I loved it for winter landscapes, and haven't found anything to replace it. I also used to shoot a lot of tri-x and when that was changed, forcing me to retest whatever I did. I ended up moving entirely away from Kodak for film, and now use HP5 for almost everything - it does not give me what I used to have, but I am pretty sure that it will be around long enough for me to learn to live with it.

André E.C. · Mar 12, 2008

Ilford FP4+!

Cheers

André

Rolleijoe · Mar 17, 2008

jordanstarr said:
Hey...

I'm runing low on my plus-x supply in 35mm and 120 format and cannot find anymore 4x5 for the life of me. I hate to say it, but I'm going to have to switch, given that it's discontinued and for me to find a supplier in Canada is impossible. I'm still going to try and find it in every corner I can, but it's almost inevidable I'll have to switch. Does anyone know of a film that comes close to it?

I was thinking of some FP4, but I'm looking for that gritty look that plus-x was able to give me for so long. Any suggestions and developer combinations? I got xtol, d76, ifosol-s, hc-110 and (soon) pyrocat for developers and I'm willing to try anything in 120 format to start out as a test. Thanks in advance.

I just got off the phone with x19 @ Kodak and Tony verified that Plus-X is NOT being discontinued, has never heard this from anyone, and even gave me to catalog numbers so you could have your local Kodak dealer order some for you if he doesn't have any in stock:

135-24 = 1515428
135-36 = 8793606
120 x5 = 8590044

Since this is the 2nd place and over 6th time I'd heard the rumour, I thought I'd go right to the source 1st thing this morning.

So no need to worry about running out of Plus-X, or having to switch from it. It's still around.

Rolleijoe

Rolleijoe · Mar 17, 2008

Captain_joe6 said:
Its been my understanding that Plus-X is no longer available in sheet sizes. Looks like you'll have to move over to FP-4 or bump up to Tri-X.

Plus-X hasn't been available in LF since 2001 or 2002. I replaced it with Efke 100 and am now testing Efke 25 Ortho and Adox 25 Ortho.

After shooting Rollei Ortho25 in 120 last year, the difference really knocked my sox off.

Nothing in this world would ever make me go back to Ilford.

Rolleijoe

Trey · Mar 17, 2008

I think he's looking for sheet film.

Rolleijoe · Mar 17, 2008

Trey said:
I think he's looking for sheet film.

I just replied re: sheet film.

Thanks,

Rolleijoe

Rolleijoe · Mar 17, 2008

Mark_S said:
I always liked the detail that I got in highlights using Plus-X in 4x5. I loved it for winter landscapes, and haven't found anything to replace it. I also used to shoot a lot of tri-x and when that was changed, forcing me to retest whatever I did. I ended up moving entirely away from Kodak for film, and now use HP5 for almost everything - it does not give me what I used to have, but I am pretty sure that it will be around long enough for me to learn to live with it.

You may want to give Tri-X 320 another shot. It was never officially "changed", but merely a matter of using brand new machines as vs very old ones, would give a finer grain.

If Ilford was the only kid on the block, I'd finally be forced to give up photography entirely. I don't like their "last man standing" attitude.

Matthew Gorringe · Mar 17, 2008

Rolleijoe said:
If Ilford was the only kid on the block, I'd finally be forced to give up photography entirely. I don't like their "last man standing" attitude.

It's better than a "no-man-standing" attitude. I don't care if you want to give up but I'm keen to continue.

Having used Plus-X only occasionally I believe FP4+ can give very similar results in terms of accutance. If you want more of an upswept curve, try changing your agitation regimen.

nworth · Mar 18, 2008

FP-4+ is actually pretty close, but maybe a little smoother. If it's that old time Plus-X look you are after, you might also look at EFKE (Adox, Rollei, or whatever they are calling themselves this week) PL-100M (or KB-21 or whatever they are calling it this week). This is an older film, but it is reasonably fine grained and behaves pretty much like Plus-X of about 1965 or 1970. It is a bit more fragile and scratch prone than modern films, however.

mikez · Mar 18, 2008

I never had the chance to shoot Plus-X in sheet film, but I used it pretty extensively in 35mm and briefly in 120. It's a great film, but I was recently introduced to FP4. I know they have a different look, but with the slightest push I've gotten nice results with FP4. Then again I've only just begun with it, so someone else with more experience may have a more accurate answer.

Ronald Moravec · Mar 22, 2008

Plus X in sheets has been discontinued for some time. The new plus and tri x emulsions are suposed to be made to look similar.

Captain Bedworthy · Mar 22, 2008

Gritty and cheap: Neopan SS. Available only in 36X rolls of 35mm. $2 from either B&H or Freestyle. I gave it 8 minutes at 80 degrees f in ID-11 1:3 dilution. Was so pleased I bought a bunch.

Anything close to Plus-x

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