APX 25 tonal range

Gary Holliday · Apr 14, 2008

I have a project which has been running for a while. It was all shot on 120 APX 25 and developed in Rodinal.

I'm looking for a film which is going to look very similar in the tones. Should I try APX 100/ Rollei Retro 100, Fomapan 100 or maybe Pan F?

What would look the closest?

Cheers.

rorye · Apr 14, 2008

While it's definitely not the same film, I have been getting nice results with Rollei 25 in Rodinal, 1:100.
I also like the 100, but there's just something intangible that I love about 25 ASA.
Good luck, Rory

braxus · Apr 14, 2008

If you want to save a few dollars from Rollei Pan 25, you can get Adox Pan 25 which is said to be the same film rebadged.

Stephanie Brim · Apr 14, 2008

I was under the impression that the rumor was that the Rollei Pan 25 IS APX 25. But, then again, it may not be true.

mmcclellan · Apr 15, 2008

Efke 25 is a great replacement -- the tones, grain, etc., are all fantastic, especially when developed in Rodinal. I rate mine at EI 16, though, rather than 25, but make your own tests to determine that.

It's also not expensive. Good luck with it!

Mark Antony · Apr 15, 2008

Stephanie Brim said:
I was under the impression that the rumor was that the Rollei Pan 25 IS APX 25. But, then again, it may not be true.

No it's not true, Rollei Retro is APX 100/400 from the last batch made, but Agfa hasn't produced any APX25 for many years before they stopped coating APX100/400.
Rollei Pan 25 is a Maco product supposedly similar to the Agfa 25 although I haven't used it.
I would try Adox CHS25 Art in Rodinal 1:100. Not quite the same tones similar fine grain.
Agfa 25 was unique but if you want to see some Adox 25 tests:
Adox CHS25 review

Its the second time I've posted the link this week, must be the time of year

Steve Smith · Apr 15, 2008

Is Agfa APX 25 the same film (or an upgrade) of Agfapan 25 which I used to get in the 1980s?

Steve.

Mark Antony · Apr 15, 2008

Steve I think so, I've used them both can't see much difference in the negs.
Possibly they reformulated the emulsion, but more like they just re-branded it 'APX' I'm sad its gone...
Here's something from google
Dead Link Removed
Dead film, but interesting.
Mark

Leon · Apr 15, 2008

I did a review of the rollie 25 film for B+W photography a while ago and compared it to delta 100 - I found it to be suprisingly grainy in comparison in all three developers I used (the supplied rollie high speed, pyrocat and cant remember the other now) and found no redeeming features in percieved sharpness that would make me want to lose three stops of speed and use this film over and above other available and much cheaper alternatives. I couldn't say how it compares to APX25 as I've never used it, but from what I've heard, grain wasnt an issue with the old film.

dynachrome · Apr 15, 2008

APX 25 Equivalent/Successor

I haven't used the Rollei films but I have used the Efke 25 speed film. Ilford Pan F+ is a stop slower than Delta 100 but has finer grain. Like other slow films it needs come care to keep its contrast under comtrol. Fuji ACROS in Microfine or in Microdol-X/Perceptol 1:3 will also give you very fine grain and nice tonality.

Ryuji · Apr 15, 2008

While the tonality isn't the same, I am another one who believes Acros 100 is superior. Maybe I should sell a cold stored APX25 (lots of 120 and a couple rolls of 35mm) and buy more Acros...

Gary Holliday · Apr 16, 2008

I'll send you some Acros 100 if you'd like to swop!

Gary Holliday · Apr 22, 2008

Perhaps the Rollei 25 film is closest. Has anyone made any tonal comparisons with APX 25?

Ian Grant · Apr 22, 2008

Back in the late 80's and most of the 90's I used a lot of AP25 and then APX25, there was a noticeable improvement in the emulsion although both films were superb.

APX100 isn't far behind in terms of quality and gives very similar tonality, I shot APX25 with a 6x9 back ,and APX100 in 5x4 with my Wista and the resulting prints match well.

Tmax100 also give very similar sharpness & tonality to the Agfa films and its impossible to tell which images are made using Tmax or APX once they are printed.

Ian

AgX · Apr 22, 2008

There is a comparison on Digitaltruth between Agfa APX 25, Rollei Pan 25 and Efke KB 25.

http://www.digitaltruth.com/store/product_tests/slow_film_001.php

Gary Holliday · Apr 22, 2008

Thanks everyone, I have a box of Rollei 100, so I'll make use of that.

PKM-25 · Aug 18, 2008

Did anyone ever take a look at the difference between Adox CHS 25 and Rolliepan 25?

I am looking for a film to fill the spot of APX 25 once I run out. Rollie is pricey at $6.50 a roll.

APX 25 tonal range

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