B&W film suggestions?

So I'm planning on buying a new 100' roll of ISO 100 b&w film, and I was wondering what you guys would suggest. Last time I bought a 100' roll of ISO 100 fomapan, which was fine, but it took about a month for it to finally ship from the czech republic, and I don't feel like waiting through that again. Maybe someone could point me to a guide or something?

Here's a few examples of my photography to give you an idea of my style:

Where do you need the film shipped to?

19 Sept 2009

Vcuauhtemoc:

If you are shipping to the US my suggestions would be (1) Plus-X, (2) Tri-X, or (3) HP5+.

Regards,
Darwin

phoenix AZ. Last time I had the fomapan shipped to san francisco through B&H, and it took forever for it just to get to the US

Here is a good selection (including some fomapan 100...)

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/sc_search.php?rfnc=402

100 foot roll film

Vcuauhtemoc:
The best place for all your photo supplies is Freestyle Photographic Supplies, 5124 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, Ca 90027. Tele. Number 800 292 6137 or look them up on the internet where they have an online catalog. I twill take only two or three days to receive your order. I get my shipments here in Texas in three to four days. Hope this helps.
Regards,
Phil

Freestyle Arista premium 100 or Kodak Plus-x
Some people say these are very, very similar

As already said, hop on over to Freestylephoto.biz. They've actually got stock of 100' rolls, including Foma.

If you want to stick to 100 speed stuff, have a look at Arista Premium 100 (said to be re-branded Plus-X) and Legacy Pro 100 (said to be re-branded Acros) as well as Arista.EDU Ultra 100 (re-branded Fomapan).

Leighgion said:

As already said, hop on over to Freestylephoto.biz. They've actually got stock of 100' rolls, including Foma.

If you want to stick to 100 speed stuff, have a look at Arista Premium 100 (said to be re-branded Plus-X) and Legacy Pro 100 (said to be re-branded Acros) as well as Arista.EDU Ultra 100 (re-branded Fomapan).

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And there you have it. I can vouch for Freestyle's Arista Premium 100 and 400. They are indeed rebranded Plus-X and Tri-X, arguable two of the best B&W films ever made. I've used their Arista.EDU ultra 100, and it too is good, and is rebranded Foma 100.

Arista Premium 100 Plus-X is so cheap in 36 exp. rolls why bother with the time and film waste of a 100' bulk roll?

What venchka said. I used to buy bulk Arista Premium 400 but it's not even worth the time and trouble. Now I buy bricks of 36-exp. rolls. It's good stuff!

I never buy bulk film because, in the UK at least, if I look for film at reduced prices I can always buy 36 shot rolls for considerably less than the cost of bulk film. Also, after phases of trying lots of 'cheap' flm, I'm mostly back to using Fuji, Ilford or Kodak. Fuji, in particular, are very very cheap in the UK. I get rolls of Neopan Acros for a little over £2 a roll.

In slower speed films, I like Tmax 100, Neopan Acros and Ilford Pan-F. In medium speed films, Delta 400 and Neopan 400. I don't find the Foma films are as good. Foma 400, in particular, is definitely inferior to Neopan and Delta 400.

I do still quite enjoy using some of the less mainstream films in medium format, but in 35mm, where the smaller neg makes performance more of an issue, I just don't find the 'look' worth the difference in performance and consistency from the Fuji, Ilford and Kodak products. Of course, that's just a personal take, and I'm sure other people have different preferences.

Venchka said:

Arista Premium 100 Plus-X is so cheap in 36 exp. rolls why bother with the time and film waste of a 100' bulk roll?

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If you're buying Arista films, yes, it's essentially the same price and easier to buy the bricks. But if you want any Ilford films (or my latest obsession, Agfa APX 100 aka Rollei Retro 100 on Freestyle) it's a HUGE savings.

From your shots, I'd say give the Rollei Retro a try.