Bulk loading - actually cheaper & low iso films.

Hey

I recently did some shoots, as I work with models I can't always change the time of shooting and have to do it with the light available.
Only had Tri-X 400 & Portra 400 with me. Normally shooting @ f1.5 - f2.8 but now it was impossible due to the sunny weather so I had to shoot at f5.6 - f8

I like Tri-x 400 & Portra 400 so much but I can't shoot them always in bright light. I'd love to get some other film that give me the classy look of tri-x 400 and the nice skin tones of Portra 400.
Was thinking of Portra 160 for color..

But b/w it's a different story. I get my Tri-X 400 for about €3 - 4 / roll. Now I was looking at lower speed films like Fuji Acros 100 & Ilford Delta 100 and I saw they are a little on the expensive side.
My question is, would it be better to bulk load them? Does it save much over time or what advantages do I get with bulk loading?

Side questions:
- Is Tri-X 400 still available as a bulk film?
- What low iso b/w film gives a classy look like tri-x 400

Many thanks

Jesse

Yes, Tri-X is available in bulk but now that the Arista stuff (well I guess you aren't in the US so shipping might have been prohibitive anyway) is no longer available it's expensive, though still cheaper than individual rolls. I only have US prices but it's $69.95 at B&H. The usual figure quoted is 18 rolls of 36 exposure (I've never kept track) so that would work out $3.88 a roll. 36 exposure rolls are $4.49 from the same vendor. Not worth the trouble, to me anyway, IF your primary motivation is to save money. I usually load shorter rolls and being able to do that is nice.

As for the other question I guess it depends on how slow it needs to be. FP4+ is a great film and with Plus-X gone probably the last "mostly conventional looking" medium speed film. There is a shortage of slower films. I like Pan F+ but it's sure nothing like a slow Tri-X! There are also the Foma films which are usually best about a stop under box speed so you could get the 100 and shoot at 50. I've never shot the 100 but shot some of the 400. It's a decent film, grainy, but that may be fine and wouldn't be as much of an issue in 100. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if the grain of the 100 is similar to Tri-X (or, more likely, larger.)

You could fit an ND filter and continue to use Tri-X in bright light? A 2 stop filter would make Tri-X equivalent to a 100 speed film if you shoot at box speed. More than 2 stops and focusing can be difficult.
Alex

Alex Muir said:

You could fit an ND filter and continue to use Tri-X in bright light? A 2 stop filter would make Tri-X equivalent to a 100 speed film if you shoot at box speed. More than 2 stops and focusing can be difficult.
Alex

Click to expand...

Mhm kind of stupid I didn't think about that. Focusing shouldn't be an issue as I focus with a rangefinder. Actually a very good idea!

If you like TX and are looking at another slower film then be sure to check the spectral response curves of both films. If the curves are too different you may not like the look of the new film. This is important for anyone photographing models.

If it were me I would go with an ND filter rather than try to test and break in a new film.

Ooops, already suggested.

Jessestr said:

Side questions:
- Is Tri-X 400 still available as a bulk film?
- What low iso b/w film gives a classy look like tri-x 400

Click to expand...

In Europe TriX bulk is expensive (fotoimpex --> 135 euros for 30m!), I tried to find it cheap - no chance.
For cheap and good low iso films in Europe I would recommend Fomapan and Kentmere 100 films. Classy look for sure, but not 100% TriX look.

Roger Cole said:

US prices but it's $69.95 at B&H.

Click to expand...

Lucky Americans , for us it is 186$. I am jealous on your prices, and on top of that you can get Double X cheap as well.

If you buy an ND filter buy a quality one (they are expensive). The cheap ones are made of tinted plastic and create a colour cast. No problem for b&w though.

In the US, Pan F+ from Ilford is slow and cheaper in a bulk roll (noticeably) Up to you if its worth it