CatLabs X 80 Film

[braxus]

I remember reading about this film over a year ago, and quickly forgot about it. Freestyle has just added this to their menu of films, and I'm curious about using it. They haven't received their stock in yet, but apparently other stores have received some rolls. I saw a short YouTube video of it by one guy. They claim this film is close in look to the old Kodak Panatomic X. The Pan X film is one of my favorites, so having another film close to it interests me. They have the new film available in 120, 4x5, and 8x10. And the pricing for it is really very reasonable compared to other films. Im curious how it will also look compared to Adox CHS II 100.

Has anyone used the new CatLabs X 80 film yet? If so, show some samples and explain how you like it.

I started to do some Photography video blogging on YouTube, so I may just get some of this film, and shoot it along with some Pan X film I have in my freezer to compare. Somehow I think it might be hard to still beat Kodaks old film. After all- 32 ISO and 80 ISO are marked changes. But I'd like to give it a shot (literally).

 

[braxus]

https://bluemooncameracodex.com/technical-reviews/2019/5/15/catlabs-80-film-review

 

[Richard Man]

I shot two sheets so far, and developed using two different developers. I don't think it's GP3. The ISO is probably around 25 based on the experience so far but will continue to test.

 

[fs999]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_photographic_films#CatLABS

 

[Lachlan Young]

From what I've seen of good quality testing, the ISO might be closer to 50 in most developers (which could give a legitimate 80 in certain PQ devs) - and that could give an EI of around 25 under zone system approaches.

 

[Scott Micciche]

I've shot quite a bit of it, all at ISO 80.

Here are some links if you want to see some developer comparisons:

• DF96 monobath ---> https://www.flickr.com/photos/thekurgan/albums/72157708460293824
• TMAX dev ---> https://www.flickr.com/photos/thekurgan/albums/72157691546017613
• Rodinal semi-stand ---> https://www.flickr.com/photos/thekurgan/albums/72157708742188183
• FA-1027 ---> https://www.flickr.com/photos/thekurgan/albums/72157708899188757
• HC-110(b) ---> https://www.flickr.com/photos/thekurgan/albums/72157711076119158

 

[Daniel Fort]

Tried it out recently. No complaints.

Deardorff 8x10 with 6 1/2 inch f/8 Goerz W.A. Dagor, D-76 1:1

 

[NortheastPhotographic]

Tried it out recently. No complaints.

Deardorff 8x10 with 6 1/2 inch f/8 Goerz W.A. Dagor, D-76 1:1

I'm shooting it in 8x10 as well. I've settled on 50 ISO using XTol R. Not a bad film at all!

 

[braxus]

I placed an order for 3 rolls from a local store in Vancouver. They are mailing it to me, so I should receive it by next week. I'll test it in one of my medium format cameras (haven't decided which one yet). I'll shoot a roll of Panatomic X as well, so I can try and compare them. I'll see if the rumours are true for me or not.

So if developed at a lab in Ilfotec DD at 24 degrees, what time do you think is appropriate? And should I shoot it at 80 ISO or 50?

Where are people getting their 8x10 from? The two places I've checked only have 120 listed as available, while 8x10 is still coming at a later date.

 

[abruzzi]

Where are people getting their 8x10 from? The two places I've checked only have 120 listed as available, while 8x10 is still coming at a later date.

I bought 4x5 from Photrio user Adrian Bacon. At the time, I believe he had 8x10 as well, so I’d check with him. He is out of California and I don’t know if he ships to Canada, but it’s worth checking.

 

[Oren Grad]

Where are people getting their 8x10 from? The two places I've checked only have 120 listed as available, while 8x10 is still coming at a later date.

CatLABS film is sold by... CatLABS!

https://www.catlabs.info/product/catlabs-x-film-80

 

[Daniel Fort]

Freestyle also carries it. They should have some more in stock next week.

https://www.freestylephoto.biz/902810-CatLABS-X-Film-ISO-80-8x10-25-Sheets

 

[braxus]

http://www.alexluyckx.com/blog/index.php/2019/08/12/film-review-blog-no-45-catlabs-x-film-80/

 

[StepheKoontz]

I like it, has an "old school" look to it. Reminds me of what Agfa APX films looked like.

 

[bluechromis]

This film has a remarkably clear base. I shot it at at EV 40 and developed in PG110B (similar to PC-Glycol). When looking at the negative it can seem like shadow areas are completely lacking information, but when scanned or printed some detail appears. The backing paper jammed one time in my Pentax 6 x 7, The sticky tab to seal 120 roll somehow got snared the wrong way with spool. I don't know if that was a one time thing.

 

[braxus]

I'd say its a one time thing, because I shot my roll of 120 in my Pentax 67II with no issues.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

This film has a remarkably clear base. I shot it at at EV 40 and developed in PG110B (similar to PC-Glycol). When looking at the negative it can seem like shadow areas are completely lacking information, but when scanned or printed some detail appears. The backing paper jammed one time in my Pentax 6 x 7, The sticky tab to seal 120 roll somehow got snared the wrong way with spool. I don't know if that was a one time thing.

There is actually a thread about this very issue.

 

[Deardorff5x7]

This film has a remarkably clear base. I shot it at at EV 40 and developed in PG110B (similar to PC-Glycol). When looking at the negative it can seem like shadow areas are completely lacking information, but when scanned or printed some detail appears. The backing paper jammed one time in my Pentax 6 x 7, The sticky tab to seal 120 roll somehow got snared the wrong way with spool. I don't know if that was a one time thing.

Do you know the difference in under exposure and under development?

 

[TheGreatGasMaskMan]

This film is actually reboxed shanghai gp3 film. Not a bad film though- I much prefer the 35mm iso 320 film.

iso 80, developed normally in d76 1:1. Yashica Mat 124G

 

[Adrian Bacon]

I bought 4x5 from Photrio user Adrian Bacon. At the time, I believe he had 8x10 as well, so I’d check with him. He is out of California and I don’t know if he ships to Canada, but it’s worth checking.

I have 4 boxes of 8x10 on hand.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I'm working my way through a box of 8x10. So far, so good.

Shot at ISO 50, Pyrocat HD 1:1:100. I'd say it is more like an ISO 25, and good development time would be 14 mins in Pyrocat HD 1:1:100, 75F, Jobo processor at F speed.

 

[removedacct1]

I did tests with the 4x5 version of it two days ago. Intrepid 4x5 with the 100mm Wide Field Ektar lens. Rated at 40 ASA and processed in Rodinal 1:50

[attachment removed per poster request--moderator]

 

[NortheastPhotographic]

I did tests with the 4x5 version of it two days ago. Intrepid 4x5 with the 100mm Wide Field Ektar lens. Rated at 40 ASA and processed in Rodinal 1:50
View attachment 244293

That is gorgeous!

 

[Horatio]

25 sheets of 4x5 for $29. I’m going to order some, along with some rolls of 120.

 

[braxus]

What makes you think this film is GP3? I understood they used the same backing paper, but was not the same emulsion as the Chinese film. It may have been made in the same plant though.