Current Film Most Like Plus X

[bsdunek]

When it was being discontinued, I did an experiment where I found development times that gave PX and FP4 identical gammas (contrast). Wet prints of the same subject shot at the same time were very hard to tell apart.So I switched to FP4.

Yes, FP4 in Mecrophen is my favorite these days. I was a big Plus-X fan.

 

[Eric Rose]

China actually licensed something. Hard to believe they wouldn't just steal it. .

So freaking true!

 

[craigclu]

I'm getting flashbacks to an episode of many years ago.... It was about the time they announced the discontinuance of Plus-X. A family friend needed some catalog shots (B&W) for his automobile and motorcycle parts and accessories catalogs. A pro had let them down per timing issues and we decided we could pound through the hundreds of shots using some simple Spiratone monolights and umbrellas. He had a bunch of Plux-X in his freezer and I had FP4+ and Plus-X. We used Edwal FG-7 and remarked at the time that we couldn't tell one film from the other, at least in that soup. This was mostly inanimate, product shots but we also did some clothing shots with models and skin tone issues. We printed a number of things to 8X10 for display duties and as souvenirs for the models. I recall him saying that he wasn't going to miss Plux-X as much as he thought after that project. I read of others' FP4+ experiences and am amazed at the range of EI people end up with. It seems to be a film of many personalities in different users' hands...?

 

[Christiaan Phleger]

It has been a good while since I shot FP4+ but as far back as I can recall shooting it (just before the + version came out) it was commonly perceived as Ilford's version of Kodak Plus-X, much in the same view of HP5+ to Tri-X; similar yet slightly different. I always thought that FP4+ was closer to Plus-X in look and control than HP5+ was to Tri-X especially as Tri-X has "improved" over the years. I will attest to not having as wide a range of developer experience with FP4+ as I do with Plus-X (D-76, Microdol-X in all dilutions and replenished, Xtol which was a no go on really old PXP in 120 and DK-50 which _was_). I'll get some FP4+ on the next film order but I do wish it would go on sale every now and then...

 

[Lachlan Young]

I'm unaware of any replacement for Plus X sheet film. It was a long toe film popular for high-key portrait and fashion work. There are probably ways to introduce a substantial sag in the curve of FP4 or Delta 100 via special development tweaks; but I'll develop sagging jowls first. The curve of HP5 could be realistically tweaked, but it's comparatively large grained.

Given the comparatively large grain claimed for PXT (RMS 14 I think?) - probably less of an issue than it could be. Plus-X's history is incredibly confusing - have found some of the mid-50's data that claims the 'new' 135 PX of that era & 120 Verichrome Pan were effectively siblings, but by the 90's you've got 3 different Plus-X's for each of 135, rollfilm & sheets, each with different curves & graininess - and Verichrome Pan. I think the last 125PX was an attempt to circle back round to the original situation of 120 & 135 being similar fine-grained, fairly conventional curve shape emulsions which could thus replace VP & the 135 PX emulsion - whatever it was, 125PX was tonally quite beautiful - though it must be said, TMY-II is just as fine grained. I suspect that the demand for PXP & PXT was pretty low latterly.

 

[DREW WILEY]

Back when my much older brother was in the photo academy in the 60's, they expected commercial photography students to be comfortable with just three films - Tri-X for journalistic work, Super-XX or commercial (product, architecture, etc), and Plus X (sheet version) for studio portraiture. Once that mold was broken, which a lot of pros were accustomed to, there were inevitably complaints. The two speeds of TMax functionally replaced every one of em, plus TechPan and several other films; or at least that was the idea, it seems. Our favorite films come and go, and we adapt as needed. I personally find the TMax films to do just what they say; but I also use films from Ilford and others. Even apple pie gets boring if you eat it every day.