Debating switching to FP4+

[RalphLambrecht]

+1

 

[Andre Noble]

I feel FP4+ is great quality film that performs just "OK".

Of course it's a great portrait film because of the way it minimizes skin blemishes in the upper tones of caucasian skin. But it doesn't subtly differentiate as well the darker midtones and dark tones - which to me is what really makes black and white photos interesting to look at.

You can see it a litte in the scans above - compare to the luscious darktones of the Foma 100 to FP4+.

I feel the Kodak films excell at this. I recently purchased some 40 different 6x6cm Kodak and Ilford negatives shot in the late 60's and early 70's - the difference in the rendition of darker tones (kodak's being better in my view) is apparent even when printing another photographers negatives from 45 years ago.

 

[Jerevan]

I just have to say: I agree with those who say that it is a matter of getting to know your materials. Some easy tests in the beginning (like the one Aron suggested for example - just pick one and go) and then keeping track of what you are doing and you'll be on your way to good, consistent results, provided you stick to the same material over a period of time. All too often I hear of people disparaging a film after running two rolls and then looking at the negatives.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I know it's already been said, but I'll repeat it again- the problem isn't materials, it's technique. Both FP4+ and Fomapan are great films. The only reason I can see to switch to FP4+ is the quality control. This becomes less an issue when working in large format, as any pinholes generally disappear as a matter of size. If you're finding your skies are consistently blown out with Foma, I'd shorten your development time. Also, if you're planning on making a change to your regime, change one variable at a time, to control for the change. Otherwise you can't tell what the effect of the change is. I used to develop with Rodinal, and I used it at 1:50. Having moved to large format and contact printing in alternative processes, I've changed to Pyrocat HD. I do go back and forth between Fomapan 200 and FP4+ in part because only certain sizes are available in the Fomapan 200. But it's a lovely film for what I use it for and I have no real complaints. Ditto with FP4+.