Efke 100 question

[James1]

Hi folks,

I've now had good success with Efke 25 and Efke 50 orthopan emulsions, exposing at the daylight speeds recommended by Fotokemika of ISO40 and ISO80 then processing using Paterson/Adox FX39. This combination gives incredible sharpness and image quality.

But, as Efke 100 is more or less fully panchromatic, would I be right in thinking it's more or less an ISO100 film with the above "rule" not applying?

I'm planning on trying Efke 100 in Pyrocat HD, perhaps exposing at EI125 or perhaps EI160. Any recommendations for EI, Pyrocat dilution and agitation scheme would be appreciated!

J.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

Isn't Efke 100 gone? Where you going to source a regular supply?

 

[kxjiru]

Isn't Efke 100 gone? Where you going to source a regular supply?

There's a seller on eBay who seems to have a huge stock. I've been tempted to purchase but future availability is a problem .

 

[Ian Grant]

EFKE used to state the ASA was 160 in Daylight with KB/R/P 21 (the old DIN name for the EFKE 100).

I haven't used the 100 emulsion only the EFKE 25 but would try it at 1600 in Pyrocat HD at 1+1 to 100 for 16mins at 20ºC inversion agitation 10 secs (2 or 3 inversions) every minute. I have a box of quarter plate and another 5x4 at the moment.

Ian

 

[James1]

Thanks Ian, that's what I thought on the EI!

Re availability - I have a little to test, but I've used the seller on eBay a few times and he is very reliable - I've had no problems.

 

[Ricardo Miranda]

Hi
I'm sure your Ebay seller is very reliable until he runs out of stock.
Don't get used to Efke films: the factory closed doors in 2012 and most equipment has now "walked out the doors".
It will be much easier for you to get fresh supplies of good films still in continuous production: anything from Foma or Ilford should satisfy you.
You can get them via good retailers like Silverprint, Process Supplies, The Imaging Warehouse or Harman Express for really an outstanding service.
Keep those factories open and producing film.
Buy fresh film from reputed retailers.

 

[Ian Grant]

When Jessops distributed EFKE films as their own brand B&W film they sold the EFKE 100 films as Jessops 200 ASA and they were fine at that speed.

Ian

 

[James1]

Thanks again Ian. I've previously used Efke 25 and Efke 50 at EI40-50 and EI80-100 respectively and the sharpness is incredible, so will be trying Efke 100 at EI160-200.

Thanks also for your reply Ricardo. As it happens, I think the beauty of photography is that there is something for everyone - I personally like using old films and old processes. As I say, getting Efke KB100 is easy at the moment, and my rate of use is such that I will be able to use it for a while if I like it. That's not to say I don't purchase modern films once in a while...