Efke 25 sheet film

skyrick · Jan 19, 2010

I'm new to developing. I'm going to start with Efke 25, because that's the only 2x3 sheet film I can find. (Graflex Pacemaker Crown Graphic) I did a search on previous threads about this film and what I have gleaned from a light scan of 2 or 3 of the pages of search results is:

1. This film is not sensitive to red part of spectrum, so if exposing in bright sun or tungsten, expose for EI12.

2. Rodinal seems to be the preferred developer, but I only have access to HC111 or D76. Massive Dev Chart lists D76 @ 7 minutes for this film, no entry for HC111. Is D76 a good substitute for Rodinal?

Does anyone have any other tips or caveats regarding exposing or processing this film?

Thanks in advance.

Rick

ntenny · Jan 19, 2010

I *love* this film. It's not truly *insensitive* to red, just has reduced red sensitivity, which results in some interesting tones; I haven't felt the need to shoot it at reduced speed for that reason, but I suppose one could. Blue skies do tend to blow out, however, and overexposing will make that worse---I would suggest a yellow filter for shooting in full daylight, same as for ortho film.

Checking the MDC, I find that it suggests 7 minutes for EI 25 in HC-110 dilution B. I think I've used this time successfully, though I usually develop it in PC-TEA. Nothing is very much like Rodinal, which uses an uncommon developing agent and is famous for interesting edge effects, but IMHO, at the beginning it doesn't matter too much *what* developer you use as long as you find it convenient to work with---this stage is about getting up the learning curve, and the differences between developers are going to be down in the noise compared to the other variations introduced by figuring out your workflow.

-NT

JMC1969 · Jan 19, 2010

Well, I know you are talking about the sheet film here, but I have experience with the 120 version of this film and would assume they are not that far apart. I would have to agree with NT, I LOVE this film.

My example:

Efke 25 (120)
Mini Speed Graphic w/ roll back
Ektar 101mm f4.5
Developed in Clayton F76+ (same as the f60) @ 70º for 5 mins.

Emptied - "Before dinner Pint"

Hope this is of some help.

Jody

drpsilver · Jan 19, 2010

19 Jan 2010

Rick:

I have had good results developing this film in HC110 at 1:59. My development time is 6:00 at 68F with continuous rotation. I work with 4x5 sheets. I would also like to try developing this film in Rodinol.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Darwin

Bosaiya · Jan 20, 2010

I shoot a lot of this film and love it. Call me simple but I just shoot it at box speed and develop in Rodinal.

Ian Grant · Jan 20, 2010

Like others I've shot quite a bit of this film, almost always at 50 EI processed in Rodinal but more recently (since 2006) in Pyrocat HD.

If shooting in Tungsten lighting I'd drop the EI back to 25. It's a great film once you master it, I began using it in the early 1970's when still known by it's DIN speed KB/R/PL14 designation

Ian

DanielStone · Jan 20, 2010

great film, super high silver content, just like those films of 'yore .

efke recommends shooting it at iso 50, just so you know. 25 works if you have a longish exposure time, roughly to factor reciprocity.

if you're in full sun, nothing to worry about.

*red insensitivity*: reduced, but not totally insensitive. as stated above, shooting with a LIGHT yellow filter to bring back to normal a little.

enjoy it!

-Dan

mts · Jan 20, 2010

W25 filter works too.

I too like this film. Here is something a little different than the other postings, Efke PL50 with a W25 filter to reduce the sky brightness in comparison with the Moon.

The image was made a few minutes after sunset as full Moon rose, with a baby Speedgraphic f/16, 3 sec. exposure. I made several exposures and this one was developed in DK-50, an old somewhat higher contrast developer that was long-favored by press photographers. The Efke film responds well to this too, as it does to the old standbys Rodinal and D-76.

ronlamarsh · Jan 20, 2010

Efke 25

I assume all the previous comments would apply to 5X7 sheet film also, but am wondering has anyone had problems with the low speed and extended exposure times that plague us in the LF world?

skyrick · Jan 20, 2010

Thanks to everyone who replied. I thought this was some obscure film, I'm psyched by the enthusiasm and preference you all have shown for this. Can't wait to try it!

Rick

Efke 25 sheet film

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