Efke IR 820 in 4x5, how is the quality control these days?

[PKM-25]

I used the first version of IR820 in 120 about 5 years ago, I bought 8 rolls, shot 6 and the other 2 are still in a loose film box in my fridge. I had terrible issues with little flecks of the emulsion coming off no matter how I souped it, was terrible.

Now I also use 4x5 so I shoot Rollei IR400 in both 120 and 4x5 and *love* the stark contrast and sharpness, love it!!

But I have just got a commission to shoot a re-make of a historical photo that was made on 4x5 HIE in the early 70's. So I am considering either using one of my rolls of 120mm Aerographic HIE or Efke IR820 in 4x5.

I now soup all my 120mm and 4x5 in a Jobo CPP2 so that is what I will be using for the IR as well, in developer mixed with distilled water...

Any opinions on this film as of late?

 

[E76]

I've used a few rolls of the Rollei IR in 35mm, but not 120. Never had any issues with it. I'm not sure if the Efke film is the same or not (but I wouldn't be surprised if it is).

 

[Maris]

My last 100 sheets of Efke IR820 4x5 have been flawless even though they got "rough" development; raw undiluted Dektol at 30 Celcius for 4 minutes. They were exposed at EI = 0.5 behind an IR680 filter (from China via Ebay) and I wanted contrast and density, nothing subtle.

 

[Neal]

Dear PKM-25,

I have no information on recent 4x5 IR820, but the roll of 120 I shot and developed last week was just fine. Xtol 1+2 (85% box time in Jobo), 1 min stop, 10 minutes in Kodafix.

Neal Wydra