Foma 400

[Peter Schrager]

So I'm curious as to whether Foma 400 actually exists in 8x10...I've been to all the usual sites and all I see is the 100....am I missing something here??
Thanks, Peter

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

It isn't available in sheet film at all, Peter.

They only make the 100, and used to make the 200 before they suspended it due to quality issues.

- Thomas

 

[Peter Schrager]

thanks Thomas-yes that figures...the 200 was pretty cool stuff but gone now
back to the old standbys; hp5;fp4 or tmy which has become totally outrageous in price
Best, Peter

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

Peter, when I shot sheet film I wanted the Foma 400 too! Such nice film, and I did like the 200 a lot too.
I agree TMY has become super expensive, but I believe I get what I pay for when I buy it. It really is superb film.

- Thomas

thanks Thomas-yes that figures...the 200 was pretty cool stuff but gone now
back to the old standbys; hp5;fp4 or tmy which has become totally outrageous in price
Best, Peter

 

[Tom Kershaw]

Thomas,

If cost is not considered (as much as that is possible), is there any reason you personally would still use Fomapan 400 in place of Kodak T-Max 400?

Tom

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

Tom, I have had so many problems with emulsion defects and Foma films. Pinholes in the emulsion, the latest issue with blemishes in the emulsion. I just can't trust the quality, and I fear I never will.

With that said, all the Foma films have a nice appearance in prints. The 100 is nicely sharp, has a beautiful grain, and I find it responds very well to changes in processing, making it easy to adjust its tonality.
The 400 has the most beautiful grain I've seen, and its antihalation treatment is not very modern, which I strangely enough like! Especially in 35mm it's gorgeous film.

But with TMax 400 I have never experienced any of those issues mentioned above. I can't even think of one single instance where I've had trouble with Kodak film. Not once. And it's as consistent as Earth rotation.
Besides, TMax 400 is another film that really does react well to processing alterations, and I believe I make the best prints I have ever made with this film. So I'm not likely to change now unless Kodak discontinues it. It would be silly to stop using something that bends to my will as well as TMY-2.

- Thomas

 

[Peter Schrager]

there is no doubt that TMY could be the greatest film EVER as in really ever...I just shoot a lot film and in 8x10 100 sheets will cost me over $550...right now I'm using it in 4x5 and enlarging on x-ray dupe for alt process...still cheaper...unfortunately nothing beats an in camera negative
Best, Peter

 

[cmacd123]

Just this week, I noticed that some foma sheet film is now showing on Freestyles site. 4X5 and 5X7 but who knows what other sizes thay might make if they see a market.