FOMA-r factory issue.

[Ricardo Miranda]

I contacted FOMA via my dealer before Christmas, because I was confused as the last batch of Fomapan 400 was without DX coding. It took some time, but this week I got the feedback. So maybe it takes some time as English is not that common in former eastern Europe and second I would also suggest to contact via the dealer/ retailer the product was bought from.

Right! And what was the answer they gave to you?
That they run out of the old Ferrania cassettes, wasn't it?

BTW, I like FOMA.
Good films!

 

[Xmas]

Q.E.D.
Foma will not answer you, I guaranteed it.
And please stop (I'm not referring to you, avortex) the bull++++ that at Foma there aren't people that know english, otherwise how do they sell films in the U.S.A.?
To me I will not buy their film anymore just because the complete lack of a proper customer service, especially because they are EN ISO 9001.

But in a previous thread it was reported that Foma had replaced (a liquid emulsion bottle) that had been returned as faulty.

So to try again

Manufacture
Storage
Processing

Any can be a problem...
Ron (PE) has just indicated that 35mm film tubs are not suitable for freezing without additional sealing...

Simon said you needed to send a sample back...

 

[R.Gould]

Two months ago I Emailed Foma as I wanted some information over some of their papers, I had a full and long reply within 48 hours, I have contacted Foma a few times in the past requesting info, and to date have always had a quick reply.

 

[Animalcito]

Q.E.D.Foma will not answer you, I guaranteed it.And please stop (I'm not referring to you, avortex) the bull++++ that at Foma there aren't people that know english, otherwise how do they sell films in the U.S.A.?To me I will not buy their film anymore just because the complete lack of a proper customer service, especially because they are EN ISO 9001.

Ciao Ale,why that aggressive?It was not said "that at Foma there aren't people that know english", my statement was "English is not that common". That´s different and if you compare the level of English knowledge in Czech Republic with Norway or Germany it is in fact lower, but the young generation which has grown up after the iron curtain has fallen is increasing and I would even say that it is much better today than the English level of the young generation here in Italy. Saluti!

 

[Animalcito]

Right! And what was the answer they gave to you?That they run out of the old Ferrania cassettes, wasn't it?BTW, I like FOMA.Good films!

Well Ricardo I didn´t ask for details on their supply chain, but it was confirmed that the new batch of Fomapan 400 is shipped with cartridges without DX coding and that this is not a manufacturing error, also the the new small carton boxes are now without the DX symbol. So it seems to be a well planned step. BTW, I didn´t know that FOMA used cartridges from Ferrania in the past.

 

[railwayman3]

A week without response. I think it's safe to say now that there's no such a thing as "customer service" in Foma.
What a shame. My favourite B&W stock and I'm not going to purchase it anymore...

Unfortunately there are still too many companies with poor customer service, particularly larger concerns, and even UK businesses here where language issues are not a problem. Just Google"(insert company name) complaints" !

(Ilford/Harman is a notable example of how things should be done, likewise the "old" Kodak always looked into alleged problems as well as supplying lots of free and very useful literature. I've no experience with Foma, so can't comment. )

 

[miha]

Two months ago I Emailed Foma as I wanted some information over some of their papers, I had a full and long reply within 48 hours, I have contacted Foma a few times in the past requesting info, and to date have always had a quick reply.

Same here Richard. I've contacted them a few years ago about their Fomatol PW print developer as they've changed the formula.

 

[peter k.]

Plus I don't like their products, ... should I add something?

No, .. you made your real reason of dissatisfaction clear!
Like all of us, ... enjoy the films you do like to shoot, which includes Foma for me, and move on ~~~ :munch:

 

[Ricardo Miranda]

Well Ricardo I didn´t ask for details on their supply chain, but it was confirmed that the new batch of Fomapan 400 is shipped with cartridges without DX coding and that this is not a manufacturing error, also the the new small carton boxes are now without the DX symbol. So it seems to be a well planned step. BTW, I didn´t know that FOMA used cartridges from Ferrania in the past.

Ciao!
Lol, yeap, they bought from Ferrania Technologies their remaining stock of caasettes after they stopped production in about 2011 or earlier.
If you pick up those Foma cassettes with the DX code and run it over the DX simulator, that would point out to Ferrania Solaris.

 

[flavio81]

No, .. you made your real reason of dissatisfaction clear!
Like all of us, ... enjoy the films you do like to shoot, which includes Foma for me, and move on ~~~ :munch:

+1

I never had any kind of problem with Foma 100 or Foma 400. Of course, i haven't used Foma R100. But everything has been satisfaction with Foma. I love their films. I also use Ilford and Kodak films, happy with them as well.

PS: DX coding is for little kids.

 

[flavio81]

Evidently you ignore the fact that some cameras cannot practically use films lacking dx codes...

Which cameras, Alessandro?

There is a way to "fool" a camera into believing a particular DX coding by wiring the contacts of the camera. I think i had a webpage link on this somewhere...

 

[Xmas]

Which cameras, Alessandro?

There is a way to "fool" a camera into believing a particular DX coding by wiring the contacts of the camera. I think i had a webpage link on this somewhere...

You can stick on aluminium foil with pressure sensitive tape. If you have a camera dependent upon codes.

People slagged of efke and they went bust, efke film was ok.

Foma film, RC, their info, etc. has been all good for me and I use a lotta film.

 

[R.Gould]

Lower league Nikons (F60 and so on) for example. The defaul ISO setting for non coded cassettes is 100. You certainly can compensate the exposure but to a limit and it's not practical at all because if you want to over rate the film by two stops and compensate an additional two stops you can't (that 4 stops compensation and no camera allows that). I wouldn't modify in any way a camera just to use Foma films, I'm not that fool! And all that why? Because in 2015 Foma isn't unable to use coded cassettes? ABSURD!! As far as I'm concerned, Foma films reimain in the only place they belong to: the shelves of the foto shop.

The ONLY film I use is Foma, 200 and 400, and this has been my film of choice for many years, and will continue as long as Foma keep making films, the reason is simple, I like the results I get from them, I leave kodak and Ilford film on the shelf, I don't like them, so Alessandro, because you don't like what I consider a superior film don't knock them, many photographers use their film and enjoy them, as far as DX coding is concerned, none of the cameras I use need it, in fact it was not around when most of my Cameras were made, I have only 1 camera in my collection that uses DX, and I never use the camera, and when I did use cameras with DX coding I never used it, I have Yet to have a Foma film with a QC problem, the only problems are down to me, and that applies to Ilford and Kodak, not the films fault if the photographer makes a mistake, so you use the films you like, and I will use my choice of film, thank heavens we do not all like and use the same materials and equipment, the world of analogue photography would be a dull place if we did. As regards Foma customer service, I have requested info on nurmerous occosions by Email from them ovewr the years and have always had a prompt, polite and very full reply, normally within 48 hours, I once contacted Ilford for info, sent 3 Emails over 3 weeks, I am still waiting, 6 months later, for a reply, so they all make mistakes

 

[flavio81]

Lower league Nikons (F60 and so on) for example. The defaul ISO setting for non coded cassettes is 100. You certainly can compensate the exposure but to a limit and it's not practical at all because if you want to over rate the film by two stops and compensate an additional two stops you can't (that 4 stops compensation and no camera allows that). I wouldn't modify in any way a camera just to use Foma films, I'm not that fool! And all that why? Because in 2015 Foma isn't unable to use coded cassettes? ABSURD!! As far as I'm concerned, Foma films reimain in the only place they belong to: the shelves of the foto shop.

You can also buy the film in bulk rolls and load them in any dx-coded cartridges you like, plus save even more money...

Now, seriously, if you're going to shoot black & white, you definitely would benefit from manipulating the ISO setting at will. Thus i don't think the F60 is a good choice for B&W work. What if -for example- you want to rate HP5 at ISO 1600? or shoot Acros at ISO 64? etc etc

As for Fomapan, again, it has been a very nice film for me, with no problems at all. In fact i'm using Fomapan 100 now more than ever.

 

[sagai]

Sorry for drifting the topic off, having mentioned foma 400 before, is there any experience of pushing it to 1600 or to 3200?
Does it suitable for pushing 2- 3 steps?
Thanks

 

[Simon R Galley]

Dear R.Gould,

Sorry we did not reply, what did you want ? I will ensure you get what you needed...PM me if you like or if it's too late I humbly apologise.

Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :

 

[R.Gould]

Simon, Thanks but I found what I needed on line from somewhere, normally Ilfords customer service is first class and I only mentioned it to point out that no matter how good the customer service is anyone can make a mistake, and I point out that this was the only time that Ilford has failed me, I have contacted you on numerous occasions and normally get a responce within a day or two, and in my Experiance Fomas response time is pretty good, I do use some Harman products, such as paper, but I personally like the tonality and look of Fomapan film.
Richard

 

[R.Gould]

You can expose Fomapan 400 at 800 without to much trouble, and I would think you could push it another stop, but you would get almost golf ball sized grain with 35mm, it is very old school film, which is one of the reasons I like it, maybe 120 wouldn't be so bad, but to be honest for pushing Ilford HP5+ is the better film, or Kodak's tri x, if I need to push film I always keep a roll or 2 of HP5
Richard

 

[Simon R Galley]

Dear Richard,

OK, not a problem... It's just that I could have got my brother to drop it off he lives in St.Mary !


Simon. ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :

 

[R.Gould]

Dear Richard,

OK, not a problem... It's just that I could have got my brother to drop it off he lives in St.Mary !


Simon. ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :

St Mary is about 20 minutes away from me, if fact I was out there today, If I remember correctly I was looking for info about the new FB paper and availibility of it, this was during the spell when it seemed un available, I wanted to try it, I have since given it a go and it is very impressive,
Richard

 

[R.Gould]

Evidently you ignore the fact that some cameras cannot practically use films lacking dx codes...

No problem, just DX coding labels, they are pretty widely available, at least over here

 

[flavio81]

a

Sorry for drifting the topic off, having mentioned foma 400 before, is there any experience of pushing it to 1600 or to 3200?
Does it suitable for pushing 2- 3 steps?
Thanks

Ok, long answer:

1. Foma 400 is about ISO 200-250 in a standard developer like D76 and about ISO 250-320 on a speed enhancing developer like ILFORD Microphen (which is very good stuff)
2. So in theory it would be suitable for pushing to 1280 on Microphen
3. BUT it has extended and increased red sensitivity so perhaps on tungsten (or similar) lighting it behaves more like a 1600 film (instead of 1280)
4. Some people have tried pushing it to 1600, you'll have to search on the internet.

however...

5. For pushing to 1600 your best bet is ILFORD HP5+, which pushes perfectly to 1600 with D76 or any suitable developer. HP5+ with Microphen at 1600, at least on medium format, is excellent with very fine grain and high sharpness. Been there, done that, with happy results.

 

[sagai]

Thanks Flavio, it saves me some time and money, thank you!
I am happy with having Ilford Pan400 for this 2-3 steps pushing rather than HP5 that is outrageously priced here for me.
Thanks again!

 

[Xmas]

Exactly, but I view it from another pov.
That is, the Nikon F60 is perfectly fine (exposure compensation of 3 stops in 1/2 stop increments is more than adequate), DX codeless cassettes are not, especially in 2015.

POV can be different.
If it is cheaper without DX codes I like it.
If you like more expensive film...

 

[R.Gould]

Infact, dear R.Gould, I've written "as far as I'm concerned".
I don't understand your rant pro Foma (it seems written as exactly the opposite of mine - a coincidence?). So what? Because the OT is about Foma R 100, so let's talk about that.
Has Foma corrected the problem of the reversal film? No.
Has Foma replied to Dr5? No.
That's relevant. Period.

Alessandro,
You don't like anything about foma and don't seem to have a good word to say about them, I dissagree with your P.O.V, end of story, I have a lot of good to say about the competion, and I won't try and force my views on anybody, it appears that they only that would make you happy is if Foma went out of business, I say it would be a sad day for us all if any company producing analogue products went, so lets just agree to disagree about this, you use what you want to and I will continue to use what I like,period, end of story as far as I am concerned