Fomapan 100

[rubenmg]

I used now beutler 1:7 24ºC one agitation/minute with fomapan 100 sheets and i obtained a very good result, (not too much density but good tonal range)

Ruben

 

[Papageno]

Foma 100 spectral response

In one of the previous posts I found information, that Foma 100 has reduced red sensitivity in favour of blue rays. Actually, the manufacturer's data suggests something opposite. See attached file. They don't explain however, how they measured that and what the term Relative Spectral Sensitivity means. Relative to what? I shot one roll 120 in winter and clouds were clearly defined on a blue sky.

 

[djkloss]

Using the imperfect but objective RMS granularity scale, Foma 100 is 13.5. For comparison, T-Max 100 is 8, Plus-X is 10, APX 100 is 9. Human vision detects a difference of about 16%, so you can see that Foma 100 is two orders of magnatude there.

I have been shooting Foma 100 in 35mm because of the price; it's a nice film but definitely somewhat grainy.

Of course, with large format it's probably better than almost anything available 80 years ago even at 13.5!

How does that compare (in numbers) with techpan? and what do these numbers mean?

 

[Paul Verizzo]

How does that compare (in numbers) with techpan? and what do these numbers mean?

Techpan was (note past tense) rated at 8 in HC110 and 5 in Technidol. I've seen at least one source that claimed 3. I report, you decide.

I've searched the internet for examples of films and their ratings just for my own knowledge and fun. Also, definition in lines per millimeter. I believe subjectivity is wonderful in art, love, and philosophy. However, I want objectivity for comparation. Not long ago someone here enthused about Kodak XX movie film's grain and definition. Sorry, both are rather low by today's standards (14 RMS granularity and 32/100 lines). That doesn't mean it can't be a beautiful film for certain needs. But don't let passion surpass empiricism. That's my two cents.....

As to what RMS granularity is, good not-so-old Wikipedia:

RMS granularity
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

RMS granularity is a method developed by Kodak for measuring the grain of a given film stock at a given exposure density. It stands for the square root (R) of the arithmetic mean (M) of the square (S) (see root mean square) of density variations. RMS values can be more objectively measured through the use of a small aperture (48 micrometre) microdensitometer which scans exposures made at a uniform density. These values can then be mapped out across a sensitometric curve chart, so that the density of a particular film will correlate to an exposure time which is also a point on the RMS curve, and can thus be used to derive the RMS value. Typically, the RMS curve for a film negative will peak at underexposed densities before hitting optimum grain reduction at normal and slightly overexposed densities.

RMS Granularity RATING (or RMS Granularity SCALE): The RMS Granularity NUMBER is not the same as the RMS Granularity RATING. The RMS granularity rating indicates the film's relative graininess. Each successive RMS number represents a doubling of the graininess. For example, a film with an RMS 5 granularity rating is twice as grainy as a film with an RMS 4 rating. Note: RMS granularity ratings of print films and slide films are not directly comparable. As a rule of thumb, you should multiply a print film's RMS number by 2.5 to approximate its graininess compared to a slide film's RMS rating.

The RMS Granularity NUMBER on the other hand is simply the Standard deviation for random-density fluctuations for a particular film."

 

[Rolleijoe]

I would like to know if someone can say to me that type of film is Fomapan 100, characteristics, type of emulsion, type of grain, quality, best developers... Also if someone has compared it thoroughly with others like Tmax100 or Fp4. I´m intereted in sheets. Thank you!

Best regards,

Ruben

Fomapan is most like APX films in their tonality, and I have shot both in 4x5. It's a more traditional film, with none of that horrible T-crap problems with it. It's nothing like anything Ilford produces either, Ilford has what I used to call "panavision" look to it.

Shooting 4x5 grain isn't an issue, and my standard developer with it is Rodinal 1:50 for 10min or 1:100 semi-stand for an hour. But I'm sure you know you'll just have to buy a box and run your own tests. That's the best way to know what your actual camera/lens/etc can produce with it.