Fomapan 200 or 400?

[Dali]

My 120 film stock is almost exhausted and I am looking for medium speed films to develop in D76.

I was wondering what would be the best choice between Fomapan 200 or Fomapan 400... Apart from the speed, is there any difference I should be aware of? Did you compare both films and do you have any preference?

Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

[Ian Grant]

I've been shooting Fomapan 100 & 200 in 120 and LF for about 10 years now, both at half box speed to tame their contrast.. I really like Fomapan 200, I've not considered using the 400 preferring slower films anyway.

In terms of quality both the 100 & 200 emulsions are excellent and I've made quite a few exhibition prints fom 120 negatives, mostly made with my Yashicamat 124. I've run out of 120 but bought a lot of Delat 100 & 400 last year which needs using up first.

Ian

 

[R.Gould]

I use both 400 and 200 in both 35mm and 120, develop the 120 in Rodinal and 35mm in either D76 or Firstcall film developer AKA Rollei RHS, I prefer the 400 as I often am using an orange filter, so my 400 becomes 100. I shoot normally at box speed, unless the weather is very dull, when I will shot at half box speed, also, with 400 it allows me to shot hand held in dark conditions such as inside museums etc, in D76 35mm is not to grainy, and I have made exhibition prints up to 20/24 from my 120 negs with no problems, I use either my Rolleiflex or Rollei or Microcord or one of my many folders, I have made 12/16 from 35mm in either of the 2 developers, bit of grain but nice grain,
Richard

 

[Michael L.]

So far, I have tried the Fomapan 400 only once, but the ISO 200 version I use regularly both in 135 and 120 format, exposing it at ISO 125 with good results. Both D-76 and Rodinal yield satisfactory negatives, but acutance is higher with the latter developer.
I should add that I nearly always use a medium or light yellow-green filter on the lens to counteract the (to my taste) excessive red sensitivity of this film.
Regards, Michael

 

[Stephen Prunier]

Just a heads up. Foma is the house brand at freestyle for 120 format. It's available in all 3 speeds, and it's about a dollar cheaper. I use it in 100/400 and develop in D-76. Nice film.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I shot a LOT of the Arista.EDU Ultra 200 in 5x7 sheets. Great film. I too recommend shooting it at 100 instead of box speed.

 

[Paul Howell]

I have both 200 and 400 in 35mm, 120 and 4X5, in most cases I prefer 200 shot at 125 develop in MCM 100 14 mints. I have also used D76 and DXX with good results. When I use 400 I shoot at 200, if I shoot at 400 I treat as a push or use Acufine. I have read that in the past there were issues with quality control, I have not had any issues with defects. I use water for stop bath and use PF T4 for fix.