Fomapan Films

[thefizz]

I've been reading some old threads on Fomapan films regarding some quality problems and would like to hear from current users on how good the film is at present. I use a lot of Foma's papers without any problems so I was wondering what their films are like?

 

[Ian Grant]

Over the last 3 years I've used a lot of Foma film 100 & 200 with no problems at all. Most has been 120 but I've also shot 5x4 and some 9x12cm. It's not my primary film but it's sometimes easier for me to find here in Turkey (in stock) as Delta 100 & 400 aren't imported.

Ian

 

[thefizz]

That's good to hear Ian. The bad reports I read about where a few years old and I think concerned a particular batch number so maybe it was an isolated problem.

 

[brian steinberger]

Lately I've been using Fomapan 400 in 120 on and off with some really great results. Don't be surprised by the blue film base, it's supposed to be like that. I don't have any experience with 35mm, but one time years ago I did buy a box of Fomapan 200 in 4x5 and the film was cut too big to fit into my film holders, which I thought was rediculous. I'll stick with Ilford, but I've had good luck with the 400 in 120.

 

[Mark Antony]

I've used a fair bit in 35mm some 120 and have never had a single problem. I've just ordered some 4x5 Fomapan 100 so I hope my luck holds.
I think the Foma stuff is pretty good, much better than the now gone Forte (some pinholes on 400) and the emulsions seem to be more robust than the Adox.
Good value for money I just paid £21 for 50 sheets 4x5, Ilford and Kodak are 2-3 times the price.
Mark

 

[jp498]

I like their papers too.

I've shot Fomapan 100 in 8x10 and it's awesome so far. (10 sheets)

I shot two rolls of Fomapan 120 (100 and 400) The 400 was grainier than I liked, but otherwise technically fine. The 100 exhibited some of the quality problems discussed here. This was this past winter.

I can't make a judgement on 1-2 rolls. I buy mostly Kodak for 120 film, but there are many good consistent choices. I've also had good results with Neopan 100 and Efke 50. I'd suggest at least three rolls to "try" a film as you'll need to both fine tune developing, and experience a variety of shooting conditions.

 

[R gould]

I've used a lot of the fomapan 400 without any problems in both 35mm and 120, nice film and a tonality all of its own,Richard

 

[Rick A]

I'm using loads of 100 speed in 120 and 4x5, like it lots. The only complaint is how curly it is after drying(120). Seems to want to roll back up on itself. Havent had any pinholes or scratches yet.

 

[Trond]

I have been using Fomapan 100 as one of my standard films for a couple of years now, and I think it's a very nice film. No problems so far, other than those I have caused myself. I'm currently developing it in Rodinal.

Trond

 

[thefizz]

Thanks for the replies. I will give it a try so.

 

[paulie]

8x10 is fantastic and cheap , i have not enjoyed using there smaller sizes, they dont seem to be very good at all. but still cheap

 

[ntenny]

I'm pretty delighted with Fomapan 100; at this point I've shot it in 35mm, 120, 9x12, and 5x7, and I feel like it behaves pretty much the same in all formats (the funky blue 120 base notwithstanding). I have had a few pinholes in the sheet formats, and I once got a roll of 120 that had some sort of bizarre coating defect throughout the roll; there's a sample at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ntenny/3284015097/.

So I'm torn; on the one hand, this is a film with a distinct tonal "look", a grain structure that I like (it's grainy for an ASA 100 film, but I don't mind that), a small number on the price tag, and a smallish manufacturer whom I'm glad to be supporting, but on the other, I have to admit there seems to be something to the quality concerns that people express.

I have the leisure of using it for fun rather than to make a living; if I were shooting really life-and-death-critical material, I guess I have to admit I'd go with something else. (But in that case I'd probably double up on film and d*g*t*l, too, since each has vulnerabilities of its own...)

At EI 50 it has lower contrast (of course) and a really long, tasty tonal scale. I go back and forth on whether I like it better that way or at box speed.

-NT

 

[DLM]

I've used quite a bit of the rebranded Fomapan that Freestyle sells, and although I've had some issues, it's a great film and it will continue to be one of my primary b&w films. I've noticed that it scratches extremely easily, and once in a while I do get the pinholes that others complain of. One more thing, I don't use an acid stop bath, only water. I remember reading somewhere that the Foma emulsion seems to lift off the base more with the acid stops than just using water.

 

[jpa]

I use ( and really enjoy ) Fomapan 100, 200, and 400. The 200 is my fave. It's unfortunately not made anymore.

The only problem that I've ever had with Fomapan film is in 120 - every roll that I've shot ends up sticking to my Rolleiflex at the end of a roll ( the Fomapan "tags" at the end of the roll are self-adhesive ). They stick to the Rollei and I have to open it up in the dark to get the film to advance all the to the end. It's a royal pain, enough so that I may not use it in 120 format until I'm assured that this problem has been rectified.

Other than that, I love their films.

 

[jpa]

Oh, I forgot - the 200 curls like nobody's business.

 

[fschifano]

Oh, I forgot - the 200 curls like nobody's business.

All of Foma's 120 films curl like crazy. The 35 mm stuff dries more flat than Kodak's films. Go figure. I really wish I could get Tri-X to dry without cupping.

 

[vedmak]

I am using 35mm, bought a 100" roll in 2009, no problems.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I was a HUGE fan of the 200. I shot it in 5x7 and 8x10 sizes (and cut down to 6.5 x 8.5). It's a gorgeous film, terrific for alt process printing as it builds contrast very easily. As mentioned previously it is no longer available, but based on that experience I would have no hesitation about buying their other products in the same sizes.

 

[Leighgion]

I've had some problems on and off with emulsion flaws in Foma 100 and 200 under Freestyle's Arista label, especially in 120, but it hasn't put me off. Treated right, they're great films and you can't beat the price. The curl is annoying yes, but I'm with fschifano in just being happy that they don't cup the way Tri-X does.

Recently dialed in my process much better with Foma 400. I liked my earlier results, but the highlights were blocking really fast. Seems the film is sensitive about any overdevelopment. Pulling back the time just a bit made for much smoother negs.

 

[Ross Chambers]

I was a HUGE fan of the 200. I shot it in 5x7 and 8x10 sizes (and cut down to 6.5 x 8.5). It's a gorgeous film, terrific for alt process printing as it builds contrast very easily. As mentioned previously it is no longer available, but based on that experience I would have no hesitation about buying their other products in the same sizes.

I'm not sure what is going on with Fomapan 200 availability. I rushed off (electronically that is) to Freestyle when I heard that it was becoming hard to get and bought 100 sheets of 5x7" with no problem. I note that it is "in store and available" currently.

I endorse its suitability for negs aimed at salt and cyanotype prints, that's why I panicked a little at the availability posts.

Regards - Ross

 

[wiggywag]

I'm not sure what is going on with Fomapan 200 availability. I rushed off (electronically that is) to Freestyle when I heard that it was becoming hard to get and bought 100 sheets of 5x7" with no problem. I note that it is "in store and available" currently.

I endorse its suitability for negs aimed at salt and cyanotype prints, that's why I panicked a little at the availability posts.

Regards - Ross

I've heard they had some problems with new laws in EU concerning environmental friendly production and use of materials. They are in a process of changing the routines, and believe a new version of the 200 will be realeased. I have heard they are doing changes this summer.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I'm not sure what is going on with Fomapan 200 availability. I rushed off (electronically that is) to Freestyle when I heard that it was becoming hard to get and bought 100 sheets of 5x7" with no problem. I note that it is "in store and available" currently.

I endorse its suitability for negs aimed at salt and cyanotype prints, that's why I panicked a little at the availability posts.

Regards - Ross

They may still have stock of the 5x7 leftover. I've got a fair bit of it in stock myself in 5x7. I hope they start carrying it in 8x10 again so I can keep cutting it down for whole plate. Looking at the Freestyle website, it's only the 5x7 size, and only the Foma OEM labeled, not the Arista.EDU Ultra.

 

[ntenny]

I was a HUGE fan of the 200. I shot it in 5x7 and 8x10 sizes (and cut down to 6.5 x 8.5). It's a gorgeous film, terrific for alt process printing as it builds contrast very easily.

Hmm, that sounds downright useful. Do you shoot it at box speed?

-NT

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Hmm, that sounds downright useful. Do you shoot it at box speed?

-NT

I always shot it one speed down from box speed- it's more like a 100 film, even when you're printing silver gelatin. If nothing else it helps beef up shadow detail.

 

[Ross Chambers]

I shoot the ISO 200 at ISO 64, usually overdevelop 25-35% for salt print contrast ratios.

Given the high reciprocity compensation, as advised by the manufacturer's data sheet, which becomes necessary from this regime I have sometimes just said to my self: "15 minutes, crazy, I'll give it 90 seconds" with some success. Absolutely not scientific, but I believe Edward Weston was given to similar sloppiness.

Recently in well lit conditions, maybe 5 stops SBR, I worked to this method and my negs printed quite well (at Grade 0 or 1) on Ilford Warmtone FB, but I haven't tried them as salt, the weather being not conducive as I need sunlight for UV.

Regards - Ross