Ilford Delta 25

[mikeg]

I was reading a new catalogue last night from Firstcall Photographic (a UK supplier) and something caught my attention. In the film section they were extolling the fine grain of PanF but then they mentioned that this would be surpassed by Delta 25 which was rumoured for release sometime in the next 12 months or so.

Anyone else heard of this rumour?

Cheers

Mike

 

[modafoto]

I have never heard of it, but a Delta 25 would be awesome!

 

[david b]

If it is anything close to the legendary APX 25, that would be fantastic.

 

[Claire Senft]

I hope that it is true.

 

[jim appleyard]

If it is true, let's hope it has a better tonal range that its T-grained cousins. I doubt it would be a match for APX 25 or Pan-X. However, we would certainly like to try it and see. Might be good in Rodinal.

 

[david b]

I just posted the question over at ilford.com to see what happens.

I will report back.

 

[panchromatic]

I will report back.

please do!

 

[zenrhino]

Might be good in Rodinal.

Isn't everything?

 

[Andy K]

I saw the title of this thread and my mouth watered!

 

[Chazzy]

This would certainly be a welcome development for all the people who are mourning the loss of apx25 and who have found that other 25 speed films are not what they wanted. But doesn't it seem surprising that Ilford would undercut the market for its own Pan F? But then, by that reasoning, I guess we would have none of the Delta films, so I clearly don't know what I'm talking about.

 

[gnashings]

I saw the title of this thread and my mouth watered!

Ha! You too? I did a double take - it must have looked comical, I think I have whip-lash.

 

[modafoto]

Isn't everything?

Yup!

 

[collect888]

The Official Reply is

David is not available to copy this over yet and I cannot wait to see the reply. Here I just find this official answer at Ilford's website:

"As part of the ongoing commitment at ILFORD Photo to traditional monochrome product we have been seeking the views of end users about new products we should consider making. We have received many suggestions which are being investigated from an R&D and market opportunity perpective, at this stage we are not in a position to confirm the introduction of new products apart from the recently announced Warmtone and Cooltone paper developers. It would be fair to state that ILFORD Photo will be introducing new products over the coming months which will be designed to extend the product range at a time when other manufacturers are reducing their ranges - press releases will be issued when we are ready to launch. Hope this helps."

This will be a great news if it is confirmed now. But from the reply I get not a confirmation, nor a deny. Interesting, though not satisfied, but with some good hope.

 

[david b]

Just got home from the darkroom and out shooting...

HOLY SCHMOLY THIS IS GOOD NEWS!!!!

 

[GeorgK]

Hi,
I find this very unlikely. Delta 100 (like Tmax100) was designed to make slower films obsolete (BTW, I don't think they are, but the marketing puts it that way). Delta 25 would just mainly just cannibalize on Delta 100.
When Ilford talks about new products, read this as "more variations of already existing stuff", and don't expect really now developments. How should they pay it?

 

[Soeren]

Hmm looking at the introduction of the AGFA Copex Rapid/Spur Nanospeed and
Kodak Imagelink HQ/ Spur Imagespeed combos, the EFKE/ADOX 25ISO (old on market)and the Maco/Rollei 25ISO films I say there must be a market for slow films. I don't know how much development a new Delta in 25 ISO requires but can it be that much ? Isn't it the speed that demands the work ?
Regards Søren

 

[Maine-iac]

If it is true, let's hope it has a better tonal range that its T-grained cousins. I doubt it would be a match for APX 25 or Pan-X. However, we would certainly like to try it and see. Might be good in Rodinal.

I agree that Delta 100 doesn't have the greatest tonal range; that's why I've switched to Fuji ACROS for my 100 speed film. But I think Delta 400 has a great tonal range--at least in my Phenidone/Ascorbic/Metaborate developer. It's been my favorite 400 film for years.

Larry

 

[collect888]

"... It would be fair to state that ILFORD Photo will be introducing new products over the coming months which will be designed to extend the product range at a time when other manufacturers are reducing their ranges - press releases will be issued when we are ready to launch. Hope this helps."

There are two major cuts recently from Kodak in B&W material. One is Kodak B&W paper, the other is Kodak Technical Pan film with a speed of 25.

To extend Ilford's b&w paper line, kodak AZO type contact print paper is one good selection but the market will be limited. If not profitable it is hard to imagine Ilford will introduce one.

To extend Ilford's b&w film line, a slower speed film in ISO 25 will be a good choice. Without Agfa APX 25 and Kodak Tech Pan, there will be a market for the slow film.

My feeling is, it is more likely to get a new film than a new paper from Ilford this time.

Other than the possibility of Delta 25, how about an Ilford XP2 type film in a speed of ISO 25? It might be not as interesting as regular b&w film, but probably a good candidate for scanning and output via a Fuji Frontier.

 

[Ole]

I hjave to admit I'm less than enthusiastic about this. I've never liked the Delta films, nor the T-maxes. If Ilford want to make an ISO 25 film I would prefer a replacement for Agfa APX25, not yet another Delta with short scale and fime grain. What good is reducing the grain size on a ISO 25 film anyway? It won't make in Tech Pan without the extender red sensitivity and ridiculous contrast capability anyway

 

[Donald Qualls]

Well, if we're going to speculate anyway, an ISO 25 version of SFX 200 would have most of what folks like in Tech Pan. Alternately, there is lots of microfilm coating capacity around, amid rumors of Agfa getting out of that business as well (though I haven't heard anything on it recently), and Ilford might be looking at buying a coating line that could be used, with very minor tweaks, to produce a direct replacement for Tech Pan.

 

[ContaxGman]

My vote for a new Ilford product would be Cooltone FB. I know that's off topic a little, but just felt the need to say it and this seemed as good a place as any right now.

 

[gnashings]

On the issue of cannibalization of market share... I think an intro would create a stir, and would be great for ilford. I dont think it would cut into Delta 100 sales, and I think it would be a very smart PR move, and great publicity. Just look at this thread - you know most of us here would go and buy it just to see. This is a very stagnant market - these companies have to realize that making it a little more exciting would help.

 

[Jim Chinn]

I hope it is true because if it is, lt leads to all kinds of possibilities. One is that Ilford has either purchased the formula and rights to an out of production film or is actively creating a new emulsion. Either is a great development. I am hoping it is the former and it is the APX 25 that they would just call Delta 25.

If true it could also mean a possible source for a future replacement for AZO or production of AZO from the Kodak formula.

And if they would start cranking up the machines for a run of HP5 and FP4 in ULF sizes up to 20x24 we would really be in heaven.

 

[Bighead]

My vote for a new Ilford product would be Cooltone FB. I know that's off topic a little, but just felt the need to say it and this seemed as good a place as any right now.

I second that....

 

[FrankB]

Have you tried gold toning MGWT FB?

I know it's expensive, but it's also addictive!