Is Fuji Acros 100 Partially Orthochromatic?

[braxus]

I don't really have any experience with this film, though I did stock up on some rolls when it was discontinued a year ago. Im aware of version II coming out now. Anyway reading on another page or thread somewhere, someone suggested this film has a little orthochromatic look. Is this BS or is there some truth to it? What would I expect when shooting portraits with this film for example? Anyone want to post some samples showing either way with this film? I think they said not to use a red filter with this film, but I could be wrong on that one.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

It's Orthopanchromatic. If you look at a spectral sensitivity graph, it's sensitive more to blue and UV, more so than say, FP4, HP5... It's sensitivity to red is about the same as most pan films. I have used a red filter with Acros... No problem there. But quite honestly, I cannot see a difference when compared to the pan films that I use.

 

[braxus]

Is their a spectral graph for the film of either version? How far into the red does it go? Efke 25 was orthopanchromatic, but its sensitivity only went to 610. Wondering where Acros sits there?

 

[braxus]

Found it. Its a bit higher then Efke 25.

 

[Christiaan Phleger]

That little nudge upwards past 610 might be useful....

 

[braxus]

Im trying to find a good replacement for Efke 25. Adox CHS II 100 is a beautiful film, but is grainier. I love the scans I've seen from Acros 100 so far. It might be my go to medium speed film, which is also replacing Plus X. Though Plus X is closer to Adox 100 in grain size then Acros 100.

 

[DWThomas]

It sometimes seemed to me that the spectral sensitivity of Acros resulted in skies/clouds taken without filtration appearing more like using a light yellow filter with other pan films. However I can't say I've tried any seriously precise testing of that, and it's also true that the angle of the sun, time of day, atmospheric haze, etc. can affect photographs of the sky. I stopped worrying about it when the film's demise was announced -- guess now I need to think about it some more!

 

[braxus]

I think I read Across doesn't like filtration of any kind. Can't confirm that though.

 

[loccdor]

It sometimes seemed to me that the spectral sensitivity of Acros resulted in skies/clouds taken without filtration appearing more like using a light yellow filter with other pan films. However I can't say I've tried any seriously precise testing of that, and it's also true that the angle of the sun, time of day, atmospheric haze, etc. can affect photographs of the sky. I stopped worrying about it when the film's demise was announced -- guess now I need to think about it some more!

The dip you see in original Acros' spectral sensitivity, with a blue sky being around 470, indeed does have an effect similar to a mild yellow filter. One of the things I like about images from it that I couldn't put my finger on for many years when I had less technical knowledge. Not needing to use a yellow filter with it effectively increases your film speed, too. There is still plenty of original Acros around that shoots almost like fresh and I've found it as low as $7 per roll. It's also a good film for when you need to record very fine detail without the high contrast of films derived from aerial or copy purposes. For example, landscapes in harsh sunlight!

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Both versions start dropping at around the same point in the blue spectrum. Acros II appears to be less sensitive to UV spectrum, and more sensitive to red. These characteristics, I find quite interesting.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

...and it's a pity we can no longer get this stuff in sheet film sizes.

 

[loccdor]

@Andrew O'Neill

That's good to know! I was so in love with the original that I bought a supply which will take many years to exhaust. Not a sheet film user though.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

@loccdor I also have a stash of the original Acros in 120. My wife scooped up about a 100 rolls for me when she was over in Japan, right after Fujifilm announced its discontinuation. I do have a few rolls of Acros II, but haven't used them yet. I used to shoot a lot of Acros in 4x5, back in the 90's, over there. Loved it.

 

[braxus]

Im wondering if Acros II is still actually being made today? I see lots of Acros II being sold as short dated, which makes me think its not selling well. And therefore Fuji isnt making any of the film new.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

No, despite its high price, demand is still high.

 

[braxus]

So when you say no, you mean they aren't making new Acros Andy?

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

No, Fujifilm is not making Acros. Ilford is...to Fujifilm specs.

 

[braxus]

No, Fujifilm is not making Acros. Ilford is...to Fujifilm specs.

That's sort of what I meant. I knew Ilford was producing the new film, but I wasn't sure new film was being made today.

 

[djdister]

Regarding it's spectrum sensitivity, the B&H site describes Acros II as "orthopanchromatic"...