Kodak Plus X- How I Miss This Film

[braxus]

I did another video on my channel about this film. I find it has a unique look to it compared to other films still available today. I dont find FP4+ looks anything like it. I do miss this film, but I still have some in my stash to tie me over for a while. Shot another roll of it last month. I feel its THIS film that is a candidate for Kodak to reintroduce. Its the most likely film on the list for that. I hope they do. And it was only discontinued 12 years ago, so not that long ago.

I made up a video on it. Take a look if you care to.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

I think Kodak-Alaris is having a tough time keeping up with demand of their current films. Perhaps once that is sorted, which could take eons...then maybe they can look at bringing back old emulsions. But... I can't see it happening as I think they'd want to stick with what they've got... Tmax, Tmy, and Tri-X. If you ask Kodak, they'll just tell you to use Tmax 100 At least you have Tri-x... FP4 isn't a perfect match, but it's pretty darn close.

 

[markjwyatt]

I think Kodak strongly believes that TMAX 100 has replaced Plus-X, and there is no need for it. I mainly shoot non-tabular grain films, so I would shoot Plus-X if it came back. The last roll of Plus-X I shot was some expired Arista Premium 100 two years ago. Before that it was for sure the 1970s and maybe 80s/90s (need to finish going through my old negs). I will check out your video. Cheers to Plus-X!


Wine Glass by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr

 

[Sirius Glass]

I still have not used up my frozen Plus X stash.

 

[BradS]

I'm perfectly happy with Kodak TMax 100. PlusX was ok but I really do prefer Tri-X or TMax.

 

[Paul Howell]

I miss PX, when a working TrX was my day to day staple, but always had a roll on PX on hand for environmental portraits, TMax100 is a great film, still something about PX that has been replicated.

 

[Rick A]

Plus-X was sweet, but I really miss Panatomic-X, shot miles of it from the early 60's until it was discontinued. I never really got my brain wrapped around TriX, and T-Max films look too digital for me. There was magic in the old Kodak films.

 

[markjwyatt]

You mention you think Plus-X was available in still film in the 1940s. Here is a reference for you: Kodak, How to Make Good Pictures, 25th edition (I find references to 1939-1942, but nothing definitive) has a section on Plus-X Panchromatic Film (for miniature cameras). In the book, they show the line-up of Kodak cameras, and the Retina in the line-up is the Retina I (1934-1941), plus they mention the Retina II (1936-1939, then after the War). Plus the Kodak Bantam Special is shown.

Here is another source:

Should I Shoot Expired Kodak Film? - The Film Photography Project

The Film Photography Project informs, engages and inspires film enthusiasts of all levels. While promoting the viability of vintage cameras and film.

filmphotographyproject.com

"Kodak Plus-X 7231 was first introduced by Kodak in 1938 as Plus-X 1231, and had a nitrate base. The emulsion was improved upon over the years, first significantly in 1941 when the name was changed to Plus-X Panchromatic film 5231. That number (which was for 35mm format designation; 7231 was the designation for the 16mm size) stayed around for a long time."

My guess is that by 1939 (How to Make Good Pictures), Eastman Plus-X Negative 1231 (nitrocellulose version) was available in 35mm for minature cameras...

 

[JerseyDoug]

When I started developing my own b&w 35mm negatives in the mid 1960's I used Panatomic-X and Tri-X. Despite a number of attempts I never really got on with Plus-X. Fortunately I still have some of those old Plus-X negatives and find they scan very very well.

 

[braxus]

I really dont know any other Kodak film they'd want to bring back other than this film here. Nothing in their lineup suggests any other film is on their radar. They can tell us to use TMAX 100 till they're blue in the face, but Plus X looks quite different then TMAX 100 by a lot. Grain is one thing. Contrast is another. That old school look is another. How it shoots in the sun is another. The way it handles tones compared to other films. That glow it has in some shots. I can go on. Anyway I feel like Im repeating myself with posts like this, as others tell me Kodak has no interest in reviving anything Im interested in. Im just glad I have quite a bit of this film in 35mm and 120. It keeps fairly well. I also have a few rolls of it in Arista Premium 100. Haven't shot any of that yet. Im not expecting anything different with it though.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

I used to like Plus-X. TMax, not so much. I agree with Rick above. If they brought back Panatomic-X, now that would be sweet.

 

[braxus]

Panatomic X was my other film I wanted back, but everyone has told me there isnt a chance it will ever come back.

 

[Heath Moore]

Seriously? To me plus-x was always a disappointment. Tri-X was so much better. I would only use Plus-X when I couldn't master Panatomic X contrast. You know, like graduation photos when grain mattered and there was bright sun and deep shadows. To me the search was always on for Verichrome Pan... Nothing could ever beat the film dad used. Still struggling with Fomapan 100, but up for the challenge. Thanks for the remembrance!

 

[braxus]

Heath. Each to their own. I've always had great results from this film.

 

[faberryman]

I liked Plus-X too, but pining over Plus-X won't improve your photography.

 

[braxus]

Faber,

I make new photographs every month, and do so on many different cameras. I just happened to shoot a roll of Plus X last month actually. If you saw my film freezer, you'd know why I dont stick with just one film on a shoot.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Panatomic-X... I know it'll never come back, just like my beloved HIE, but if it did, I'd buy some...but... after the recent video I made where I compared it with Tmax 100, I'd rather shoot Tmax. They looked so similar but Tmax was very noticeable sharper.

 

[braxus]

Andy,

I get that. I just never took to TMX. I wonder how the roll films would compare, as I understood the sheet film wasn't exactly the same as the roll films.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Andy,

I get that. I just never took to TMX. I wonder how the roll films would compare, as I understood the sheet film wasn't exactly the same as the roll films.

Are you talking about TMX and Panatomic-X? In my testing, I found them to be pretty similar. The only difference was sharpness. In that regard, TMX came out way on top.

 

[braxus]

Yes Pan X. I was planning on doing another video with TMX and Pan X in 35mm, to see if I could notice any differences again or not. Haven't gotten around to it yet. My 35mm scanner is decent enough, to show differences. Only thing is that scanner doesnt have the deep blacks like my Minolta did, without processing the file afterwards for that.

 

[GregY]

FP4 isn't a perfect match, but it's pretty darn close.

Of all the films i have used and currently use...i could very easily live with FP4+ as my only film in all formats. I'm thankful it is still around.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Yes Pan X. I was planning on doing another video with TMX and Pan X in 35mm, to see if I could notice any differences again or not. Haven't gotten around to it yet. My 35mm scanner is decent enough, to show differences. Only thing is that scanner doesnt have the deep blacks like my Minolta did, without processing the file afterwards for that.

My money is on the only difference between the two will be sharpness, and rendering of the colour blue. TMX was slightly darker... very slightly darker. Oh and speed if your Pan X is ISO 32.

 

[AnselMortensen]

I shot a roll of Plus-X 120 yesterday.

 

[Melvin J Bramley]

The black and white film renaissance will not last forever.
Treasure what you have and what is available.
Asking the manufacturers to expand will only lead to a collapse and less product!
I support, in my purchases , Ilford and Kodak; I don't buy anything remotely Chinese , no matter what the price.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

The black and white film renaissance will not last forever.
Treasure what you have and what is available.
Asking the manufacturers to expand will only lead to a collapse and less product!
I support, in my purchases , Ilford and Kodak; I don't buy anything remotely Chinese , no matter what the price.

Well, if the Chinese came out with a real IR film, in sheet film sizes, I'd be all over it.