Need Film Advice

JamieB · Jun 6, 2017

Hi everyone,

So I am wondering what film to use for general purpose. Mostly outdoors but also the option of interiors with window light. I live in Ireland so not much sunshine. I have used Ektar 100 just because I think it is beautiful but it is not so practical. I guess I should be looking into 400 speed film (?) I have used Portra 400 but it is pricey, like the Ektar and I am not too taken with the look of it for general use.

I am also looking for good general purpose Black and White film. Thanks for your suggestions

mooseontheloose · Jun 6, 2017

Have you seen (there was a url link here which no longer exists)? If you look at the first post*, there's a huge list of colour films currently available. It might give you some options to look at, since film availability and pricing can be quite different depending on where you are in the world.

For black and white film, I would suggest HP5+ or Tri-X - they are both great films, push well with the right developers, and have a wealth of information about them.

*note: for some reason the link takes you to the last post, which I can't fix

John Bragg · Jun 6, 2017

Hi Jamie. Best general purpose Black and White is HP5+. Very forgiving film and capable of working with any developer you care to dunk it in. Tri-X is also brilliant but has a nasty tendency to dry with a curl. Colour is a different matter and someone else will no doubt have suggestions. Pound Land may be a good place to start. Do you have them in Ireland ?

RauschenOderKorn · Jun 6, 2017

JamieB said:
I am also looking for good general purpose Black and White film.

As already suggested, the Ilford HP5+ or the Rollei RPX400 are good general purpose films @ ISO 400. at lower ISO there is the Ilford HP4+ or the ADOX CHS 100 II, for example. There are a lot of good options, depending on what you are really going for (format / ISO / favourite theme / ... ).

Lachlan Young · Jun 6, 2017

Any of HP5, Tri-x, Delta 400, Tmax 400 are great. Hp5 is probably the most forgiving out of all of them. XP2 is C-41 compatible & probably the least grainy & most forgiving of the lot.

Portra 400 is superb too, but it's quite dependent on the nature of your imaging chain after processing (as with any C-41 film). My current favourite is probably Portra 160, but that's probably just because I really like its colour rendering. The 400 is a touch warmer & more saturated than the 160 - and you can bump up saturation & reduce grain in a C-41 film by exposing at 1 stop over box speed (ie 200 for the 400) and processing normally.

removed account4 · Jun 6, 2017

fuji superia 400 ( consumer film ),
and ilford 400 speed b/w

jspillane · Jun 6, 2017

Agfa Vista 200 (rebadged Fuji 200) I find a good, cheap all purpose color film.
If I am going on a special trip or working on a specific project, I tend to find Portra 160 + Portra 400 worth the extra cost, though.

For black and white, my standards are FP4+ and HP5+.

voka_gsw · Jun 6, 2017

Fuji Superia 400 is cheaper, maybe give that a go.

chassis · Jun 6, 2017

I'm a fan of Portra 400 for color, and either T-Max 400 or Tri-X for black and white.

Need Film Advice

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