New As Good As Old Agfa?

ColColt · Sep 25, 2015

Anyone ever used the old AgfaPan 400 film? I'm wondering if the newer AgfaPhoto APX 400 is even close to the old. I loved the look of the old version with Rodinal.

[h=3] [/h]

darkosaric · Sep 25, 2015

I never used the old Agfa 400, but recently I shoot one new Agfa 400 and developed in Rodinal 1+50. Nice tonality, small grain (comparable to TriX) and not big contrast - nice for portraits. Cannot post samples because the whole film are pictures of kids from my sister.

MDR · Sep 25, 2015

It's not close the grain structure is different and it lacks the metallic silver look (mid tones) that was more or less the APX trademark. The new film is not bad though and looks very much like Kentmere 400 which isn't a bad film imo. Try it APX100 & 400 were unique and there is no 100% substitute but there are other choices like the Kentmere option.

ColColt · Sep 25, 2015

I really liked the old Agfa and was disappointed in it's demise. Here's but a few taken with that film and Rodinal 1:75. I haven't as yet found anything comparable.

Dad022 by David Fincher, on Flickr

Donnie029a by David Fincher, on Flickr

scan0003a by David Fincher, on Flickr

Menninite Boy1 by David Fincher, on Flickr

ulysses · Sep 26, 2015

Very nice.

Trask · Sep 26, 2015

ColColt said:
I really liked the old Agfa and was disappointed in it's demise. Here's but a few taken with that film and Rodinal 1:75. I haven't as yet found anything comparable.

What were your time, temp and agitation for these, please?

ColColt · Sep 26, 2015

Those were negatives from long ago. Time was 7 1/2 minutes at 1:75. I agitated first 30 seconds and then several inversions each minute, IIRC.

GarageBoy · Sep 28, 2015

Adox silvermax is said to be closer to apx100 than agfas offering

Xmas · Sep 28, 2015

ColColt said:
Anyone ever used the old AgfaPan 400 film? I'm wondering if the newer AgfaPhoto APX 400 is even close to the old. I loved the look of the old version with Rodinal.

[h=3] [/h]

The graphics on the box and cassette are close the film is rather different.
Think the Dx code indicates it is Harman.
It is nice film.

ColColt · Sep 28, 2015

Long ago I tried Agfapan 100 but didn't like it nearly as much as the 400 version. Well, I guess since it's gone for good I'll still work on a replacement. Tri-X has always been good but there was just something special about Agfapan 400 I liked. It sort of reminds me of the grocery store. When I get to liking something it disappears in a few months.

Xmas · Sep 28, 2015

Tx and HP5+ are still here, try Kentmere 400, Foma400 and Foma320.

If you got sun the 100 ISO or Panf+.

ColColt · Sep 29, 2015

Taking your advice, I had ordered some PanF in 35mm and 120. I haven't shot that slow a film in decades. Last I shot was with PanX at ASA 25. I'm sure with the big 6x7 I'll need to use the tripod as even on a sunny day the best I'd get would be 125 at f5.6 and may want to use more depth of field and that takes me down to 1/60th or less and I can't hand hold a five pound camera and use that slow shutter speed and expect tack sharp photos.

john_s · Sep 29, 2015

ColColt said:
....... It sort of reminds me of the grocery store. When I get to liking something it disappears in a few months.

That's because you have unusually refined good taste, and are in a minority. It happens to me too, not only at the grocery store, but with film, Hewlett-Packard portables, cameras, cars,...

ColColt · Sep 29, 2015

Yep-I can identify...stereo equipment as well. I can get Nakamichi tape decks still and Marantz receivers but, I can't get Agfapan 400 anymore.

I know this has little to do with the topic but I like my old stereo equipment. A Pioneer RT-707 reel to reel tape deck atop and below a Pioneer receiver.

GarageBoy · Oct 1, 2015

But can you get tape? Besides the old Quantegy stocks and ATR

ColColt · Oct 1, 2015

Sure, many places from ebay to Full Compass. RMGI is about as good as it gets.

http://www.fullcompass.com/category/Reel-To-Reel-Tape.html

GarageBoy · Oct 2, 2015

I'm not sure if rmgi is still in production

ColColt · Oct 2, 2015

Sure it is. This is another place I've ordered from besides Full Compass.

http://www.splicit.com/rmgi_tape.html

ColColt · Oct 2, 2015

More....

http://www.tapeheads.net/showthread.php?t=41231&highlight=RMGI

Hatchetman · Oct 2, 2015

ColColt said:
Taking your advice, I had ordered some PanF in 35mm and 120..

shoot at 20 or 25 ISO. adjust development accordingly. At least try it before you shoot a bunch. I found the difference in exposure made a huge improvement in taming this film.

AgX · Oct 2, 2015

GarageBoy said:
But can you get tape? Besides the old Quantegy stocks and ATR

Audio tape is still manufactured in France.

ColColt · Oct 2, 2015

I use to shoot PanX at 32. Maybe PanF is about the same. I'm thinking Rodinal 1:75 but not sure of the developing time yet.

Xmas · Oct 2, 2015

ColColt said:
I use to shoot PanX at 32. Maybe PanF is about the same. I'm thinking Rodinal 1:75 but not sure of the developing time yet.

You could try Ilford's data sheet

http://www.ilfordphoto.com/Webfiles/20131021134532242.pdf

ColColt · Oct 2, 2015

I have that downloaded but they don't show 1:75. With the 11 minute time for 1:50 shown I'll have to assume it may be 13-14 minutes for 1:75. I've always had great luck with that dilution and thought I'd try it with PanF.

Xmas · Oct 2, 2015

1+100 @20C full stand for 60 minutes works for me but I'd not suggest you interpolate as...
Your scenes are probably more contrasty.
I do get good shadows assuming the ISO is 50...

New As Good As Old Agfa?

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