Obsolete 127 film and developer for Brownie camera?

[dangeresque]

Good morning, all -

I bought a Brownie Reflex 127 TLR at an antique shop about two years ago and promptly forgot about it. (It works.) Today, while cleaning it, I was looking at the instruction manual, which recommends Verichrome or Plus-X Pan for available light outdoor photographs. Verichrome is, of course, long gone, and Plus-X has changed over time.

I've narrowed it down to two options: cut down 125PX in the dark or buy Efke 100 rolls. As I understand it, Efke uses postwar EK formulas and therefore R100 may be closer than 125PX to the old Plus-X.

I like Plus-X and swear by HC-110, but I don't want to use modern materials in an antique camera. My idea here is to match my obsolete film to a developer (and paper, if possible) from that era so as to achieve the maximum retro effect. I don't know the history or lineage of DK-50 but it seems like a good place to start. Any thoughts?

 

[JPD]

Of course Kodak would recommend their own films. So did Voigtländer for their cameras (Use Bessapan film!) and Zeiss Ikon (Use Zeiss Ikon film!). Ilford didn't make the cameras of their own brand, but still recommended Ilford film for them. But, of course, you can use any brand of film

No, the Efke films are old Adox formulas. Efke R100, like Verichrome Pan, is forgiving and a very good film to use with box cameras. I use Efke R100 127 with my Rolleiflex 4x4.

 

[darkosaric]

Efke R100 and Rollei 80S are both great choices. I use them with my old Tangor box, I am happy to have any 127 film on market

 

[dangeresque]

Of course Kodak would recommend their own films. So did Voigtländer for their cameras (Use Bessapan film!) and Zeiss Ikon (Use Zeiss Ikon film!). Ilford didn't make the cameras of their own brand, but still recommended Ilford film for them. But, of course, you can use any brand of film.

Well, yes, of course, but with Kodak being so dominant in the U.S. at that time, their film seems the natural choice for the job.

 

[Rick A]

Bluefire sells spooled 127 film color and B&W.

 

[blind_sparks]

For what it's worth I have a roll of Verichrome pan 125 in 127 format. It's dated June 1974 and probably has been stored in the basement, as was the rest of the dark room stuff a professor unloaded onto me, so who knows how its aged. The outer box has been opened, but the inner wrapper has not been broken. If you want I could send it to you for the cost of the shipping from Milwaukee. Maybe a $5 flat rate box? Idk what the cheapest way would be...or if you're in the area you could just come grab it.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/c403-Black-and-White-Film-120-and-220-size

(trim search by clicking '127' under size)

Rollei film is also cut and sold as 127. Not sure of what that film really is.

- Thomas

 

[bblhed]

I have a Brownie #2 Autographic camera and I shoot "modern" film in it all the time, granted it takes 120 so film is easy to find for it. I have shot Tmax-400, Ektar 100, Portra 160NC, Portra 400NC, and A Kodak Chrome I can't recall what one right now, anyway my point is that it produces wonderful images with modern film. A lot of what you are looking for in a photo from that camera comes from the single element non coated lens with a minimum of settings. Personally I would buy the 127 film that I like most in my favorite format and what happens. You may want to get a roll of the same thing in your favorite format and shoot the same photos at the same time to see how different the brownie acts.

 

[dangeresque]

For what it's worth I have a roll of Verichrome pan 125 in 127 format. It's dated June 1974 and probably has been stored in the basement, as was the rest of the dark room stuff a professor unloaded onto me, so who knows how its aged. The outer box has been opened, but the inner wrapper has not been broken. If you want I could send it to you for the cost of the shipping from Milwaukee. Maybe a $5 flat rate box? Idk what the cheapest way would be...or if you're in the area you could just come grab it.

Sent you a PM.

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/c403-Black-and-White-Film-120-and-220-size

(trim search by clicking '127' under size)

Rollei film is also cut and sold as 127. Not sure of what that film really is.

- Thomas

A few people have told me that the Retro 80S began life as aerial film. I've meant to try it for some time.

I have a Brownie #2 Autographic camera and I shoot "modern" film in it all the time, granted it takes 120 so film is easy to find for it. I have shot Tmax-400, Ektar 100, Portra 160NC, Portra 400NC, and A Kodak Chrome I can't recall what one right now, anyway my point is that it produces wonderful images with modern film. A lot of what you are looking for in a photo from that camera comes from the single element non coated lens with a minimum of settings. Personally I would buy the 127 film that I like most in my favorite format and what happens. You may want to get a roll of the same thing in your favorite format and shoot the same photos at the same time to see how different the brownie acts.

I will definitely do this. I do like the Efke films with Rodinal in 35mm very much, so that's where I'll start.

Thanks, all!

 

[JPD]

A few people have told me that the Retro 80S began life as aerial film. I've meant to try it for some time.

Yes, Agfa Aviphot Pan 80S. You can find the technical documents here:

http://www.macodirect.de/retro-rollfilm-c-1_6_56_479_554.html

Interesting film, and a yellow/orange filter isn't needed for good looking skies. I may try some too. I've always wanted a finer grained film than Efke R100 for my 4x4 Rolleiflex.

 

[stevebrot]

Bluemoon Camera in Portland, OR sells Efke and Bluefire Murano

http://www.bluemooncamera.com/inventory.php?menuID=4&catID=500&deptID=545

They also offer C41 processing of 127.


Steve