Question on film

[Jan Cornelius]

I think the question might be legit, allthough I do see your point.

I use 6 or 7 sorts B&W films which I develop in an assortment of 10 developers all according to "circumstance" I might also use a variety of agitation methods with each combination.... each multiple combo having it's own personality.

Although starting off in B&W with the aim to use 1 film, 1 developer and build on that this actually never happened. It also depends on my mood .... My basic combo is Trix and D76 which I handle carefully and add some time when I'm cool and relaxed, but will shake rattle and roll when I'm on edge and everythging in between, the results are different, I can judge by the print what my condition was in ..... this also adds a personal touch to photography I find ...

Whilst writing this I realize how "unserious" the initial question was... there is no absolute favorite film in my opinion, there can't be it all depends on so many factors, and I agree an editior of a B&W mag. should know this ....

forget this post ... running round in circles here ...

 

[Claire Senft]

I believe that Kpdak b&w films will continue to be available.

I am a cheap skate. I was using 100tmax until the foreign supply at about 21.50 USD for a 100ft roll dried up.

As of now Arista 50+, Arista DMAX 100, Agfa APX 100. Currently the Arista 50+ is 16.99USD/ 100ft roll and quite a bargain

 

[Flotsam]

Shyguy, I like my Efke 100 35mm and Efke 50 120 in D76 1:1 but it is very nice in Rodinal too. If I shot more 4x5, that's probably what I'd use.

 

[Gerald Koch]

1. Eastman 5231
2. Eastman 5222
3. Ilford PanF+
4. Kodak Tri-X
5. J&C Pro 100

 

[shyguy]

Groovy!! Thank you all for your input. This thread has been informative.

My primary films are:

Fuji Acros neopan (ACR)
Ilford HP5+

ACR in Rodinal and HP5+ in HC110

I like to keep things simple and work toward real mastery of a particular product or combination. I have been quite pleased with the results of the above combos.

I think it will be fun to try EFKE, seeing as so many folks are using it, there must be something to it.

Thanks Again

S.

 

[Paul Howell]

My top picks are based on either quality meaning I know that the film has good quality control and and I take it to the bank that I will come away with the shot or price just for fun shoot around if there is a problem and I lsoe a shot I can live with it. My pick of Luck is very recent, last week and I was mild surprised how well it performed.
4X5 quality Kodak TX professional developed in HC 110 solution B
price JC Pro 100 developed in Microdol X stock or D 76 1:1
120 quality Kodak TX professional developed in HC 110 or D 76
Afga 100 developed in Microdol X
price Lucky 100 D 76 or Microdol X
35 quality Kodak TX developed in HC 110 or Microdol X 1:3
JC 200 developed in D76 or Microdol X
KB 25 Rodinal 1:25
price Luck 100/400 in D 76 or Microdol

 

[Tom Hoskinson]

Cool thank you, what do folks typically develop it in. I run mostly rodinal, and hc 110, but am open. I use exclusively a Jobo.

I develop my Efke 100, Efke 25, J and C Classic 400 and Kodak TMY in Pyrocat-HD with either minimal agitation or semistand. I develop HP5+ either in Pyrocat-HD, Rodinal or Agfa 8 with either minimal agitation or semistand.

I like all of these films - different subjects and situations - different films.

BTW, I also have used and liked Ilford's Delta 100, Pan F+ and FP4+. However, I have standardized on Efke 100/Pyrocat for most of my current work. Efke 100 is available in sizes ranging from 35mm, 127 and 120 through sheetfilm, up to and including ULF.

 

[gnashings]

I don't know if I understand the origin of this thread - isn't it a bit like asking:
"What are top five foods?"
What do you want to do? How do you want to do it? How much do you want to spend? What do you care about most - grain, tonality, speed, the intangible "look"?
And B&W products- what are those, exactly? My safe light is a B&W product, as is my enlarger, as are my filters - a pile of things before you even get into film/paper/chems...

Just seems a tad silly...especially from someone associated with a magazine that uses the word "best" that many times on one cover. If you don't know this... how do you publish a magazine on the subject and make all these sweeping claims on the cover.

Yep... well... uhm... there you go...

 

[DavidS]

Do you mean they are not "launching" any new film???
Or they are not "making" anymore film?

I guess both answers are no.. they are still in bussiness AFAIK

Actually, this question is dual personal and business. I've been thinking about taking up black and white photography as a hobby as of late. I'm not all that interested in doing it digitally (as few if any high quality digital cameras offer a black and white option) so I was curious what the photographers in here like to use the most.

I'm also interested in this as a little bit of market research.

What I was thinking of, was Kodak's decision to stop selling traditional film cameras in the US. However, I was unaware they were still selling traditional film itself.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

My favorites of the moment--

Tri-X
Efke 100
J&C Classic 400
Delta 400 (though I don't actually use it that often lately)
Pan F+ (which I use even less often)

Developers--

ABC Pyro
Acufine
PMK
Perceptol for Delta 400

 

[Bob F.]

Actually, this question is dual personal and business. I've been thinking about taking up black and white photography as a hobby as of late. I'm not all that interested in doing it digitally (as few if any high quality digital cameras offer a black and white option) so I was curious what the photographers in here like to use the most.

I'm also interested in this as a little bit of market research.

What I was thinking of, was Kodak's decision to stop selling traditional film cameras in the US. However, I was unaware they were still selling traditional film itself.

:confused: :confused: :confused:

OK - who are you, and what have you done with the Inkedmagazine staff...???

I mean, the guy that normally posts as Inkedmagazine has sometimes been a little, erm, well, yes, quite.... but to believe Kodak no longer sell film beggars belief in someone selling a magazine aimed at B&W photography... Very odd...

The word you are looking for in digital B&W is "desaturate". If the camera doesn't do it, Ph*t*sh*p will.

Bob.

 

[fschifano]

FWIW my favorites are:

1. Tri-X (400TX) in 35mm and 120
2. FP4+ or Plus-X in 35mm and 120, whichever is cheaper when it comes time to stock up
3. TMX 35mm
4. HP5+ (small medium and large formats)
5. PanF+( 35mm and 120)

None of this implies that I dislike any of the others. In the end, I have enough notes and experience to get what I want with just about anything in the appropriate speed range for the task at hand.

 

[scootermm]

Im not going to get into the inked magazine conversation part of this thread.... its so frustrating to even think about after seeing the magazine.

but in regards to the film question... its kinda seems really strange to even ask....

honestly Im of the mind set that I will use ANYTHING thats out there and learn and accomodate to whatever the availability of products is.

but in regards to the magazine.... why are you asking this? what are you attempting to learn or gain undersatnding of? just out of curiosity.

 

[Troy Hamon]

My favorite...whatever I have at the moment that will allow me to make the image I'm working on...

I tend to prefer Ilford and Fuji, but have had great results with Agfa as well.

 

[laser]

Best BW films

TMAX 100: image structure and tone reproduction, consistancy
Tri-X: easy to use, very versatile, consistnacy
HIE: great look

 

[modafoto]

What are the top 5 black and white film products out there?

1. RODINAL (who doubted that )
2. Ilford Delta 100 and Pan F+
3. Tri-X
4. Ilford Delta 3200
5. Foma film in 120 (cheap andgreat for the Holga)

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

In no particular order:

Efke 25
Agfa APX100
Ilford FP4

They are all developed either in Agfa Rodinal, or Fine Art Photo Supply FA-1027, in various dilutions and times for contrast control.

 

[Willie Jan]

fuji across 100
fuji neopan 400
agfa apx 100
adox(efke) 100 4x5"

i think that all films that exists are in this list by now

 

[DavidS]

Just seems a tad silly...especially from someone associated with a magazine that uses the word "best" that many times on one cover.

Hey, buddy, do me a favor, re-visit my website and re-check the covers to my first and second issues. Please tell me where I use the word "best" ANYWHERE on either cover. The website's url is www.inkedmagazine.com.

I've come to this specific forum to discuss black and white film, not my magazine, just as I came to the other forum to discuss my opinion on why B&W is now accepting digital work. You don't like my magazine, that's your problem. Stop trying to start a fight with me in every forum I post in.

 

[Dave Parker]

Hey, buddy, do me a favor, re-visit my website and re-check the covers to my first and second issues. Please tell me where I use the word "best" ANYWHERE on either cover. The website's url is www.inkedmagazine.com.

I've come to this specific forum to discuss black and white film, not my magazine, just as I came to the other forum to discuss my opinion on why B&W is now accepting digital work. You don't like my magazine, that's your problem. Stop trying to start a fight with me in every forum I post in.

Inked, it might help if you use the quote feature correctly, the way your doing it, nobody knows who your quoting in these long threads...

Dave

 

[DavidS]

but in regards to the magazine.... why are you asking this? what are you attempting to learn or gain undersatnding of? just out of curiosity.

In regards to my magazine, it's just ammunition to add to future issues for the recurring articles geared to photographers. Truthfully, most of this is just for personal use. I was told a long time ago that I had a good eye for photography, but I never did anything with that. I was also never told by anyone who would be considered an expert.

Also, make sure to stop by f8 Gallery next weekend. Let Amy know I sent you and to give you a complimentary copy of the seocnd issue. Tell her David Spivak sent you.

 

[Flotsam]

Anyway, It's a good thread. It is interesting to see what materials others have settled on as their favorites.

 

[titrisol]

I thought you already were a photographer.
If you want to start this hobby I may reccomend using one film (whichever you choose) exclusivley for a few months and learn the qualities/limitations of it.
Preferrrably in 1 or 3 developers. By limiting yourself in "paly time" you'll mazimize your learning

Actually, this question is dual personal and business. I've been thinking about taking up black and white photography as a hobby as of late. I'm not all that interested in doing it digitally (as few if any high quality digital cameras offer a black and white option) so I was curious what the photographers in here like to use the most.

I'm also interested in this as a little bit of market research.

What I was thinking of, was Kodak's decision to stop selling traditional film cameras in the US. However, I was unaware they were still selling traditional film itself.

 

[Andy K]

There are probably as many answers to this question as there are are photographers (amateur and pro).


My five would be, in no particular order:

Rodinal, PAN F+, Delta 100, HP5+ and whichever camera I am using at the time.

 

[DavidS]

I thought you already were a photographer.
If you want to start this hobby I may reccomend using one film (whichever you choose) exclusivley for a few months and learn the qualities/limitations of it.
Preferrrably in 1 or 3 developers. By limiting yourself in "paly time" you'll mazimize your learning

Alas, I'm not a photographer. I'm an accomplished creative writer, actually. A poet. I've organized and held many open mic nights in NYC and Long Island that have included a home for people who perform spoken word to audiences. My passion truly lies there...although writer's block has prevented me from writing anything new for the past year or so. Do photographers get the same thing? Photographer's block? It must be easier to cure...we writers have to create the imagery, photographers just have to capture it within the right light.