Running low on film need to stock up. Advice...

[kjsphoto]

Hello Everyone,

I am looking to stock up on 4x5 sheet film. I do not want to go ready load. I really like ACROS 100 but it is not sold in 4x5 in non-ready load so that film is not a choice. Bummer. I have shot TMAX 100 for years but I want a change. In MF I use ACROS all the time so what is a good film in 4x5 that has nice grain structure for a 100 speed film with nice tonal range that can be pulled and pushed?

And I also need to get more 400-speed film. I did like HP5 but when is comes to pushing I do not like it too much. It is great when you need to pull back. What is a good 4x5 film that has nice grain, good tonal range and one that can be pulled or pushed. N-1, N-2 to N+1.

I am still using TMAX developer for now but I as soon as I run out I am moving to a new developer. I am considering the pyro route but haven’t committed yet on the developer.

Thanks again,

Kev

 

[Francesco]

If you do go the Pyrocat route try Efke PL100 (very fragile but worth the extra effort) and Classic 400 (not as flexible as Efke PL100 but great to have the extra speed) - not as good as TMY but nearly half the cost. J&C sells both films.

 

[gma]

If you can find any remaining stock of Agfa APX 100 might want to buy some, as it is no longer made in 4x5 sheet film.
J&C is a good value. Their Classic 400 is a new emulsion with revised developing times. Check the chart on the J&C website.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I'm a little unsure about whether you're after ability to control contrast or film speed when you combine "push" and "pull" (film speed) with N+ and N- (zone system).

I actually prefer the New Classic 400 to TMY. Efke 100 is a nice film, and so is FP4+. I suspect that if the films you like are TMX and Acros, you'll probably prefer Efke PL100 to FP4+. Tri-X is classic, but has a very different look from TMX or HP5. Classic 400, Tri-X, HP5+, FP4+, and Efke 100 all work well with zone system type development to control contrast. If you want more real speed, try a developer like Acufine, Diafine, or Microphen.

 

[Tom Hoskinson]

For Zone System (N, N+, N-) Efke PL 100 and J&C Classic 400. My developer recommendation is Pyrocat-HD

 

[k_jupiter]

As posted above, APX100 was the best. I have enough for several years stashed away. Maybe by then AGFA will have divested itself of the film production wing and someone will pick up the slack with 'new' 4x5 APX100.
In the meantime, I have seen nice stuff with FP4 and Efke100. For 400 film It's hard to beat Tri-X. I don't shoot 400 at all so my fastest film in 4x5 is Classic200 shot at E.I. 160.

tim in san jose