Scored 10 Rolls of APX 25...What to use it on?

[Michael Howard]

I recently acquired 10 rolls of Agfa APX 25 35mm. I used 1/2 of one to test, it developed perfectly in Rodinal with no visible speed change or fogging. Just as beautiful as I remembered it. It is expiry date 2005, so definitely towards the end of production.

My problem now is...what do I use the remaining 9 rolls on? Some of you know I shoot mainly outdoors/architectural/ruins, almost never people. I travel western US quite frequently, I've photographed all the usual places pretty exhaustively, but there are always more. I guess I'm just stuck on what I want to use this nearly impossible to find film on. Any suggestions? I think I will probably divide it into two lots and shoot two different places "to completion". My last project with APX 25 was in 2007 at Karlstein Castle in Czechia, I only had 2 rolls that time, but I have well over 50 beautiful negatives from that trip. These I will likely need to use in the US. I will likely use a lot of these shots on future postcard exchanges, as well as my 8x10 wall at home.

What would you do if 10 rolls of gold landed in your lap?

 

[Paul Howell]

Landscapes, K2 or dark yellow filter, sturdy tripod, cable release or remote shutter trigger. I would look for off beat locations, I know that off beat locations are harder to come by, you will need to spend time looking at social media to rule out what has already been visited to death.

 

[xkaes]

I hope you have more than one camera -- so you can dedicate the film. If not, you can always remove a partially used roll for later use, but that's a nuisance.

I'd only use it where you need/want super-fine detail -- you know, basically no grain -- and that's not every subject, especially portraits!

I shoot mine at ISO 12, but I "over-exposure" and "under-develop" to reduce the contrast somewhat for my situation/gear/preferences.

I stocked up about 25 years ago when I knew production would end, and I've only got about ten rolls left too -- but my rolls are in the freezer, and 50 feet long.

 

[ant!]

I found a few weeks ago 10 rolls in 120 of APX25. Never used it before, but still love the original APX100, have some in the freezer (35mm), bought them just before it ended.

For the APX25, I guess I'll wait until full summer. And maybe a roll for sunny snowy winter days... Looking forward to play with it!

 

[xkaes]

It helps if you want to make the most of the film, and stop down the lens -- despite the slow speed. That means, at times, you have to appreciate the stability of a tripod.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Someone who watches my YouTube channel, sent me several rolls of it in 120. I've never shot any Agfapan films, so I've been hanging on to them, until something comes along... I guess I should just shoot it, eh!

 

[Kodachromeguy]

Landscapes, K2 or dark yellow filter, sturdy tripod, cable release or remote shutter trigger. I would look for off beat locations, I know that off beat locations are harder to come by, you will need to spend time looking at social media to rule out what has already been visited to death.

I agree totally. Use good lenses and optimum technique.A tripod let's you not worry about camera motion. I suggest complicated topics where the high resolution will show details. Have fun!

 

[Oldwino]

So…what’s a film that’s more or less equivalent to APX25 (that’s still made today)? Pan-F? Aviphot?
I’ve been searching for interesting slow speed B&W films lately.

 

[Kodachromeguy]

So…what’s a film that’s more or less equivalent to APX25 (that’s still made today)? Pan-F? Aviphot?
I’ve been searching for interesting slow speed B&W films lately.

Would that be Ilford Pan-F?