Ultrafine Black & White Films

MikeK · Oct 5, 2004

Does anyone have any experience with the line of Ultrafine Black & White Films available from the Photo Warehouse (http://www.photo-warehouse.com/phfilm.html). Given the current uncertainty with the well known film manufacturers I am always looking for alternative supplies. This film is available in sizes from 35mm through 11x14.

Judging from the film speed could this be rebranded FP4 & HP5?

- Mike

Jorge · Oct 5, 2004

Yes, I use it in 12x20. It is a great film and it sure behaves like FP4+. OTOH, I am looking to switch to JandC 400 since I am a little worried that PW will run out of film, might as well start testing other films now. So if you dont mind the uncertainty of using a probable fp4 film that might not be available for you in the future, I say use it, it is a great film.

Of course, JandC400 is forte film, and we all know all the rumors about them...so it seems you are dammed if you do and dammed if you dont.....

MikeK · Oct 5, 2004

Being somewhat paranoid and seeing a whole slew of my favorite films disappear, I was thinking of getting a bunch of 5x7 and 8x10 film and putting it in the freezer as an insurance policy. Methinks I will make an investment and maybe stockpile some POP as well.

- Mike

Jorge · Oct 6, 2004

MikeK said:
Being somewhat paranoid and seeing a whole slew of my favorite films disappear, I was thinking of getting a bunch of 5x7 and 8x10 film and putting it in the freezer as an insurance policy. Methinks I will make an investment and maybe stockpile some POP as well.

- Mike

I dont know if you want to do that, being that Efke is just as good and similarly priced. I dont see the upside of stocking Ultrafine. John, seems to think JandC 400 will be around for a while, and Efke might think of doing a 200 and 400 emulsion, so if it was me, I would switch and start testing the JandC films rather than stock on Ultrafine, might as well start supporting those that might be around for a while...no?...

scootermm · Oct 6, 2004

Ive shot alot of 4x5 and 8x10 ultrafine 125. seems to me to behave almost identically to FP4+. Ive spoken with the guys at Photowarehouse and they claim that the ilford situation will have no effect on their film production.

Its wonderful film and develops well in DDX, PMK pyro, and Rodinal. Ive found I get my best prints from the negatives developed in PMK Pyro. Next I will try Pyrocat HD just to make some comparisons.

MikeK · Oct 6, 2004

You make a good argument, I have been using Efke for a long, long time and have been using the J&C Classic Sheet films and have a bunch of that in the freezer as well. Methinks I am just getting paranoid - I stopped off at the largest camera store in the East Bay and the darkroom section (chemicals and paper etc) is virtually non-existent

But I like to experiment, so maybe I will try a pack of the 5x7.

- Mike

Aggie · Oct 6, 2004

Mike you need to go to looking glass. They still have a great supply. Also saw lots at Gasser's in the city. We both Know Reed's is a pitiful excuse for a camera store. BTW if you want to learn wet plate work, you can use my camera while we both learn. Brian in the south end of the bay, and his friend Alp I bet we could talk into learning along with us. If you don't like it wet, you cand do the liquid emulsion version. I have the holders for the dry plate versions in 6x8, 5x7, and 4x5 to fit my camera.

http://www.collodion.org/

Check out what they do for paper. They coat their own and it looks great.

roy · Oct 6, 2004

MikeK said:
Does anyone have any experience with the line of Ultrafine Black & White Films Judging from the film speed could this be rebranded FP4 & HP5?- Mike

I have purchased from them and found their service very good. It seems they will cut film to your specification. I tried to find out whether this was Ilford film but they would not confirm this but neither would they deny it !

Ultrafine Black & White Films

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