Which Adox Film, Silvermax or CHS 100ii?

[Bigpaul]

Hi,

I am about to get back into the swing of B & W (in 35mm) after a couple of years or so, and wondered if anyone had any experience/thoughts on the two films recently introduced by Adox (and specifically, how they compare?). For many years I used APX100/Rodinal, but with all the original stock gone, and the current APX100 apparently a different film, I am looking for a replacement. I have tried Fomapan 100 in the past, and not been too keen. I did use the older Efke films, including 100, but not enough to really form an opinion (as I always had a decent stock of APX100!). I see that Adox also sell a dedicated developer for Silvermax, and I would be willing to try that as well, if the consensus is that it is an improvement on Rodinal with that film. I would like to get as close as possible to the creamy greyscale of the old APX (something I could not achieve with Foma 100, which I tended to find rather "harsh"?), so any thoughts would be very welcome indeed!

 

[miha]

Silvermax is very close to Scala, which is very close to APX 100, if you know what I mean. Bear in mind it's only asvailable in 135, as long as stocks last.

 

[K-G]

The CHS 100 II is really an outstanding film. I have used it in 135 size developed in Rodinal with very good result. The negatives can look a bit more grainy than for example Delta 100 or Tmax 100 but they print beautifully. Contrasty pictures is no problem in 12"X16" size. The film is also available in 120 size and all sheet film sizes.

Karl-Gustaf

 

[Lachlan Young]

Both are excellent. I like them both equally.

Silvermax is not a version of Scala - this becomes very clear if you have Scala & Silvermax run through the Scala process.

CHSii is on Estar bases in all formats, Silvermax on clear Tri-Acetate.

To my eyes, developed as negatives, CHSii has more of the APX character that I liked, while silvermax has more of the efke colour sensitivity - this is purely subjective, silvermax & CHSii may have near identical emulsions. In other aspects of grain & curve behaviour, they're definitely modern films. Neither have the graininess nor weirdnesses of the old Efke 100 that I liked, but on the other hand there are no clumped grains from shortcomings in the emulsion making plant...

 

[BradS]

Have only tried a few rolls of the CHS 100ii and agree with what others have said & observed about the film. It is an excellent film. It sells for quite a premium here in the US however, and IMO does not offer anything at all to justify the significant difference in price.

 

[grommi]

Sorry that I have to object.

The CHS 100 II is clearly a successor of the Efke 100, especially regarding spectral sensitation and very wide "creamy" grayscale, but with many improvements such as much smaller grain and perfect quality control. This is a premium film. Except for 1 point: it curls quite a lot because of the PET (Polyester = Estar) base - despite of all marketing blabla - and can be a "pita" to handle like so many PET based films. If you can live with that and liked the Efke films: go, go, go!

The Silvermax is also a premium film imho and almost the same as the old APX 100, I bet you won't see a difference, and the dedicated developer is nothing but a marketing and profit thing imo. The "old fashioned" acetate base is clearly superiour to the questionable PET thing. Only 35 mm format and will most problably disappear when the single batch that was made is sold out.

Ask 10 people and get 11 answers, at least. You decide.

Want a reliable, affordable and easy to handle panchromatic 100 ASA film all on superiour acetate base from recent production? Rollei RPX 100 or Ilford FP4+, slightly different but both from the same fine stall. "Modern" flat grain emulsion (haha, 30 years old)? Kodak TMax 100, Ilford Delta 100; and Fuji Acros 100.

 

[Xmas]

Try Kentmere 100 if you can't like fomapan100.

 

[dburian]

Bigpaul,

I'm a big fan of Silvermax, have shot a fair bit of it and highly recommend it. I use the Silvermax developer, shoot it at box speed and spot meter placing Zone III on the detailed shadows I want in the image. I never knew there were that many shades of grey until I shot my first roll of it.

That said, Freestyle just put it on clearance as short dated film. If you need further evidence of how much I like this film, FedEx just delivered all I could afford, to lovingly store in my freezer.

With the same order, I ordered some CHS 100 II in 4x5 but this is my first try with it so I can't help you with the comparison. And anyway, CHS in 4x5 isn't directly comparable to CHS in 35mm because of the second anti-halation layer (or lack thereof).

If you decide to try Silvermax film, Adox publishes a development time for Silvermax developer and CHS 100 II so the developer won't go to waste.

Best regards,
D