You ought to ask Mirko, from Fotoimpex, I think they were setting up tighter quality controls. I still have plenty of good Pl25 from before those problems arose.
I have two boxes of Efke PL100 8 x 20 with an expiration date of 7/2008 with the dreaded "banding" problem. I can only use this film for textured subjects with no sky.
I use Efke 100 and 25 in my 7x17.
Since I tested to determine EI and development times I have had absolutely no problems with these films. I really like the contrast available in the 25.
Jim
I haven't had any problems so far with the 50 or the 25. Just some pinholes until I lowered my processing temp. to 68F instead of the 75F at which I normally process. FWIW, I have had that on Tri-X 320 as well.
For you guys that are not having problems, when did you buy the film? That's the important thing. I know FotoImpex said they had made improvements in the QC, but the proof is how the negatives are turning out from current production.
Like GB, I have several boxes of the stuff that had problems. Its a real shame because the PL100 was/is a truly good film. I'm very gunshy to buy it again.
I know there were issues, as many have pointed out. Some how (and I havent a clue how) but I've never had these hugely bad banding issues. I've been shooting with Efke for many years now, first alot of 8x10, then alot of 7x17, and now a lot of 12x20. Consistently been my choice of film for over 3yrs now. Guess I'm just lucky.
haven't had any issues with the first 4 boxes of 12 ordered in February 2008.
For you guys that are not having problems, when did you buy the film? That's the important thing. I know FotoImpex said they had made improvements in the QC, but the proof is how the negatives are turning out from current production.
Like GB, I have several boxes of the stuff that had problems. Its a real shame because the PL100 was/is a truly good film. I'm very gunshy to buy it again.
"Freestyle wouldn't sell thev stuff if there was a QC problem"
...and if there was a problem, they would take it back. Freestyle is one of the few photo retailers (if not the only one) that would take back sensitized material in any state, let alone already opened.