Best bw film for the Nokton 40mm f1.4 SC?

[womby68]

Hello, I've just managed to get a Bessa R3A (first version with Bessa written in front) and a Nokton 40mm f1.4 SC, including grip, lens hood and voigtlander strap... all used 549euro. Since it was a Gas attack, I would like to know if I've managed to get a fair price?

Talking about photography... since this is my first experience with a Nokton and M-mount camera (great experience up to now) and coming from the fantastic G system, manual focus via the rangefinder is really emotional...

Having always used, in the past 4 years, mainly kodak bw400cn (potra before) c41 chromogenic, before acquiring new film, I was wondering if:
-C41 bw400cn film is still suitable for the SC Nokton?
-Which prefered or suggested bw film, regardless real bw or C41?
Thanks.
Womby

 

[gilpen123]

I like BW400CN with the Nokton 40 1.4 but better for me is Ilford HP5. Here's a sample of the chromo

 

[Debusti Paolo]

Ilfprd hp5 plus or tri-x for 35mm and neopan 400 and delta 3200 for my bronica rf645.
It's time for you to upgrade to rf645!!!!😛
ciao

 

[Anton Caro]

I would recommend Ilford FP4... shot as neg, or even as dia... The FPan50 can also be processed as neg or dia, so you can play with these a lot.
If you can find some Rollei Retro or Efke 25...
I would not recommend Kodak T system - maybe it is far too modern, or maybe it is just my opinion... of course this is another film that can be processed as dia... as well as the 2 mentioned just above (in total 5 films).
And the real dia film Foma R100 which is an old school film, according to me. I stick with it.

 

[mfogiel]

womby68
If you scan your film, you can use BW400CN, especially for portraiture, or Ilford XP2 for broader range of subjects, just remember to expose both at ISO 200. For a more traditional look and better control of sharpness and tonality, you should really start developing your own B&W - I'd say Tri-X in D76 for the beginning... its easy, if you get a black bag you don't even need a darkroom. BTW the price looks pretty good, just make some test shots wide open at close distance to check if the rangefinder is aligned ok.

BW400CN

XP2

Tri-X in D76

Tri-X in Diafine

 

[Way]

mfogiel,

Great pics! What is the reason for exposing XP2 at ISO 200?

 

[filmfan]

mfogiel,
Great pics! What is the reason for exposing XP2 at ISO 200?

I believe slightly overexposed negs by +1 to +1/2 stop are easier to scan in general. This is especially true (and easy) with negative film, for it has a lot of exposure latitude when overexposed. I always shoot my negative film @ +1/2 stop as insurance to prevent the dreaded underexposure.

 

[Way]

I believe slightly overexposed negs by +1 to +1/2 stop are easier to scan in general. This is especially true (and easy) with negative film, for it has a lot of exposure latitude when overexposed. I always shoot my negative film @ +1/2 stop as insurance to prevent the dreaded underexposure.

Thanks! I'll give it a try.

 

[Chyn]

i started out with ilford XP2 and liked what I was getting. However, after using Fuji Neopan 400 and 1600, I find that these two give really nice results with HC110.


Couple of examples:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chynyj/2959102297/ [Neopan 400 pushed to 800, HC110]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chynyj/2564344431/ [Neopan 400 pushed to 800, HC110]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chynyj/2955549789/ [Neopan 400 pushed to 800, HC110]

 

[Colman]

BW400CN, rated at ISO320, with the 40/1.4 MC.

 

[womby68]

Hmmm...

Hmmm...

Thanks for all your answers...

==================================
gilpen123: "I like BW400CN with the Nokton 40 1.4 but better for me is Ilford HP5. Here's a sample of the chromo"

Debusti Paolo: "Ilfprd hp5 plus or tri-x for 35mm and neopan 400 and delta 3200 for my bronica rf645."

Anton Caro: "I would recommend Ilford FP4... shot as neg, or even as dia... The FPan50 can also be processed as neg or dia, so you can play with these a lot. If you can find some Rollei Retro or Efke 25..."

mfogiel: "If you scan your film, you can use BW400CN, especially for portraiture, or Ilford XP2 for broader range of subjects, just remember to expose both at ISO 200. For a more traditional look and better control of sharpness and tonality, you should really start developing your own B&W - I'd say Tri-X in D76 for the beginning... its easy, if you get a black bag you don't even need a darkroom. BTW the price looks pretty good, just make some test shots wide open at close distance to check if the rangefinder is aligned ok."

Chyn: "i started out with ilford XP2 and liked what I was getting. However, after using Fuji Neopan 400 and 1600, I find that these two give really nice results with HC110"

filmfan: "I believe slightly overexposed negs by +1 to +1/2 stop are easier to scan in general. This is especially true (and easy) with negative film, for it has a lot of exposure latitude when overexposed. I always shoot my negative film @ +1/2 stop as insurance to prevent the dreaded underexposure."
==================================
I will give it a try using kodak bw400cn on the SINGLE COATED Nokton 40mm and I will try Ilford XP2 (never used it before) and see the results with SC. Completed this process, I will follow "mfogiel" suggestion and give it a go with TRI-X and start developing my own bw negative. Going with a rangefinder (manual, no AF), catalysed autarky within my photography process...
Thanks again.
Womby