Rollei Retro 80s Experience?

[kdemas]

All,

I was thinking about getting some Rollei Retro 80s as it looks like an interesting film to try out. Has anyone given it a whirl?

I searched but there doesn't seem to be a whole lot written about it. Any feedback would be terrific.

Kent

 

[hans voralberg]

Yes, I've used if for a few months now. It got huge dynamic range, and I mean really huge, I can't blow the highlight nor blip the shadow lol, so it tends to look a bit flat, but you can fix that with dev. Very smooth grain, either in Rodinal stand or Rollei RHS. Will upload some sample tonight.

 

[kdemas]

Hans,

Thanks for your insight. It certainly does look very very sharp from the few samples I've seen. I look forward to seeing your scans.

Take care,

Kent

 

[HHPhoto]

All,

I was thinking about getting some Rollei Retro 80s as it looks like an interesting film to try out. Has anyone given it a whirl?

I searched but there doesn't seem to be a whole lot written about it. Any feedback would be terrific.

Kent

Dear Kent,

I have tested this film intensively over the last months. Here are my results:

Positive:

+ Extremely fine grain: It is the finest grain film in its speed class, grain is significantly finer than even T-Max 100 and Acros 100. I have used different developers, and even in developers which give coarser grain like Rodinal, RHS/Amaloco AM 74, Spur SD 2525, the grain of Rollei Retro 80S is finer than TMX and Acros developed in fine grain developers like Perceptol and Spur HRX-3.
I have tested it again and again: This film with classic cubic crystal technology has finer grain than films with T-grain, Delta or Sigma (Fuji) crystal technology.
In 35mm I got grain similar to 6x6 Fp4 + or 4,5x6 APX 100.
I am using this film in 35mm for some photographic needs where I have used 120 film in the past.

+ Excellent resolution: Resolution is on paar with TMX and Delta 100 (I have got up to 150 Lp/mm with my Zeiss lenses), and a bit better than Pan F+ and Acros 100.

+ Excellent sharpness: On paar with TMX and Delta 100.

+ In 35mm the film is drying absolute flat, no curl at all.

+ Extended red sensivity: With red filter you can cut through haze and get excellent detail in landscape photography (here you see that this film is Agfa-Gevaert Aviphot Pan 80 aerial film; in aerial photography you need this feature):
Furthermore with IR filters IR photography with very good results is possible. You get a complete different look, because with this film you can make extremely fine grained, sharp high resolution IR photographs. Complete different look to HIE and Efke IR film.

+ Excellent smooth, light skin tones in portrait photography (due to extended red sensivity and the extremely fine grain).

+ Clear base: Excellent for reversal processing.

+ PET base: Best long term stability, excellent for archival purpose.

+ Available in 135, 127 (!) and 120 format.

+ Attractive price (at least here in Germany, check for your country).

Negative:

- Exposure latitude is a bit smaller than TMX, Delta 100 or Acros 100.

- Loading in subdued light is recommended because of the clear PET base.

Result: This film is outstanding, one of the best and most versatile films on the market.
Highly recommended.

Best regards,
Jan

 

[hans voralberg]

Here are some samples from my limited experience with it.

In Rodinal 1:100 stand for 1 hour, one agitation @ 30 min

In Rollei RHS 1+9 for 6:00, agitation every 2 mins

 

[HHPhoto]

Hello Hans,

nice shots! Astonishing that you get such good results with Rollei RHS 1+9 for 6:00, agitation every 2 mins. I would have expected this combination to get too contrasty results. Seems that is not the case.

I am using RHS with 1+14 dilution, 5 minutes, 20°C, agitation every 30 seconds.

Best regards,
Jan

 

[hans voralberg]

In my limited experience if you do really slight agitation you can dial the contrast down as well.

 

[HHPhoto]

In my limited experience if you do really slight agitation you can dial the contrast down as well.

Dear Hans,

of course, you are absolutely right.

I was only surprised that this effect is so strong / dominant with the combination of Retro 80S developed in RHS 1+9.

It's good, because with different dilution, times and agitation you can exactly get what you want with this film / developer combination.

Best regards, Jan

 

[reiki_]

can you develop it in d-76 with satisfactory results? rodinal is quite expensive where i live.

 

[hans voralberg]

There's one sample on flickr, D-76 in 7 1/4 mins. Looks alright to me.

 

[mathomas]

Here are a couple from last weekend. Shot with a Leica M2 and Zeiss 50mm Sonnar. Developed in Adonal 1+50, 14m, agitation every 2m.

I'm happy with the results, and will be shooting a lot more of this film. I want to try it in Diafine next to get a bit of a speed bump.

 

[kdemas]

Great stuff guys. Though I started this thread awhile ago it's terrific that there has been more input. Thanks for sharing!

 

[ianstamatic]

getting acquainted with a 100ft roll.
these are from the first roll.
xtol 1:1
Leica Cl 40/2

 

[Coldkennels]

Oh, wow. I got sent some of this in the xmas giveaway and I still haven't used it. Been saving it for a special occasion. These photos have me chomping at the bit - it looks BEAUTIFUL. I just need an excuse to use it now!

 

[Austerby]

I've just ordered 10 rolls from Ag Photographic on the basis of this thread!

 

[ianstamatic]

I'm starting to feel frustrated I cant try this in 4x5.

 

[Fotohuis]

This film has very fine grain and with the right developer the contrast is not any problem. Only the speed is less then the suggested iso 80. For most developers you can start with an E.I. of 50.

 

[sojournerphoto]

great film. expose at 64 dev in xtol 1+2 or rodinal 1+ 50

Mike

 

[Instantclassic]

This is a good example of Rollei 80S tonality...

 

[Rangefinderfreak]

I develop it in Rodinal 1:200 for one hour stand. I would not try it in Diafine, 80S emulsion is too thin to suck enough developer A to give a good density.