pschauss
Well-known
Interestingly, I bought 100' of Legacy Pro 100 (AKA Acros) to see if it would be a good replacement for Plus-X. After a bit of trial and error with Rodinal I am starting to get results that I like. Since it is no longer available in bulk, however, I will probably switch to Orwo UN54.
Trius
Waiting on Maitani
"No" as in it's not a replacement for Acros. It has a quite different look, which is expected in that it's not a tabular/"c-shell"/flat grain, rather it is a conventional grain structure.
I am settling on Delta 100. I could just as easily go with TMX, but as Kodak is not really a viable business any more, I am settling primarily on Ilford products. (No, I'm not starting an Kodak flame war; I'm just stating my choice.)
I am settling on Delta 100. I could just as easily go with TMX, but as Kodak is not really a viable business any more, I am settling primarily on Ilford products. (No, I'm not starting an Kodak flame war; I'm just stating my choice.)
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
redisburning
Well-known
Sadly, I too am preparing for a total switch over from Fuji products.
As long as I can buy Acros, however, I will.
The Delta films do lie flat, and I do appreciate that, but Fuji's b&w are just what I like. I took a ton of shots on Neopan 400 in 2010 and learned that it was a film I could really trust. Maybe Kodak will manage to keep Tri-X afloat; Im fairly certain at this point that I will go to Delta for 100 and some combination of Tri-X and Delta for 400.
As long as I can buy Acros, however, I will.
The Delta films do lie flat, and I do appreciate that, but Fuji's b&w are just what I like. I took a ton of shots on Neopan 400 in 2010 and learned that it was a film I could really trust. Maybe Kodak will manage to keep Tri-X afloat; Im fairly certain at this point that I will go to Delta for 100 and some combination of Tri-X and Delta for 400.
Trius
Waiting on Maitani
Keith: LOL ... I heard that too. But every morning when I drive by the Ridge Road facility I see at least 3 or 4 employees, so they must be doing OK. 
I have little doubt Tri-X will survive whether through a spinoff/purchase (more likely) or a downsized Kodak (less likely); what gives me pause is the potential and probable disruptions. Distribution/availability, quality control and pricing are at risk.
I have little doubt Tri-X will survive whether through a spinoff/purchase (more likely) or a downsized Kodak (less likely); what gives me pause is the potential and probable disruptions. Distribution/availability, quality control and pricing are at risk.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
Keith: LOL ... I heard that too. But every morning when I drive by the Ridge Road facility I see at least 3 or 4 employees, so they must be doing OK.
I have little doubt Tri-X will survive whether through a spinoff/purchase (more likely) or a downsized Kodak (less likely); what gives me pause is the potential and probable disruptions. Distribution/availability, quality control and pricing are at risk.
Did they have a large truck ... that might be the 'repo' guys? :angel:
pakeha
Well-known
I`m maybe gonna get slammed for this, but how about Shanghai GP3?
Yeah, its chinese film
znapper
Well-known
From what I gather, GP3 is a really nice film, tonality wise, how ever, from what I've red, it's also very susceptible to scratches and various quality issues.
(No idea how it stands concerning grain and resolution, but I doubt it can beat Acros really).
(No idea how it stands concerning grain and resolution, but I doubt it can beat Acros really).
znapper
Well-known
Rollei retro 80s is a nice film indeed, but people have issues with it being prtty high in contrast, people seem to have some problems controlling it properly.
Other than that, it has very high resolution and low grain.
Unsure about the tonality and spectral response vs Acros, as I've only tried a few rolls in 120.
RObert Budding
D'oh!
Contrast is controlled by altering development time. Don't people ever run film tests?
Trius
Waiting on Maitani
Ha! (10 char)
emayoh
Established
Hmm you inspired me to check out the Shanghai GP3 group on Flickr just to see what it is capable of. Obviously one can never tell if a bad result from a stranger is the fault of the human doing the processing or some film issue, but good results can show a possibility, and that group shows some excellent possibility. Looks like eBay is where many Yanks go to get it. Thanks!
Trius
Waiting on Maitani
I saw more chaff than wheat, but I think a lot is due to sloppy/poor processing, not to mention scanning and composition. Most of the good stuff seems to be on 4x5, but I admit I haven't gone through 7200+ images!
mbdiesel
Established
I have used shanghai gp3 120 film and still have 3 rolls left. Produces nice tones. I have used xtol and rodinal (not together) to develop it. However, it curls like mad and the film base is very thin. I much prefer acros.
I have developed rolls from last year and as soon as I take them out of the film sleeve, it curls. I have not found a way to flatten it and I have given up on the film. 4x5 shanghai is another story. I have not used it but it has thicker base that does not curl like 120.
I have developed rolls from last year and as soon as I take them out of the film sleeve, it curls. I have not found a way to flatten it and I have given up on the film. 4x5 shanghai is another story. I have not used it but it has thicker base that does not curl like 120.
Trius
Waiting on Maitani
Anil: Thanks for the observations. The bad curl in 120 might be a big part of the reason for poor scans. I would only be interested in the 4x5.
pschauss
Well-known
I have shot probably a dozen rolls of GP3 in 120 format. In terms of grain and tonality I did not find that there was anything special about it. My major complaint was that the frame numbers were virtually impossible to read through the red window on the camera back and on some of the rolls the film was not properly alligned with the markings with the result that that all or part of the first frame was shot on the backing paper.
And Fuji don't?
Hmm, I thought they still made film. Happy to use their product, and Ilford's too, for that matter.
Regards
Brett
Considering the relative state of the two groups' finances, personally, I think there is a better chance of Acros being available in a few years than Tri-X, because, although Fuji may or may not decide to continue making Acros, unlike Kodak, at least they are going to be around to make the call. Kodak's ongoing existence cannot be taken for granted at present.
Generally:
I've loved using Tmax, Pan F Plus and Acros. If B&W film users like products from any of these companies, surely the best approach is just to continue buying it?
Regards
Brett
pakeha
Well-known
Yes it is capable of really nice tones, i use microphen and ID11. There is talk of curling and scratches but i have not had problems with either and i process in the laundry - not the ideal environment.