a quick poll

[st3ph3nm]

I've only used the Kodak C41 b&w so far, and almost always rated it at 400. I tried one film at 800, for the extra speed, and looking for a grainy feel. Didn't work to my satisfaction, really, but I'm not sure how much of that is my lack of skill - none of the shots on that roll were much good at all!

Regarding the greenish cast, I got that with *every* roll until I switched to my current lab. I think it's more to do with the paper they use than anything else.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Marc Jutras]

Returning on the sample shots I posted... These are not mine but were found on Photo.net forum (if you find the author of those, let me know). I noticed the change in aperture and other conditions in that test too.

I currently have a roll of XP2 Super in my R2 and when I get some free time (!), I'll try to run a proper test from EI 50 to 800. Anyone has a suggestion for the best "target"? What kind of scene should I go for?

 

[back alley]

nudes?

 

[rover]

Yup, the snow is starting to get deep in Edmonton, Joe is going into rut.

 

[back alley]

lol

 

[Pherdinand]

😀

Alternatively to nudes, how about some camera-and-coffee shots.

 

[Pherdinand]

Or - nudes in the snow in Edmonton, Canada. Joe, would you volunteer as a model?

 

[Russ]

Re: a quick poll

for those who use ilford's xp2 film...

how do you normally rate it?

Joe

For normal street shooting, I rate it @ 320 and shoot through a deep yellow (#15) filter. For beautiful flesh tones in portraits, rate it @ 200. However, I find the Neopan 400CN, to be a bit better than the XP-2. I'll toss a roll or two into your filter package.

Russ

 

[Russ]

It's my understanding that "pushing" chromogenic B & W films, such as XP2 and Kodak "B & W" does not work that well. That said, I've shot XP2 at 320, and it works o.k. I would be interested in hearing anyone else's experiences with shooting at other than mfg. recommended speeds, as I shoot quite a bit of chromogenic B & W film.

I.Mar

You're correct. Chromogenic films do not respond well to pushing.

Russ

 

[back alley]

Joe, would you volunteer as a model?

been there, done that!

joe

 

[Russ]

Or - nudes in the snow in Edmonton, Canada. Joe, would you volunteer as a model?

Pherdinand

It really hurts, that you wouldn't ask me to model....

Russ

 

[Pherdinand]

OK...well, would you, Russ? 🙂
However, Joe was the one suggesting the subject, that's why I picked him. I have no preference as to who will model nude for Marc... as long as it's not for me 😀

 

[taffer]

eeerrr...

well as not a very methodic person I've rated XP2 in a somewhat anarchic way. Usually at 250 but didn't hesitate using it up to 800 or so when I had no other option. Agree though that if you have to adjust later to get detail from an underexposed area, shadows get a particulary unpleasant look...

Didn't give more tests to XP2 since I started using Neopan, sorry 🙁

 

[Marc Jutras]

taffer: since you're using Neopan, could you run the little test? I'm planning to try with XP2 Super and Kodak BW400CN.

I think using a fixed aperture with camera on tripod and changing only speed to accomodate the various EI (from 50 to 800) should be good.

As for the subject, I don't feel like shooting hairy dudes with pointy nipples in the snow... sorry. 😀 Besides, we haven't got snow yet in Montreal (knock on wood).

 

[Kris]

Huh Fuji makes C-41 B&W film? How come I've never seen it in the shops?! I'll give it a try if I can find it as Russ said it is somewhat better than XP2. I'm not a fan of XP2 to begin with anyway; have the impression the film produces too much contrast compared to T400CN.

Oscar, are you using Neopan silver halide or C-41 Neopan? What's your finding on Neopan C-41 if you answer yes to the second case?

 

[taffer]

Wops yes forgot to mention, *my* Neopan is the normal b&w silver halide one, not the C41...

XP2 and in general C41 b&w film is a great solution to have 1-hour neg processing + cd with scans for usually a good price. I'd keep doing that if I hadn't become addicted to film processing myself...

And in fact those films have their own properties and behaviours against their non c41 cousins so sometimes is interesting to try them all.

 

[back alley]

who you calling hairy?

 

[Russ]

eeerrr...

Didn't give more tests to XP2 since I started using Neopan, sorry 🙁

Taffer

Isn't the Neopan 400, great stuff? Ever since discovering it about 6 years ago, I have competely abandoned Tri-X and HP-5. A tight nice grain pattern and beautiful tonality.

Russ

 

[Russ]

Huh Fuji makes C-41 B&W film? How come I've never seen it in the shops?! I'll give it a try if I can find it as Russ said it is somewhat better than XP2. I'm not a fan of XP2 to begin with anyway; have the impression the film produces too much contrast compared to T400CN.

Oscar, are you using Neopan silver halide or C-41 Neopan? What's your finding on Neopan C-41 if you answer yes to the second case?

Kris

The Neopan 400CN (chromogenic) isn't available in the US. I get mine from a buddy in the UK. Should we make a bulk order for the group members? You find the XP-2 to be too contrasty? Odd, I find it somewhat lacking in contrast.

Russ

 

[Stu :)]

Stay tuned to this thread, I got some XP2 cross processed today and printed on colour paper... wierd and wonderful.

The scans will be up later today.

Stu 🙂