Alternatives to Arista Premium 400

[bonatto]

Since freestyle no longer stocks 36 frame rolls, I'll be looking for a 400 speed alternative soon. I'm in Europe now, so choices should be constrained.

Any good options at around 3-3.5 euro per roll?

 

[CliveC]

Kentmere 400 isn't bad.

 

[Vics]

Tri-X. I don't know what the cost is where you are.

 

[Fotohuis]

Around EUR. 3,- you will only find in 135-36 Kentmere 400 or Fomapan 400.

 

[Filzkoeter]

HP5+ in bulk = ~3,50€ per roll

 

[Gregoyle]

HP5+ in bulk = ~3,50€ per roll

I'm not sure how much it is in Europe, but in the US HP5+ works out to $3.05 per roll (not counting cartridges). It's a screaming good deal for film. Another potential option is Orwo N74. It is a 400 speed film a little grainier than Hp5/Tri-X; most compare it to Double X in look and feel. It's available in 100 and 400 foot rolls for slightly less than HP5+ in the US, but I don't know what the availability is in Europe.

HP5+ is a great film, and close in characteristics to Arista Premium/Tri-X. I would say they are more alike to each other than they are to any other films. I like it better than Kentmere and Foma/Arista.edu.

-Greg

 

[mfogiel]

Your best choice is Tri X from maco at eur 4.15 per roll
http://www.macodirect.de/kodak-p-614.html
You can also try RPX 400 at EUR 3.30 - someone is very satisfied with this film
http://www.macodirect.de/rollei-p-2983.html
http://sculptingwithlight.blogspot.com/2012/12/my-favorite-black-and-white-films-and.html

 

[Daan]

If you bulkroll fomapan it amounts to only 2,40 a roll from maco (without shipping).
I like fomapan a lot better then kentmere but others disagree.

 

[Jani_from_Finland]

For TriX, use Trix (it wont be around for long otherwise).

 

[Kingsfan]

I was just at Freestyle this weekend. The lady said somebody came in and bought ALL the Arista Premium 400 36 exp they had. I imagine they'll restock at some point.

 

[mllanos1111]

That's a staple for them I'm sure it will get restocked.
I'm pretty sure it's just Tri-X re-branded.

 

[donkee]

Another recommendation for Ilford.

I used to be a Kodak only user but they dumped the films I used and upped prices.

Ilford is good stuff and reasonably priced.

 

[dogbunny]

I was just at Freestyle this weekend. The lady said somebody came in and bought ALL the Arista Premium 400 36 exp they had. I imagine they'll restock at some point.

It's gone. No more. Ever. 🙁

 

[CliveC]

I was just at Freestyle this weekend. The lady said somebody came in and bought ALL the Arista Premium 400 36 exp they had. I imagine they'll restock at some point.

Online sales stopped months ago, but I guess there was some floating around at the B&M store.

 

[kiemchacsu]

I agree macodirect.de is the best choice. When you signed in and buy more than 10 rolls in bulk, the price is EUR3.49/roll. I usually buy films from them but now they've changed their shipping policy (up to 25kg same tarrif) hence makes me more difficult. If you're in EU, sure that shipping cost is still reasonable.

Your best choice is Tri X from maco at eur 4.15 per roll
http://www.macodirect.de/kodak-p-614.html
You can also try RPX 400 at EUR 3.30 - someone is very satisfied with this film
http://www.macodirect.de/rollei-p-2983.html
http://sculptingwithlight.blogspot.com/2012/12/my-favorite-black-and-white-films-and.html

 

[Steve M.]

There's always Tri-X :}

I had to give up on Arista Premium after getting a large batch that gave me trouble. I'm not sure what was wrong w/ it, but the negs came out thin and had weak edge markings even though I developed it exactly like I always did. Since the edge markings are put on from the factory, I think my batch was one that did not meet Kodak's Q.C. and was sold. Can't prove it, but that's my guess. It's common knowledge that Arista Premium is rebranded Tri-X, but w/o the Kodak name I am leery of quality control now.

So now it's back to the Yellow Box, which I prefer anyway. Yep, it's more money than the Arista film, but I have never, ever had any problems w/ Tri-X. I don't want to chance a repeat experience, and I support Kodak, so it's a good thing. I'll shoot HP5 if I run out, but the grain and tones are a little different and I much prefer Kodak Tri-X..... shot at 200 w/ a yellow filter, developed in D76, and printed on fiber paper. Yes! This is what I live for, photographically speaking. It's what makes it all worth the time and effort. The tonality is perfect, and unique to this developer and film.

 

[mdwsta4]

I've been told multiple times from Freestyle (in person and over the phone) that it will not be made again. Whether they ran out of the bulk they originally bought from Kodak (who has since been bought out) or what, it doesn't appear as though it's coming back.

To the OP, why not just buy 24 exposure rolls? While I much prefer the 36 exposure rolls, I still like the film and typically buy a brick of the 24 every time I go to Freestyle just to have it.

That's a staple for them I'm sure it will get restocked.
I'm pretty sure it's just Tri-X re-branded.

 

[znapper]

It's Tri-x.
If you liked it, then buy Tri-X, never understood this common need to always try to get film for nickles and pebbles, it cost money, buy it or it dies.