Cheap B&W 400 speed film

[presspass]

Thanks for all the replies. I see several mentions of Ultrafine brands. Does anyone have a Ultrafine/other stuff comparison chart like the sticky for Arista? Thanks.

 

[Jockos]

Forget about Rollei Retro if you want 400 ISO, it's less than 200 most likely.

Kentmere is ok for scanning, but I didn't like it in the darkroom, YMMV.

 

[Pioneer]

Everyone has slightly different experiences but I shoot Arista EDU Ultra 400 at EI200 to get the best shadow detail. If I want to shoot 400 I almost always work with HP5+ or Tri-X, but lately I have moved more to Delta 400 or Delta 3200. Unfortunately these are more expensive than HP5+.

I normally shoot it at EI200 with good success but I have read on this forum and others the Eastman Kodak Double X can be successfully pushed to EI400. There are others here who have more experience with this. This is a very inexpensive alternative but you will be working with bulk loading from 400 or 1000 foot rolls of film. This can be done by hand very inexpensively if you have a darkroom but not everyone wants to work this way.

 

[Pioneer]

For "how to roll your own" even without a loader -- in fact, I'd suggest, ideally without a loader -- see http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/ps how load bulk.html

But as Vics says, is it worth 60 cents a roll to have to do it yourself?

Cheers,

R.

Thanks Roger. I have read a lot of your articles on-line, and have a few of your books, but hadn't seen that one yet. Very useful information to have.

 

[rolfe]

Orwo N74 or Kodak 5222 in 400 foot rolls is about as cheap as it gets.

Orwo N74 is $174.00 for 400ft from http://orwona.com

Kodak 5222 is $250.00 for 400ft from http://www.filmemporium.com/store/

The Orwo seems to be a true 400 speed film; Kodak 5222 is more like 200-250, but very pushable as it is so low contrast to begin with.

 

[Tijmendal]

where can i buy that cheap?

That's at B&H.

 

[mwoenv]

Ultrafine Xteme 400 is $30 for 100 ft. It's fine if you like an old-fashioned grainy, gritty look (developed in D76 stock).

 

[DNG]

How is Ultramax T-Grain 400, with "T" grain tech?
that is $3.50 a 36x roll... $1.00 less than Tmax 400 36x

 

[Gregoyle]

How is Ultramax T-Grain 400, with "T" grain tech?
that is $3.50 a 36x roll... $1.00 less than Tmax 400 36x

I would also be interested in this. I haven't shot it, and there isn't a whole lot of information online in a google search. Anyone with experience with this film?

-Greg

 

[borret]

I think Rollei (or some other manufacturer) in Europe make BW films, check out MacoDirect or FotoImpex. Could be interesting, HOWEVER....shipping :bang:
I don't know for the US but importing anything into Canada is a massive pain in the rear

I live in Montreal where the price of film is outrageously high. It is far more economical to purchase HP5+ from B&H, especially if you order 50 rolls. It is even less expensive than buying directly from Ilford Canada. No hassle whatsoever, great service.

 

[Fotohuis]

Rollei film is a brand from Maco. They have three manufacturers:
Agfa Gevaert for the Retro S films and IR incl. the ATP1.1 micro film. Filmotec for the Ortho films. And Harman Ilford for their RPX film line. All these films can be bought in bulk, even the C41 and E6 Rollei Digibase CN and CR color films (also from Agfa Gevaert).
The prices in Europe for these products are pretty good. If you want real cheap and reasonable quality film you can look at OrWO Filmotec UN54 and N74+ In 122m/400ft. Alternative TSF type film but then the quality sucks.
When going to Foma: Also good film but their Fomapan 400 is only iso 250, FP200 iso 160 but a very nice film in structure, grain but soft in emulsion. FP 100 a classical iso 100 film. All available in bulk for a reasonable price.

 

[philosli]

Bulk loading 100' HP5+ is cheaper than Arista Premium 36- or 24-exp rolls.