Ferrania P30 B&W Film Thread

[lynnb]

My first roll of P30 exposed at ISO100 and dev in XTOL 1+1 12m 20C with 6 rapid inversions every 30sec. V700 scan. IIIc with a CV21/4 LTM.

The negs have high acutance and are very contrasty (easily tamed in LR4).

 

[Godfrey]

Hmm, Lynnb:

If the negs are "very contrasty", I'd cut back on the agitation. IME, too much agitation causes much higher contrast build up.

For scanning, I go the other way and minimize agitation. It's always easy to add contrast*and obscure data when needed, but reducing contrast ultimately runs into the scanner's limitations and lack of detail information.

I haven't shot any of my P30 yet ... perhaps I'll take out a Leicaflex SL this week. 🙂

G

 

[dave lackey]

My first roll of P30 exposed at ISO100 and dev in XTOL 1+1 12m 20C with 6 rapid inversions every 30sec. V700 scan. IIIc with a CV21/4 LTM.

The negs have high acutance and are very contrasty (easily tamed in LR4).

On the iPhone, these look good!
I think it had potential if they ever start making enough/ selling enough to make the effort if disking in a new film worthwhile I would be happy to try it out!!

Especially if Godfrey would loan me the Leicaflex SL!!!!🙂🙂🙂

 

[Mackinaw]

Hmm, Lynnb:

If the negs are "very contrasty", I'd cut back on the agitation. IME, too much agitation causes much higher contrast build up.

For scanning, I go the other way and minimize agitation. It's always easy to add contrast*and obscure data when needed, but reducing contrast ultimately runs into the scanner's limitations and lack of detail information.

I haven't shot any of my P30 yet ... perhaps I'll take out a Leicaflex SL this week. 🙂

G

P30 is inherently contrasty. There are monstrous threads over on APUG (now Photrio) how to deal with the contrast. Post-processing definitely helps, but controlling contrast during development is the real solution. Choice of developer has a big impact on contrast. Version 2.0 of their “best practices” PDF is very helpful.

Jim B.

 

[css9450]

I found it interesting that the recommended Best Practice for Rodinal was an hour semi-stand at 1:100 dilution. Seems unconventional although in hindsight that might cut down on contrast.


Scroll further down on the page and there are Community Submitted techniques, which has a more-conventional Rodinal time of 14 minutes at 1:50 with regular agitation (which is what I used).

 

[Calzone]

I have to check, but I used Diafine and got good results. I'll check my times, but as I remember I think I only got 50 ISO or perhaps 80 the most. I never bought any P30, but I had all this gifting of P30 where I did enough testing to say that it has potential for me.

Diafine is a compensating developer so like stand development in Rodinal 1:100 the compensating effect unwinds the excessive contrast.

I use time to develop the midrange. With Diafine I always get mucho shadow detail. BTW I make negatives for wet printing. I don't scan.

Cal

 

[Mackinaw]

The last roll of P30 I shot was at an EI of 40 and developed in straight D-76, continuous agitation, for 8 minutes. My subject was in the shade. I was very happy with the results. See post #159 for the pic.

Jim B.

 

[css9450]

It took me awhile to use this whole roll. This is frame 1 or 2.... Back in January. That is snow through those windows.

 

[sepiareverb]

It took me awhile to use this whole roll. This is frame 1 or 2.... Back in January. That is snow through those windows.

Notice any latent image keeping troubles?

 

[css9450]

Not that I noticed, but I'll take a good hard look at them when I get home tonight. I'd rather not see any image deterioration if it takes me several months to go through a roll!

 

[lynnb]

From the same roll as images posted earlier, P30 @iso100 in XTOL 1+1, V700 scan and LR4 tone adjustment.

Ferrania P30 at Manly Village markets, Sydney 2017. #814 by lynn's snaps, on Flickr

 

[dave lackey]

Looks great to me, Lynn!

It appears you have dialed it in. Now that having been apparently solved (?), the website updates do not seem exactly cheerful of confidence-inspiring. Hopefully Ferrania gets their problems solved soon.

I would love to try this film myself even though it looks pretty much like any other good film result. I would definitely support them!🙂

 

[dave lackey]

Lynn, a follow-up question since I value your expertise. Is there anything you have found using P30 that causes concern?

 

[Ted Striker]

Anyone develop this film in HC-110? Which dilution and for how long?

 

[lynnb]

from the same roll - P30 in XTOL 1+1

Manly beach, Sydney summer #832 by lynnb's snaps, on Flickr
IIIc CV21/4 LTM

 

[lynnb]

Lynn, a follow-up question since I value your expertise. Is there anything you have found using P30 that causes concern?

Dave, no concern, it's just different - it's got a response unlike anything I've used previously. Blue skies are darker as are shadow areas. Also it gives a glow to the highlights as if there's no antihalation layer. But these are things you work with when you use the film. If I try it again I'll use Ferrania's recommended development. I think the film will work very well for portraits.

Cheers,

 

[dave lackey]

Dave, no concern, it's just different - it's got a response unlike anything I've used previously. Blue skies are darker as are shadow areas. Also it gives a glow to the highlights as if there's no antihalation layer. But these are things you work with when you use the film. If I try it again I'll use Ferrania's recommended development. I think the film will work very well for portraits.

Cheers,

Yes, I can't wait to see your results.

Ad we have discussed many times, it must be nice to have a beach to walk to! If you live beside big water... you are lucky enough!🙂🙂🙂

 

[Mackinaw]

Dave, no concern, it's just different - it's got a response unlike anything I've used previously. Blue skies are darker as are shadow areas. Also it gives a glow to the highlights as if there's no antihalation layer. But these are things you work with when you use the film. If I try it again I'll use Ferrania's recommended development. I think the film will work very well for portraits.....

You had better luck with Xtol than I did.

I do agree that P30 is a superb portrait film. The few portraits that I've taken have a certain quality that separates them from other b&W film I've used.

Jim B.

 

[michaelphoto]

I dont think that Xtol and P30 is as bad as some people claim.
Following 2 pictures are from the same roll, EI 80 dev. for 5 min. 35 seconds continuous agitation (Rondinax), Xtol replenished, 20.5 celcius.

Odense fantasier by Michael G, on Flickr

I skyggen langs åen by Michael G, on Flickr

If you click on the pics, you wil get to Flickr. There are more photos to see there.

Regards Michael

 

[Daryl J.]

How long has it been since its last online availability?