Grainiest ISO 100 - 200 B/W Film

[DominikDUK]

I am getting bored with the near grainless look of many of todays B/W Films(25 - 400ASA), I know I can get more grain with overdeveloping, overexposure, Rodinal, etc... the first two are at the cost of tonality and Rondinal doesn't always give me enough grain.

So basically I am looking for a film with high base graininess in the 100 to 200 ASA range. Grateful for any advice.

Thanks

Dominik

 

[135format]

You will get a lot more grain if you go for a higher speed film. Neopan 1600 rated at around EI 640 in Rodinal 1:25 will do it(if you can get it) other wise Delta 3200 in stock Microphen rated EI 3200 will also give you loads of grain. But maybe too fast film speed for you.
Developing film in Dektol print developer also gives big grain but I don't have times or dilutions for that. I rekon HP5 would be the film to use with it but others may work well too. i.e. abuse it as much as you can.

 

[J. Borger]

Agfa APX100 processed in Rodinal is pretty grainy for a Iso 100 film...... it is still available in Germany.
If you want grain Why do not you use a ND filter and keep shooting the Iso 400 film in sunny conditions?? You can even push it if you use a strong enough filter.

 

[135format]

yes, what J Borger says is a good point. Using an ND 1.2 (4 stop) filter combined with delta 3200 developed in stock microphen 9 mins ( as per Ilfords times for EI 3200 )would give you an effective EI 200 film with loads of grain.
Only problem is seeing through the viwefinder if you are using an SLR.

Note: Delta 3200 in Microphen stock gives normal film contrast.

 

[DominikDUK]

Thanks for the tip nearly forgot that one. ND filter stupid me.

Dominik

 

[sem]

If you use fuji or kodak and process it in finol or tanol from moersch and agitate just once instead of twice.
Or take xtol and mix it with a little bit of rodinal. Have to test a bit but it will work.
Kind regards

 

[DominikDUK]

Sem I often use Moersch Tanol but I've never noticed a big increase in grain, in fact the stain decreases the appearance of grain. But I am willing to learn. Do you have any examples you could post.

Thanks Dominik

 

[Peter_S]

FP4+ (perhaps pushed to 200?)
APX 100 in HC-110

 

[goffer]

If you don't have an ND filter and develop your own film I'd try pulling 400 or 1600 film to 100 or 200.

 

[DominikDUK]

Peter is Apx 100 in HC110 grainier than in Rodinal?
Danke im Vorraus für die Antwort.

Borger unfortunately I want to use it with an uncoated lower contrast lens (Summar), and pulling the film 2 stops+ will reduce the contrast even more.

The ND Idea seems currently to be the best way to get grainier results.

Dominik

 

[sem]

I hope the attachment will show!
I agitate just the half of what should be. I think it was kodak tmax 100,
use it not with finol, I know the better choice for fine grain, but tanol show of the grain.
Hope it helps. You will have to test a bit.
I like moersch!
Kind regards

 

[DominikDUK]

Thank you Sem

 

[Peter_S]

APX in HC-110 is smoother and less bitingly sharp than in Rodinal. Grain of APX-100 and Rodinal seems tighter and harder. FP4+ I find has the sweet spot for me (also develops most consistently). I shoot FP4+ when I want classic grain or Delta 100 when I want it tack-sharp.

http://cargocollective.com/peter_s/Pik-Pobeda-East-6762m-Tien-Shan - first 3 images are APX in HC-110

http://cargocollective.com/peter_s/Armenia-1
One image APX 100 in Rodinal, the other FP4+ in Rodinal.

Peter is Apx 100 in HC110 grainier than in Rodinal?
Danke im Vorraus für die Antwort.

Borger unfortunately I want to use it with an uncoated lower contrast lens (Summar), and pulling the film 2 stops+ will reduce the contrast even more.

The ND Idea seems currently to be the best way to get grainier results.

Dominik

 

[mfogiel]

You could try a half frame camera like Olympus Pen, which has some great lenses, and then shoot Apx 100@EI 200 and develop in Rodinal 1+50 x about 20 minutes. This is what I have done for this type of shots. Then, if you scan, it is sufficient to sharpen the image a bit to get a strikingly grainy appearance.
APX 100 @EI 200:

20103823 by mfogiel, on Flickr

 

[DominikDUK]

Danke for the examples, the use of Yellow/orange filters seems to help to increase the grain as well. Increased contrast = increased grain.
Mfogiel I use a Konica Autoreflex HF camera and I am quiet happy with the results I get. In this case I wanted to use my new to me Summar and Canon IID and I felt that the grain was missing in my previous pictures made with the combo. Incidently I mostly used Retro 400s in Rodinal 1:100 stand and some T-Max 100 with my new toys.

Dominik

 

[kubilai]

Why ND ? B&W shooter MUST have a red filter. Get a strong one.

 

[DominikDUK]

Kubilai doesn't the red filter change the tonality of the film? Still a good idea

Thanks

Dominik

 

[sem]

Just took a look on some elder shoots. It is also a question which lens you will take. I have an old canon 50 1,4 low contrast wide open. More grain at all, but sharp.
Kind regards

 

[sem]

Just forget to mention. Straight sunlight is difficult. At gray days it is much easier to produce grain.
Kind regards

 

[DominikDUK]

Sem it seems grain likes misery 🙂

Dominik