Help me choose a budget b&w film!

[Satisfied Fool]

So I have been shooting with TMax 100, 400 and TriX for quite some time now, and I grown very fond of every one of them, especially TMax 400. Now a time has come where Im in a financially tight position, so I am looking for a new b&w film to cut down on the cost a bit. I use the film to scan for web and darkroom printing.

So, what I like:
- TMax 100
- TMax 400
- TriX 400

What I know is available here (and is cheaper):
- Ilford Pan 100 (eur 3,40)
- Ilford Pan 400 (eur 3,40)
- Fomapan 100 (eur 3)
- Fomapan 400 (eur 3)

I could probably find other films here, so other suggestions are welcome. Id love to hear your experiences with these films...

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

Have you looked at the bulk tins of film, a daylight loader and a few reusable cassettes? That's the usual path to economy, plus developing etc at home.

Regards, David

 

[Satisfied Fool]

I do develop at home. Haven't seen any tins of these films in the shops here, but definitely worth checking out. I have seen TMax bulk in Germany, but weirdly that was more expensive then buying normal rolls.

 

[pesphoto]

I've been using kentmere 400, a bit cheaper and similar to trix, a bit grainier but i like it..

 

[sebastel]

both ilford pan and fomapan are quite useable. actually, for the imaging qualities, fomapan is my favourite - only the emulsion is very prone to scratching. i can't predict whether you might be happy, but i'd suggest to try it out yourself.
cheers
s.

 

[telenous]

Foma and Pan 100 are both nice. Go with the former since it's cheaper. I've never used Foma 400 but I often read people who are exasperated with it. Pan 400 is OK. I used a little when I ran out of film in Istanbul and I wouldn't hesitate to use it again. It's like a slightly grainier (and I suspect slower) sibling of HP5+.

.

 

[LukasB]

+1 for Fomapan. Very good film for the price.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

If you've a friend living near Hradec then Fomapan can be bought direct from the factory...

Regards, David

 

[gb hill]

I've been using kentmere 400, a bit cheaper and similar to trix, a bit grainier but i like it..

I haven't used it yet but I bought 10 rolls. I like the results I've seen from others but I haven't read much on what the best developer to use with this film.

 

[Hern]

Pan 100 is one heck of a beautiful film, try a roll and you won't regret it!

In fact, I might just ask if I could buy a brick of that through you, prices of that film are about 4.20 Eur over here 😛

 

[Dayrell bishop]

+1 for Foma 100.

 

[benmacphoto]

Have never used Foma, but I use Kentmere 400 often and really like the results.

 

[blacksquare]

Also Fomapan 200 is very nice and cheap film...

 

[ChrisLivsey]

How many rolls a year do you shoot?
How much are you looking to "save" by using film you are not familiar with instead of those you are fond of?
Could you "save" the difference by shooting fewer rolls of those emulsions of which you are fond?
Are you thinking of printing less or using budget paper instead, when finances improve you will have images on those films you are fond of to print instead of prints on more expensive paper from negatives you may not be fond of?
Just options.

 

[lawrence]

+1 for Foma 100.

Agreed. An excellent film.

 

[bayernfan]

Fomapan 200, has an awesome look. I'm going to begin shooting it more when my HP5 stock runs out.

 

[Satisfied Fool]

Pan 100 is one heck of a beautiful film, try a roll and you won't regret it!

In fact, I might just ask if I could buy a brick of that through you, prices of that film are about 4.20 Eur over here 😛

Would be happy to do it, but I think the shipping cost will ruin it for you...

How many rolls a year do you shoot?
How much are you looking to "save" by using film you are not familiar with instead of those you are fond of?
Could you "save" the difference by shooting fewer rolls of those emulsions of which you are fond?
Are you thinking of printing less or using budget paper instead, when finances improve you will have images on those films you are fond of to print instead of prints on more expensive paper from negatives you may not be fond of?
Just options.

I think its going to be somewhere between 150-200 rolls in the coming year. It does make sense though, I need to think about what to do.

I might just buy a couple of rolls of Fomapan 100 and 400 and see how those 'feel', and try to save on other things to keep buying TMax and TriX.

Thanks for all the reactions!

 

[p.giannakis]

I have used Ilford Pan 400 in Rodinal and i like it. Here are two examples:

I wasn't impressed with the Foma 400 but i did like the Foma 200 (rated as 125). Here is a picture taken with it (in HC-110)

 

[michaelwj]

I use Foma 400, bought in bulk. It really isn't a 400 speed film but 320 or 250 depending on the developer. Check their tech doc and you will see the development curves. It has a nice classic look at 250 which I like.

 

[Bill Clark]

What about Kentmere?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/601027-REG/Kentmere_6012599_Kentmere_35mm_Black_and.html

I get 17 plus rolls 36 exposure per bulk roll. $2.35 per 36 exposure roll.