Medium Speed 35mm B&W Film Poll

[lawrence]

I'm interested in which medium speed mono films are most popular. Sorry I couldn't include them all in this poll but it's limited to a dozen items.

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

1.) Rollei Retro 100/Agfa APX 100, in D-76/ID-11.
2.) Plus-X.
3.) FP4.

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

Very interesting poll, Lawrence...

I don't have much experience with those... These days I use APX100 in Rodinal... A few years ago (2003-2004) I tested some of them and found Plus-X was the one I liked the most for its grain, sharpness and general look, but I have heard great comments on Acros and others since... Hope I will learn a lot from this thread!

Cheers,

Juan

 

[not_in_good_order]

I use Fuji Neopan Acros the most because it is very sharp, fine grained, and has excellent reciprocity characteristics.

 

[lawrence]

These days I use APX100 in Rodinal...

Unfortunately APX doesn't seem to be available in many places these days and I'm unclear about whether it's still in production or whether it's old stock. I do know that those who use it love it and that it looks great in Rodinal. If you can tell us more about current situation with production that would be appreciated.

 

[ferider]

Try Rollei Retro 100, Lawrence. It's the same.

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

Lawrence, I buy it from fotoR3, biggest photo supplier in Spain: they send to all the country by mail. APX100 and Rodinal are always available that way, but I never see them in stores here in Barcelona or in Madrid...

Roland, good to know about Rollei 100 Retro being the same...

Cheers,

Juan

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

Delta in Rodinal or HC-110 for me.

Interesting to think of ISO100 as medium-speed! It's on the slower side of what I use...and I think of XX, Tri-X, and HP5+ as medium.

 

[coelacanth]

Had to vote "other" but it's actually "none" because I don't even remember the last time I used b/w below 400. Probably I should try some...

 

[FS Vontz]

100 is medium speed?

 

[not_in_good_order]

100 is medium speed?

Sure:

HP5 PLUS is a high speed, medium contrast film[...]

http://www.ilfordphoto.com/products/product.asp?n=7

 

[Fawley]

My go to film has always been FP4. Besides being accostumed to it, FP4 has a wide exposure latitude, it can be pushed or pulled with ease and it gives just the right amount of grain for most things I shoot. I process in HC-110 at various dilutions. Lately I have been playing around with Delta 100, which I think is more contrasty and has a smoother look, but its a much different film so it will not likely replace FP4

 

[lawrence]

100 is medium speed?

Well I guess there's no official definition but I've always considered

under 100: slow
100-200: medium
400 & above: fast

 

[lawrence]

My go to film has always been FP4. Besides being accostumed to it, FP4 has a wide exposure latitude, it can be pushed or pulled with ease and it gives just the right amount of grain for most things I shoot. I process in HC-110 at various dilutions. Lately I have been playing around with Delta 100, which I think is more contrasty and has a smoother look, but its a much different film so it will not likely replace FP4

It seems FP4+ is a very popular film although personally I do prefer the Delta because I like the contrast and lack of grain. Of the 'high tech' films I prefer the Deltas because their highlight gradation seems more subtle (closer to conventional film).

 

[Roger Vadim]

APX in 35mm (with a bit of Acros in between, when you need that imaculate grainlessness...)
Foma 100 in MF and 4x5 inch

mostly in Rodinal, where especially APX shines. Unfortunately out of production, but there seems to be quite some old stock in 35mm - genera opinion is that it should last two more years. There was one pack of 4x5 inch APX in an ebay auction recently and it fetched a premium sum. seems that people like their APX (I'd love to shoot it in 4x5). There is something about APX and skin tones that you don't get with other films.

 

[andredossantos]

I prefer FP4+ at the moment but my tastes are always changing.

I especially like FP4+ because it handles harsh light extremely well, Ive found.

 

[TennesseJones]

has anyone used 'lucky' 100 film? i just got given a roll.

 

[lukaz85]

usually tri-x 400, but when it comes to medium speed films: apx 100 + rodinal 1:50 = love at first sight

 

[nikon_sam]

I don't normally use a Medium Speed film, as of lately I've been into 400 speed for B&W...
I like the Neopan series of films and have used both the 100 and 400 speed films...I have also found that I do like the LegacyPro 100 and it's cheaper than the Neopan 100...
If I had to choose/use a medium speed film it would be the Legacy...

 

[robert blu]

Since I re-start to deveop B&W myself I went with Delta 100 (and 400 for low light) because of fine grain, good overall contrast (my opinion and my taste of course) and easy to scan.
robert