Plus-X alternatives in 2021?

[markjwyatt]

Here is some "classic" Plus-X (mid-1970s); D-76, 1:1 type images for comparison.


You said what happened? by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr


portrait by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr


Aspen Forest Utah by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr

 

[Bingley]

Ah, Plus-X!! I still have some rolls in my refrigerator. I’ll use them very carefully, because I don’t think there’s anything quite like it out there today. I’ve looked. Tried FP4+, and it was close but no cigar. Fomapan 200 is interesting, but it doesn’t cut it compared to the beautiful mid-tones of Plus-X. I’ve also tried Cinestill XX and Eastmen XX… returns aren’t entirely in yet, but I don’t think either one of those quite replicates Plus-X. TMax 100 may be your best bet, depending on your developer. Gotta say, I miss the original…

Galen Clark's cabin (repost) by Steve Macfarlane, on Flickr

There... by Steve Macfarlane, on Flickr

Dining by Steve Macfarlane, on Flickr

 

[DwF]

Steve,

No question your examples above make a good case for Plus-X, and especially considering we are just viewing Jpegs here. In fact I am curious now reading this thread to seek some out. I'd like to think that FP4+ can match Plus-X if processed correctly for the situation. I confess I haven't shot with Plus X in many years but coming back to shooting film, have found that FP4+ works well for me. I will give Tmax 100 a try for sure.

David



These below were FP4+

 

[Pál_K]

I've never used plus-x but I really love FP4 in d76/id11 -






In my experience it's not as nice in smoother developers like x-tol.

Perfect. That’s exactly the type of look I’m seeking. Thank you for mentioning Xtol, as that was going to be my next question. I’ve used D76 extensively, so it’s good I can stay with that, but I’ll also try ID11 just to explore.

Good photos by all in this thread - thanks again.

 

[bluesun267]

Pre-2005 there was such a wealth of 100-125 speed films available (I used them all) but had particular fondness for Agfa APX100, Neopan SS, FP4, and Verichrome Pan. When those 4 were available I hardly ever bought Plus-X and never touched Tmax 100 or Delta. Among them I'd say Neopan SS was the closest to Plus-X in terms of grain & contrast, though it was really a somewhat faster film than the 100 box speed.

There really isn't anything out there now that's a real close match Plus-X (or any of the other defunct stocks). But there are some good ones: Kentmere 100 as someone else pointed out. In fact it is my favorite all-around 100 speed film right now. It's actually a little better than Plus-X I feel. Too bad it's not made in 120.

I gave Delta 100 another look and was pleasantly surprised recently. It may have to do with me doing more scanning and less printing today than I did 20 years ago. I had trouble printing both Delta, Tmax 100 and Plus-X all due to blocked-up highlights. I never went to the trouble of trying to tame them with different asa ratings or developers since all those other aforementioned films printed so easily with great highlight detail.

 

[julio1fer]

FP4+ would be closest to Plus-X, IMHO.

As said above, the developer is important too. D-76 1:1 would give a very close match to Plus-X in the same developer.