Replacement for Acros 100?

[pschauss]

Interestingly, I bought 100' of Legacy Pro 100 (AKA Acros) to see if it would be a good replacement for Plus-X. After a bit of trial and error with Rodinal I am starting to get results that I like. Since it is no longer available in bulk, however, I will probably switch to Orwo UN54.

 

[Trius]

"No" as in it's not a replacement for Acros. It has a quite different look, which is expected in that it's not a tabular/"c-shell"/flat grain, rather it is a conventional grain structure.

I am settling on Delta 100. I could just as easily go with TMX, but as Kodak is not really a viable business any more, I am settling primarily on Ilford products. (No, I'm not starting an Kodak flame war; I'm just stating my choice.)

 

[Keith]

"No" as in it's not a replacement for Acros. It has a quite different look, which is expected in that it's not a tabular/"c-shell"/flat grain, rather it is a conventional grain structure.

I am settling on Delta 100. I could just as easily go with TMX, but as Kodak is not really a viable business any more, I am settling primarily on Ilford products. (No, I'm not starting an Kodak flame war; I'm just stating my choice.)

I've read that Kodak are bankrupt and don't make film any more! 😛

Wise decision!

 

[redisburning]

Sadly, I too am preparing for a total switch over from Fuji products.

As long as I can buy Acros, however, I will.

The Delta films do lie flat, and I do appreciate that, but Fuji's b&w are just what I like. I took a ton of shots on Neopan 400 in 2010 and learned that it was a film I could really trust. Maybe Kodak will manage to keep Tri-X afloat; Im fairly certain at this point that I will go to Delta for 100 and some combination of Tri-X and Delta for 400.

 

[Trius]

Keith: LOL ... I heard that too. But every morning when I drive by the Ridge Road facility I see at least 3 or 4 employees, so they must be doing OK. 😉

I have little doubt Tri-X will survive whether through a spinoff/purchase (more likely) or a downsized Kodak (less likely); what gives me pause is the potential and probable disruptions. Distribution/availability, quality control and pricing are at risk.

 

[Keith]

Keith: LOL ... I heard that too. But every morning when I drive by the Ridge Road facility I see at least 3 or 4 employees, so they must be doing OK. 😉

I have little doubt Tri-X will survive whether through a spinoff/purchase (more likely) or a downsized Kodak (less likely); what gives me pause is the potential and probable disruptions. Distribution/availability, quality control and pricing are at risk.

Did they have a large truck ... that might be the 'repo' guys? :angel:

 

[pakeha]

I could not find Acros 100 in 100ft rolls; not at Freestyle, B&H or Adorama. Before ordering in 36-exp rolls I would like to inquire if anybody can help me with a proper replacement. Could Delta 100 or Tmax 100 be close? Thanks.

(For self-developing only, no C-41 process.)

I`m maybe gonna get slammed for this, but how about Shanghai GP3?
Yeah, its chinese film😱

 

[znapper]

From what I gather, GP3 is a really nice film, tonality wise, how ever, from what I've red, it's also very susceptible to scratches and various quality issues.
(No idea how it stands concerning grain and resolution, but I doubt it can beat Acros really).

 

[znapper]

Rollei Retro 80s

Rollei retro 80s is a nice film indeed, but people have issues with it being prtty high in contrast, people seem to have some problems controlling it properly.

Other than that, it has very high resolution and low grain.
Unsure about the tonality and spectral response vs Acros, as I've only tried a few rolls in 120.

 

[RObert Budding]

Rollei retro 80s is a nice film indeed, but people have issues with it being prtty high in contrast, people seem to have some problems controlling it properly.

Other than that, it has very high resolution and low grain.
Unsure about the tonality and spectral response vs Acros, as I've only tried a few rolls in 120.

Contrast is controlled by altering development time. Don't people ever run film tests?

 

[Trius]

Did they have a large truck ... that might be the 'repo' guys? :angel:

Ha! (10 char)

 

[emayoh]

Hmm you inspired me to check out the Shanghai GP3 group on Flickr just to see what it is capable of. Obviously one can never tell if a bad result from a stranger is the fault of the human doing the processing or some film issue, but good results can show a possibility, and that group shows some excellent possibility. Looks like eBay is where many Yanks go to get it. Thanks!

 

[Trius]

Hmm you inspired me to check out the Shanghai GP3 group on Flickr just to see what it is capable of. Obviously one can never tell if a bad result from a stranger is the fault of the human doing the processing or some film issue, but good results can show a possibility, and that group shows some excellent possibility. Looks like eBay is where many Yanks go to get it. Thanks!

I saw more chaff than wheat, but I think a lot is due to sloppy/poor processing, not to mention scanning and composition. Most of the good stuff seems to be on 4x5, but I admit I haven't gone through 7200+ images!

 

[mbdiesel]

I have used shanghai gp3 120 film and still have 3 rolls left. Produces nice tones. I have used xtol and rodinal (not together) to develop it. However, it curls like mad and the film base is very thin. I much prefer acros.

I have developed rolls from last year and as soon as I take them out of the film sleeve, it curls. I have not found a way to flatten it and I have given up on the film. 4x5 shanghai is another story. I have not used it but it has thicker base that does not curl like 120.

 

[Trius]

Anil: Thanks for the observations. The bad curl in 120 might be a big part of the reason for poor scans. I would only be interested in the 4x5.

 

[pschauss]

I have shot probably a dozen rolls of GP3 in 120 format. In terms of grain and tonality I did not find that there was anything special about it. My major complaint was that the frame numbers were virtually impossible to read through the red window on the camera back and on some of the rolls the film was not properly alligned with the markings with the result that that all or part of the first frame was shot on the backing paper.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Ilford Delta 100 is in the same vein, with no concerns that it will be discontinued.

Fuji are discontinuing it??
Link?
Regards,
Brett

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

I'm going over to Delta 100 when my ACROS stock is depleted. Ilford deserves our business.

And Fuji don't?
Hmm, I thought they still made film. Happy to use their product, and Ilford's too, for that matter.
Regards
Brett

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Sadly, I too am preparing for a total switch over from Fuji products.

As long as I can buy Acros, however, I will.

The Delta films do lie flat, and I do appreciate that, but Fuji's b&w are just what I like. I took a ton of shots on Neopan 400 in 2010 and learned that it was a film I could really trust. Maybe Kodak will manage to keep Tri-X afloat; Im fairly certain at this point that I will go to Delta for 100 and some combination of Tri-X and Delta for 400.

Considering the relative state of the two groups' finances, personally, I think there is a better chance of Acros being available in a few years than Tri-X, because, although Fuji may or may not decide to continue making Acros, unlike Kodak, at least they are going to be around to make the call. Kodak's ongoing existence cannot be taken for granted at present.

Generally:
I've loved using Tmax, Pan F Plus and Acros. If B&W film users like products from any of these companies, surely the best approach is just to continue buying it?
Regards
Brett

 

[pakeha]

Hmm you inspired me to check out the Shanghai GP3 group on Flickr just to see what it is capable of. Obviously one can never tell if a bad result from a stranger is the fault of the human doing the processing or some film issue, but good results can show a possibility, and that group shows some excellent possibility. Looks like eBay is where many Yanks go to get it. Thanks!

Yes it is capable of really nice tones, i use microphen and ID11. There is talk of curling and scratches but i have not had problems with either and i process in the laundry - not the ideal environment.