XP2+Hexanon M

[hlockwood]

I'd been wondering if I should spring for a 50mm cron to complement my M7 kit. But I recently mounted the 50mm Hexanon M (from my Hexar RF kit) for an intensive workout using XP2 rated at ISO 320. The results are very satisfying. The printed images are tack sharp over the entire frame, with excellent contrast. I don't think I need a cron! Now I can reduce my GAS to focus on the new 75mm Summarit. 😀

I've uploaded an example to the (single-pic hlockwood) Gallery for comment. I would have included it in this post, but I can't figure out how to do that. (Advice appreciated.)

I also decided to test Ilford's claim that XP2 can be rated anywhere throughout the ISO range of 50 to 800 with no change in the standard C41 processing. The results look promising (with the help of Photoshop,) but I need to choose a better subject than I did for a realistic evaluation.

Harry

 

[drjoke]

Where's the XP2 stuff in your gallery?

 

[EmilGil]

Hmm, can't seem to find that example pic 🙁 As for including pics in posts, there is a "Insert image" button in the button bar above the text box.

I'v been thinking of the 50mm Hexanon as well, the only down-side is that it uses a different filter size (40.5mm) than my other lenses (39mm).

 

[sirius]

XP2 can do some unattractive things when under-exposed. I'm very happy with the results when I rate it at ISO 250.

The Hex 50 is a really lovely lens. It has a pretty out of focus ability and lots of rich tones. I think you are right about not needing a summicron. My cron seems to have a little more contrast than I see in hex photos, that's the only big difference I see.

If you would like to upload a photo to this page click on the "go advanced" button. There is a manage attachments button on that page, the rest is pretty obvious. Once you upload your photo with that manage attachments window that opens, you can click on it and open a new window with the image in it. If you copy the URL for that image, you can go back to your message box, click the image of a mountain in the tool bar and paste the URL of the image there. Then the full image will appear in your message.

I hope that this is what you were asking for.

PS, I like your pbase site.

 

[hlockwood]

SNIP

I've uploaded an example to the (single-pic hlockwood) Gallery for comment. I would have included it in this post, but I can't figure out how to do that. (Advice appreciated.)

Another SNIP

Harry

This is an attempt to get the pic into the post. Sorry for the redundancy. If it doesn't work, the pic can be seen by going to the (RFF) Gallery, then to hlockwood. There is only one image there, shot with XP2.

Harry

 

[hlockwood]

His pic is in the Gallery here at Rff.

I like the shot. The lens performs very well. I have owned it myself and now Roland(Ferider) owns it.

Thanks, Eric. Here's another XP2 shot, but this one was taken with the 90mm cron on the M7.

Harry

 

[hlockwood]

XP2 can do some unattractive things when under-exposed. I'm very happy with the results when I rate it at ISO 250.

The Hex 50 is a really lovely lens. It has a pretty out of focus ability and lots of rich tones. I think you are right about not needing a summicron. My cron seems to have a little more contrast than I see in hex photos, that's the only big difference I see.

If you would like to upload a photo to this page click on the "go advanced" button. There is a manage attachments button on that page, the rest is pretty obvious. Once you upload your photo with that manage attachments window that opens, you can click on it and open a new window with the image in it. If you copy the URL for that image, you can go back to your message box, click the image of a mountain in the tool bar and paste the URL of the image there. Then the full image will appear in your message.

I hope that this is what you were asking for.

PS, I like your pbase site.

Thanks very much Sirius; and I should have looked more carefully at the instructions.

I'll post the results of my XP2 experiment (ISO range 50 - 800) as soon as I pick a proper target for the test.

Harry

 

[mfogiel]

I have started off on 35mm with the XP2, and after a brief interlude at ISO320 and ISO250, I've settled on ISO200. At ISO 100 you get even better shadow detail (slightly) but the sharpness takes a dip, so for me, esp. for outdoors high contrast stuff ISO 200 is the real speed. However, after some time I have started looking for something sharper and with better shadow tonalities. XP2 and BW400CN even more so, are really women portrait films, they have that smooth look in the face highlights which makes them appear sleek... But for normal shooting, they lack the sharpness and character. So far,among the ISO 200 films, I have found AGFA SCALA, but this has been a futile exercise, as the film is out of stock and my lab told me they will run out of chemicals in 6 months, so I am experimenting with other emulsions. I've tried Pan F+, FP4+, HP5+, Delta 100 and Acros. So far only the last two really convince me, and I am now experimenting with Delta 400 and Neopan 1600. If you flip through my flickr photos, each of them has the tag relating to the type of film used, so it could give you the idea of what to expect.

 

[hlockwood]

I have started off on 35mm with the XP2, and after a brief interlude at ISO320 and ISO250, I've settled on ISO200. At ISO 100 you get even better shadow detail (slightly) but the sharpness takes a dip, so for me, esp. for outdoors high contrast stuff ISO 200 is the real speed. However, after some time I have started looking for something sharper and with better shadow tonalities. XP2 and BW400CN even more so, are really women portrait films, they have that smooth look in the face highlights which makes them appear sleek... But for normal shooting, they lack the sharpness and character. So far,among the ISO 200 films, I have found AGFA SCALA, but this has been a futile exercise, as the film is out of stock and my lab told me they will run out of chemicals in 6 months, so I am experimenting with other emulsions. I've tried Pan F+, FP4+, HP5+, Delta 100 and Acros. So far only the last two really convince me, and I am now experimenting with Delta 400 and Neopan 1600. If you flip through my flickr photos, each of them has the tag relating to the type of film used, so it could give you the idea of what to expect.

Wow! Great shots throughout your site. But there's much more than film type in getting such excellent results. Thanks.

Harry

 

[peter_n]

XP2 and BW400CN even more so, are really women portrait films, they have that smooth look in the face highlights which makes them appear sleek...

Chromogenic C-41 films seem to be a favorite of wedding photographers, that's for sure. I'm going to a wedding in Ireland this week and I'm taking a bulk roll's worth of XP2 with me. 🙂 You might also want to take a look at one or two of the European films like Fomapan 200 from the Czech Republic. You might be pleasantly surprised.

 

[MCTuomey]

Chromogenic C-41 films seem to be a favorite of wedding photographers, that's for sure. I'm going to a wedding in Ireland this week and I'm taking a bulk roll's worth of XP2 with me. 🙂 You might also want to take a look at one or two of the European films like Fomapan 200 from the Czech Republic. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Sanford's recent postings make the Foma 200 look very interesting, but I think that Sanford could work magic with nearly anything.