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03-07-2019, 09:03 PM   #1
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If you had to pick one B&W film to shoot for a while (bulk loading) what would it be?

Recently getting back into film and am picking up a cheap/old bulk loader. I want to develop so I am starting with B&W. Since I am learning I'm going to get a less expensive film. What would you choose and what speed?
Kentmere, Arista EDU, Ultrafine Extreme, Fomapan, other?

As far as speed, I want to use if for general use, indoors sometimes. I also want to be able to cut it down to 16mm for use in my Pentax auto 110.
If you have any recommendations on where to buy that'd be appreciated too. Seems like the above options are all between 40-50 dollars.
Thanks.

03-07-2019, 09:53 PM - 1 Like   #2
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Since youre going to do indoor photography, I'd go with 400 speed. As for film I suggest going with Kentmere (drys very flat).
03-07-2019, 10:06 PM   #3
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My concern about 400 is would the grain be noticeably worse than 100 or 200 when shot in the 110 camera?
03-07-2019, 10:50 PM   #4
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Of those, Arista EDU and Fomapan are the same thing (and usually the same price), I quite like the 100iso film, it's a little soft, smooth grain and fairly low contrast, it doesn't push much, I prefer to pull it to about 80iso. I tend to use it for 120 film rather than 135. I'm not a huge fan of the 200 & 400 speed films, to me the 400 seems a bit more like 250iso though it can be used at 400iso with extended development.

For 35mm I quite like Kentmere, it is similar to Ilford FP4 (100iso), and HP5(400iso). The packet speeds are pretty accurate by my estimation. The 100 speed is crisp, has minimal grain, and in a pinch it can be pushed to 250iso or so without much increase in grain, though it does get a bit more contrasty. The 400iso is a nice film and can be pushed to 1600iso, though it does get pretty grainy.

I have used the ultrafine films a little, they are similar to what I've said about the kentmere. For me they are more expensive due to postage (to New Zealand).

For bulk loaded 35mm I personally use kentmere (or ultrafine) 100asa for daylight shooting, and the kentmere 400 for night, though I only ever use the 400 at 1600 (2 stop push) as I like the look of it. If I had to settle on just one I'd probably run with either the kentmere or the ultrafine in 100asa (whichever is cheaper). It does mean slow shutter speeds or pushing the film in low light. I'll confirm the kentmere is easy to load & work with.

I'm aware I'm misusing iso where I should be saying indicated exposure, it's easier to type.

03-07-2019, 11:01 PM   #5
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I've seen some nice examples of FP4+ pushed to 400, leading me to think it might actually be versatile enough to be an all-purpose BW film. That might fit your criteria.
03-08-2019, 12:27 AM   #6
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Neither troubleshooting nor camera help, moved to correct forum now.
03-08-2019, 05:11 AM   #7
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perhaps some delta 400, I'd say get a bulk roll of each, 100 and 400, plenty of canisters, and go for it. grab some ID-11, some vinegar and fixer, dev. tank, dark bag = fun

03-08-2019, 09:36 AM - 1 Like   #8
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ultrafine xtreme 400
03-08-2019, 09:48 AM - 1 Like   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by Lhorn Quote
What would you choose and what speed?
Kentmere, Arista EDU, Ultrafine Extreme, Fomapan, other?
All good films, but I would go with Kentmere 400. You can push it to ISO 800 or 1600 if you had to, but personally I'd shoot it at ISO 320 for a small 1/3 EV over exposure.
03-08-2019, 09:55 AM   #10
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There is no universal film. My choices are:
rollei 25, ilford fp4plus and rollei 400 infrared, all developed in hc110 1:100 standing development 60 min 20 degrees celsius.

Whatever you choose: make your own test regarding useable iso values with your equipment. standing development is easy to cope with- Agfa rodinal gives nearly identical results.
03-08-2019, 12:49 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by beachgardener Quote
perhaps some delta 400, I'd say get a bulk roll of each, 100 and 400, plenty of canisters, and go for it. grab some ID-11, some vinegar and fixer, dev. tank, dark bag = fun
I've been a fan of Ilford Delta 100 and 400 for a long time. Especially indoors, I'd go with Delta 400, too.

Then again, there are a lot of films that I haven't tried.

Have fun with whatever you go with!
03-08-2019, 01:22 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by niels hansen Quote
standing development is easy to cope with
maybe, but, with the normal development the dev time and wash up is done in minutes not an hour or more, and I prefer results from normal dev. times.

---------- Post added 09-03-19 at 07:24 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by grey goat Quote
I've been a fan of Ilford Delta 100 and 400 for a long time.
yes great film, some of my other favourites are Plus-X and Tri-X, and T-max on occasions.
03-08-2019, 07:33 PM - 1 Like   #13
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Thanks for the replies. Lot of good advice. I might try 400 speed film.
I’m developing some Kentmere this weekend. If I like it I might just buy that. Its the cheapest of the above options I think. Might try to get a bunch of used photo lab cartridges and spool up the whole 100 foot roll at once so that the loader is free to get some bulk color film too

Thanks
03-08-2019, 07:55 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by Lhorn Quote
I might try 400 speed film.
I’m developing some Kentmere this weekend. If I like it I might just buy that. Its the cheapest of the above options I think. Might try to get a bunch of used photo lab cartridges and spool up the whole 100 foot roll at once so that the loader is free to get some bulk color film too
Yes, Kentmere 400 is going to be your least expensive roll film currently. Just beware with bulk color film, most labs will not accept anything other than factory loaded film. You will need to DIY the C-41 or E-6 color processing.
03-08-2019, 08:56 PM   #15
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Just so happens that I mixed up a 1 liter c41 kit today. Gonna try to develop some color tomorrow. My first time. Then going to stand develop B&w later on in the day or on Sunday.
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