Film recommendations for photo competition

Tickolas · 06-26-2015, 04:57 AM

Hey all!

I'll be participating in the Stockholm Photo Marathon this year. Basically, this means taking one photo per hour for 24 hours straight. In a weak moment I decided to participate in the analog group, meaning I'll be using my LX and a single roll of film, 24 exposures. No more, no less.

So yeah... Could you guys recommend some good film types for such general use? Both color and B&W suggestions are fine and price per roll doesn't really matter much. I usually use TMAX, Portra and Superia.

Thanks!

Edit to clarify:
- I'm free to use a 36 exposure roll as long as there's exactly 24 exposures on it when I hand it in.
- The roll will be developed by a lab.
- No pushing, pulling or cross processing is allowed.

Last edited by Tickolas; 06-26-2015 at 03:06 PM.

Macario · 06-26-2015, 05:32 AM

TMAX is a fine film. But also the Delta range from Ilford is good. And with the competition in mind, I would go with the Delta 400. Fuji's Neopan 400 is also good.

**ChrisPlatt** · 06-26-2015, 05:49 AM

In this case I'd advise you use a film you are familiar with, not something new.
Are TMAX and Portra even available in 24 exposure rolls?

Chris

**tlong423** · 06-26-2015, 07:43 AM

Originally posted by Tickolas

Could you guys recommend some good film types for such general use?

Well for "general" use in most light levels, I like Ilford HP5, and I think my second choice would be either Kodak Tri-X or Kodak TMax 400. All of these are available (in the US, at least) in 24 exposure rolls.

If your light levels will be sufficient, however, the most beautiful B&W film in the world is Fujifilm Neopan Acros 100, but that is only available in 36 exposure rolls (at least in the US).

That marathon sounds like a lot of fun, and your camera choice is excellent! Have fun!

g026r · 06-26-2015, 08:02 AM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

Are TMAX and Portra even available in 24 exposure rolls?

TMax, yes. Portra, no.

Tickolas · 06-26-2015, 08:11 AM

Thanks for the tips, everyone! Keep the ideas flowing =)

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

Are TMAX and Portra even available in 24 exposure rolls?

Just to clarify, I'm free to use a 36 exposure roll as long as there's only 24 exposures on it when I hand it in =)

Originally posted by tlong423

Well for "general" use in most light levels, I like Ilford HP5, and I think my second choice would be either Kodak Tri-X or Kodak TMax 400. All of these are available (in the US, at least) in 24 exposure rolls.

If your light levels will be sufficient, however, the most beautiful B&W film in the world is Fujifilm Neopan Acros 100, but that is only available in 36 exposure rolls (at least in the US).

Well, there's no telling what weather I'll be facing, but one thing that's for sure is that I'll be out literally a day and a night ^^ I'm thinking ISO 100 will probably be a limiting factor in the hours where I could get by without a tripod using a 400 ISO film. Does that make sense?

**WPRESTO** · 06-26-2015, 10:26 AM

Tri=X is hands down the film of choice - about the most versatile film ever made - PROVIDED you see things as compositions, patterns, people, tones and not as pretty colors. Both Tri-X and TMAX are available in 24 exposure.

Last edited by WPRESTO; 06-26-2015 at 10:32 AM.

K David · 06-26-2015, 01:01 PM

400TX is a better option than TMax, honestly. It has a much greater latitude (up to ISO 12,800, and I've used it up to ISO 640) and down to 25, but it gets flat when you pull it more than a stop.

Ilford's Plus-X 125, however, is probably the best film available in 24-exposure rolls.

Tickolas · 06-26-2015, 03:04 PM

Originally posted by K David

400TX is a better option than TMax, honestly. It has a much greater latitude (up to ISO 12,800, and I've used it up to ISO 640) and down to 25, but it gets flat when you pull it more than a stop.

Ilford's Plus-X 125, however, is probably the best film available in 24-exposure rolls.

Another clarification: The roll will be developed for me by a lab hired by the competition. No pushing or pulling will be allowed.

Also, isn't Plus-X discontinued...?

Any more suggestions for color film except Portra?

K David · 06-26-2015, 03:16 PM

Originally posted by Tickolas

Also, isn't Plus-X discontinued...?

Brain fart. I meant FP4+ 125.

shuttles12000 · 06-26-2015, 03:21 PM

I would shoot Ilford Delta 3200 at it's native speed of 1600.
You will get a nice grain (big) and an old time reportage feel.
B&W is the way to go. Colour can distract in reportage unless colour is the subject.

malinku · 06-26-2015, 03:30 PM

Id recommend
Fuji acros 100 as I dont know if 400 is still sold. Doing long exposures is a + with this film. As it does not degrade during the exposure (brain fart on the correct term).

For color portra 400 or fuji 400h. Would be good choices.

K David · 06-26-2015, 04:08 PM

Originally posted by malinku

As it does not degrade during the exposure (brain fart on the correct term).

Recirprocity failure does not begin on Acros until you're beyond a 120-second exposure.

**WPRESTO** · 06-27-2015, 05:01 AM

Have we recommenders neglected to put forward any currently available B&W as yet? I still vote for Tri-X, but I suspect that several of the films named will serve equally well. ISO/ASA of 400 seems to dominate the preferred films.

**gofour3** · 06-27-2015, 02:40 PM

For more "impact" in the colour film world try Velvia slide film.

Phil.

06-26-2015, 04:57 AM	#1
Tickolas Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Posts: 67	Film recommendations for photo competition Hey all! I'll be participating in the Stockholm Photo Marathon this year. Basically, this means taking one photo per hour for 24 hours straight. In a weak moment I decided to participate in the analog group, meaning I'll be using my LX and a single roll of film, 24 exposures. No more, no less. So yeah... Could you guys recommend some good film types for such general use? Both color and B&W suggestions are fine and price per roll doesn't really matter much. I usually use TMAX, Portra and Superia. Thanks! Edit to clarify: - I'm free to use a 36 exposure roll as long as there's exactly 24 exposures on it when I hand it in. - The roll will be developed by a lab. - No pushing, pulling or cross processing is allowed. Last edited by Tickolas; 06-26-2015 at 03:06 PM.

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06-26-2015, 05:32 AM	#2
Macario Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Hoek van Holland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,393	TMAX is a fine film. But also the Delta range from Ilford is good. And with the competition in mind, I would go with the Delta 400. Fuji's Neopan 400 is also good.

06-26-2015, 05:49 AM	#3
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,694	In this case I'd advise you use a film you are familiar with, not something new. Are TMAX and Portra even available in 24 exposure rolls? Chris

06-26-2015, 07:43 AM	#4
tlong423 Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Kansas City Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 194	Originally posted by Tickolas Could you guys recommend some good film types for such general use? Well for "general" use in most light levels, I like Ilford HP5, and I think my second choice would be either Kodak Tri-X or Kodak TMax 400. All of these are available (in the US, at least) in 24 exposure rolls. If your light levels will be sufficient, however, the most beautiful B&W film in the world is Fujifilm Neopan Acros 100, but that is only available in 36 exposure rolls (at least in the US). That marathon sounds like a lot of fun, and your camera choice is excellent! Have fun!

06-26-2015, 08:02 AM	#5
g026r Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,074	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt Are TMAX and Portra even available in 24 exposure rolls? TMax, yes. Portra, no.

06-26-2015, 08:11 AM	#6
Tickolas Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Posts: 67 Original Poster	Thanks for the tips, everyone! Keep the ideas flowing =) Originally posted by ChrisPlatt Are TMAX and Portra even available in 24 exposure rolls? Just to clarify, I'm free to use a 36 exposure roll as long as there's only 24 exposures on it when I hand it in =) Originally posted by tlong423 Well for "general" use in most light levels, I like Ilford HP5, and I think my second choice would be either Kodak Tri-X or Kodak TMax 400. All of these are available (in the US, at least) in 24 exposure rolls. If your light levels will be sufficient, however, the most beautiful B&W film in the world is Fujifilm Neopan Acros 100, but that is only available in 36 exposure rolls (at least in the US). Well, there's no telling what weather I'll be facing, but one thing that's for sure is that I'll be out literally a day and a night ^^ I'm thinking ISO 100 will probably be a limiting factor in the hours where I could get by without a tripod using a 400 ISO film. Does that make sense?

06-26-2015, 10:26 AM	#7
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 59,108	Tri=X is hands down the film of choice - about the most versatile film ever made - PROVIDED you see things as compositions, patterns, people, tones and not as pretty colors. Both Tri-X and TMAX are available in 24 exposure. Last edited by WPRESTO; 06-26-2015 at 10:32 AM.

06-26-2015, 01:01 PM	#8
K David Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Colorado Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,437	400TX is a better option than TMax, honestly. It has a much greater latitude (up to ISO 12,800, and I've used it up to ISO 640) and down to 25, but it gets flat when you pull it more than a stop. Ilford's Plus-X 125, however, is probably the best film available in 24-exposure rolls.

06-26-2015, 03:04 PM	#9
Tickolas Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Posts: 67 Original Poster	Originally posted by K David 400TX is a better option than TMax, honestly. It has a much greater latitude (up to ISO 12,800, and I've used it up to ISO 640) and down to 25, but it gets flat when you pull it more than a stop. Ilford's Plus-X 125, however, is probably the best film available in 24-exposure rolls. Another clarification: The roll will be developed for me by a lab hired by the competition. No pushing or pulling will be allowed. Also, isn't Plus-X discontinued...? Any more suggestions for color film except Portra?

06-26-2015, 03:16 PM	#10
K David Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Colorado Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,437	Originally posted by Tickolas Also, isn't Plus-X discontinued...? Brain fart. I meant FP4+ 125.

06-26-2015, 03:21 PM	#11
shuttles12000 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Hobart TAS Posts: 87	I would shoot Ilford Delta 3200 at it's native speed of 1600. You will get a nice grain (big) and an old time reportage feel. B&W is the way to go. Colour can distract in reportage unless colour is the subject.

06-26-2015, 03:30 PM	#12
malinku Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 402	Id recommend Fuji acros 100 as I dont know if 400 is still sold. Doing long exposures is a + with this film. As it does not degrade during the exposure (brain fart on the correct term). For color portra 400 or fuji 400h. Would be good choices.

06-26-2015, 04:08 PM	#13
K David Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Colorado Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,437	Originally posted by malinku As it does not degrade during the exposure (brain fart on the correct term). Recirprocity failure does not begin on Acros until you're beyond a 120-second exposure.

06-27-2015, 05:01 AM	#14
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 59,108	Have we recommenders neglected to put forward any currently available B&W as yet? I still vote for Tri-X, but I suspect that several of the films named will serve equally well. ISO/ASA of 400 seems to dominate the preferred films.

06-27-2015, 02:40 PM	#15
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,091	For more "impact" in the colour film world try Velvia slide film. Phil.