What is your favourite b&w film?

**ChrisPlatt** · 08-06-2017, 09:25 AM

If so I wonder how Bergger Pancro400 compares to current production AgfaPhoto APX400 film?

IMO the old Agfa-Gevaert APX400 was too grainy but APX100 was a very nice silver-rich emulsion.
I haven't tried any of the new AgfaPhoto films.

Chris

**Kerrowdown** · 08-06-2017, 11:09 AM

I'm partial to Ilford's XP2 Super, it uses the C-41 process, so it's a fine way to shoot B&W in film, when you don't want to do your own processing.

Vendee · 08-06-2017, 01:26 PM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

If so I wonder how Bergger Pancro400 compares to current production AgfaPhoto APX400 film?

IMO the old Agfa-Gevaert APX400 was too grainy but APX100 was a very nice silver-rich emulsion.
I haven't tried any of the new AgfaPhoto films.

Chris

Bergger say they have formulated their own emulsion so I would imagine that they are just using the ORWO plant to put it on a base. I don't think the sample shots look much like APX400 but I haven't shot or developed any of mine yet so I might be wrong.

**Digitalis** · 08-06-2017, 04:04 PM

My go-to film has always been Kodak Tech-pan. I also work with T-max. With these films, Pyro is my developer of choice.

stevebrot · 08-06-2017, 05:21 PM - **1 Like**

Hands down, that would be Panatomic-X. Yes, it was slow, but Edwal FG-7 1+15 provided both compensating development and a 2x speed boost to ASA 64 with full retention of very fine grain and great tonality.

Steve

(...the passing several years ago of FG-7 is also much lamented...

)

Jonathan Mac · 08-07-2017, 12:25 AM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

If so I wonder how Bergger Pancro400 compares to current production AgfaPhoto APX400 film?

IMO the old Agfa-Gevaert APX400 was too grainy but APX100 was a very nice silver-rich emulsion.
I haven't tried any of the new AgfaPhoto films.

Chris

Originally posted by Vendee

Bergger say they have formulated their own emulsion so I would imagine that they are just using the ORWO plant to put it on a base. I don't think the sample shots look much like APX400 but I haven't shot or developed any of mine yet so I might be wrong.

Most likely a slight change to the APX 400 formula in order to be able to say it's their own, but who knows.

Chris, the new APX 100 is quite nice (I never used the old stuff). It's not that easy to get hold of in most places but where it can be bought it's usually one of the cheapest B&W films, so probably the best value around. When I was in Germany four years years ago it was available in a lot of places, even drug stores, the only country I've been to in my film-shooting days where film is still available in that type of shop. If that were true here in Spain APX 100 would probably be my default B&W film simply due to being easy to get.

Vendee · 08-07-2017, 12:05 PM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

Most likely a slight change to the APX 400 formula in order to be able to say it's their own, but who knows.

You might be right. I found this quote on the website of a UK photographic supplier:-

"The Pancro is made in Germany to their own specification. This film can be considered to be the very much improved spiritual child of the defunct AGFA APX400."

stevebrot · 08-07-2017, 01:14 PM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

Chris, the new APX 100 is quite nice (I never used the old stuff).

The old stuff was pretty phenomenal. Too bad it is gone. AgfaPhoto's product is the same in name only.

Steve

**ChrisPlatt** · 08-07-2017, 02:33 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

The old stuff was pretty phenomenal. Too bad it is gone.
AgfaPhoto's product is the same in name only.

Agfa-Gevaert APX100 was my favorite medium speed BW film.
It was especially nice developed in AGFA Rodinal.
I still have enough for a few rolls in a bulk loader somewhere.

Some reports state ADOX Silvermax (still available) is identical.

Chris

Wheatfield · 08-08-2017, 12:09 AM

Originally posted by Vendee

I'm just about to stock up on 35mm b&w film and I'm deciding on what to get and I wondered what other people like and dislike.

I use a lot of Tri-x and Tmax 400. The Tmax is so sharp but lacks the tonality of Tri-x. I've never got on with HP5 as I think the grain is to big for me.

I've still got a lot of APX100/Rollei Retro 100 which is good for some situations. I've also tried Retro 80S and Retro 400S. Fuji Acros is nice and sharp and is good for long night exposures. I do miss Neopan 400 and 1600 though.

I don't think I've ever tried Ilford FP4 plus in 35mm (I might have used it in 120 once). Should I give it a try? Does anyone here use it?

I can't wait to give Ferrania P30 a try when it goes on general sale, hopefully in a couple of months.

I was always a fan of Ilford Pan-F. I don't know if it's still available. It was an awesome 4x5 film.

Vendee · 08-08-2017, 10:50 AM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

Agfa-Gevaert APX100 was my favorite medium speed BW film.
It was especially nice developed in AGFA Rodinal.
I still have enough for a few rolls in a bulk loader somewhere.

Chris

I've still got 9 rolls left..... a mix of APX 100 and Rollei Retro 100

Xmas · 08-08-2017, 10:59 AM

Originally posted by Wheatfield

I was always a fan of Ilford Pan-F. I don't know if it's still available. It was an awesome 4x5 film.

Think it is still being coated Ilford Pan F Plus Black and White Negative Film 1707768 B&H

I can only use it on sunny summer day, about once a year.

The other film types I use are Kentmere 100 and 400 Kentmere 100 ASA Black and White Negative Film 6012368 B&H Photo, they are Ilford films. Or Fomapan 400 & 100

Cause I'm after oldy worldy signature with single coated lenses from 50s.

**gofour3** · 08-09-2017, 03:35 PM

It was Fomapan R100 b&w reversal film, but alas they only still make it in 16mm movie stock. Adox Silvermax processed as a positive is not bad, but not in the same league. Will try the new Adox Scala reversal next.

Phil.

Xmas · 08-10-2017, 09:16 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by gofour3

It was Fomapan R100 b&w reversal film, but alas they only still make it in 16mm movie stock. Adox Silvermax processed as a positive is not bad, but not in the same league. Will try the new Adox Scala reversal next.

Phil.

May have restarted saw pack in self at weekend!

FOMAPAN R 100

**gofour3** · 08-10-2017, 02:50 PM

Originally posted by Xmas

May have restarted saw pack in self at weekend!

FOMAPAN R 100

This is good news, yes I checked a couple online film suppliers and they also have the 135 format in rolls of 36 exp!

Thanks for the tip, can't wait to shoot it again as it's been a couple years now. Will wait for DR5 Chrome to test the current emulsion.

Phil.

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08-06-2017, 09:25 AM	#31
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	If so I wonder how Bergger Pancro400 compares to current production AgfaPhoto APX400 film? IMO the old Agfa-Gevaert APX400 was too grainy but APX100 was a very nice silver-rich emulsion. I haven't tried any of the new AgfaPhoto films. Chris

08-06-2017, 11:09 AM	#32
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,804	I'm partial to Ilford's XP2 Super, it uses the C-41 process, so it's a fine way to shoot B&W in film, when you don't want to do your own processing.

08-06-2017, 01:26 PM	#33
Vendee Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Norfolk, UK Posts: 1,134 Original Poster	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt If so I wonder how Bergger Pancro400 compares to current production AgfaPhoto APX400 film? IMO the old Agfa-Gevaert APX400 was too grainy but APX100 was a very nice silver-rich emulsion. I haven't tried any of the new AgfaPhoto films. Chris Bergger say they have formulated their own emulsion so I would imagine that they are just using the ORWO plant to put it on a base. I don't think the sample shots look much like APX400 but I haven't shot or developed any of mine yet so I might be wrong.

08-06-2017, 04:04 PM	#34
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	My go-to film has always been Kodak Tech-pan. I also work with T-max. With these films, Pyro is my developer of choice.

08-06-2017, 05:21 PM - 1 Like	#35
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Hands down, that would be Panatomic-X. Yes, it was slow, but Edwal FG-7 1+15 provided both compensating development and a 2x speed boost to ASA 64 with full retention of very fine grain and great tonality. Steve (...the passing several years ago of FG-7 is also much lamented... )

08-07-2017, 12:25 AM	#36
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,879	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt If so I wonder how Bergger Pancro400 compares to current production AgfaPhoto APX400 film? IMO the old Agfa-Gevaert APX400 was too grainy but APX100 was a very nice silver-rich emulsion. I haven't tried any of the new AgfaPhoto films. Chris Originally posted by Vendee Bergger say they have formulated their own emulsion so I would imagine that they are just using the ORWO plant to put it on a base. I don't think the sample shots look much like APX400 but I haven't shot or developed any of mine yet so I might be wrong. Most likely a slight change to the APX 400 formula in order to be able to say it's their own, but who knows. Chris, the new APX 100 is quite nice (I never used the old stuff). It's not that easy to get hold of in most places but where it can be bought it's usually one of the cheapest B&W films, so probably the best value around. When I was in Germany four years years ago it was available in a lot of places, even drug stores, the only country I've been to in my film-shooting days where film is still available in that type of shop. If that were true here in Spain APX 100 would probably be my default B&W film simply due to being easy to get.

08-07-2017, 12:05 PM	#37
Vendee Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Norfolk, UK Posts: 1,134 Original Poster	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac Most likely a slight change to the APX 400 formula in order to be able to say it's their own, but who knows. You might be right. I found this quote on the website of a UK photographic supplier:- "The Pancro is made in Germany to their own specification. This film can be considered to be the very much improved spiritual child of the defunct AGFA APX400."

08-07-2017, 01:14 PM	#38
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac Chris, the new APX 100 is quite nice (I never used the old stuff). The old stuff was pretty phenomenal. Too bad it is gone. AgfaPhoto's product is the same in name only. Steve

08-07-2017, 02:33 PM	#39
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	Originally posted by stevebrot The old stuff was pretty phenomenal. Too bad it is gone. AgfaPhoto's product is the same in name only. Agfa-Gevaert APX100 was my favorite medium speed BW film. It was especially nice developed in AGFA Rodinal. I still have enough for a few rolls in a bulk loader somewhere. Some reports state ADOX Silvermax (still available) is identical. Chris

08-08-2017, 12:09 AM	#40
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,975	Originally posted by Vendee I'm just about to stock up on 35mm b&w film and I'm deciding on what to get and I wondered what other people like and dislike. I use a lot of Tri-x and Tmax 400. The Tmax is so sharp but lacks the tonality of Tri-x. I've never got on with HP5 as I think the grain is to big for me. I've still got a lot of APX100/Rollei Retro 100 which is good for some situations. I've also tried Retro 80S and Retro 400S. Fuji Acros is nice and sharp and is good for long night exposures. I do miss Neopan 400 and 1600 though. I don't think I've ever tried Ilford FP4 plus in 35mm (I might have used it in 120 once). Should I give it a try? Does anyone here use it? I can't wait to give Ferrania P30 a try when it goes on general sale, hopefully in a couple of months. I was always a fan of Ilford Pan-F. I don't know if it's still available. It was an awesome 4x5 film.

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08-08-2017, 10:50 AM	#41
Vendee Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Norfolk, UK Posts: 1,134 Original Poster	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt Agfa-Gevaert APX100 was my favorite medium speed BW film. It was especially nice developed in AGFA Rodinal. I still have enough for a few rolls in a bulk loader somewhere. Chris I've still got 9 rolls left..... a mix of APX 100 and Rollei Retro 100

08-08-2017, 10:59 AM	#42
Xmas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 617	Originally posted by Wheatfield I was always a fan of Ilford Pan-F. I don't know if it's still available. It was an awesome 4x5 film. Think it is still being coated Ilford Pan F Plus Black and White Negative Film 1707768 B&H I can only use it on sunny summer day, about once a year. The other film types I use are Kentmere 100 and 400 Kentmere 100 ASA Black and White Negative Film 6012368 B&H Photo, they are Ilford films. Or Fomapan 400 & 100 Cause I'm after oldy worldy signature with single coated lenses from 50s.

08-09-2017, 03:35 PM	#43
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,088	It was Fomapan R100 b&w reversal film, but alas they only still make it in 16mm movie stock. Adox Silvermax processed as a positive is not bad, but not in the same league. Will try the new Adox Scala reversal next. Phil.

08-10-2017, 09:16 AM - 1 Like	#44
Xmas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 617	Originally posted by gofour3 It was Fomapan R100 b&w reversal film, but alas they only still make it in 16mm movie stock. Adox Silvermax processed as a positive is not bad, but not in the same league. Will try the new Adox Scala reversal next. Phil. May have restarted saw pack in self at weekend! FOMAPAN R 100

08-10-2017, 02:50 PM	#45
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,088	Originally posted by Xmas May have restarted saw pack in self at weekend! FOMAPAN R 100 This is good news, yes I checked a couple online film suppliers and they also have the 135 format in rolls of 36 exp! Thanks for the tip, can't wait to shoot it again as it's been a couple years now. Will wait for DR5 Chrome to test the current emulsion. Phil.