...i'm usually an FP4 user (at 64 ASA) - but i'm increasingly finding a need for something faster to enable hand-held, macro and greater DOF, frequently in subdued light conditions. I'm thinking about HP5 - but what about something more modern? If it's 'useable' speed is closer to 'box speed' then so much the better. Thanks for your suggestions.
400 ASA film in 120 size
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TriX 400 isn’t modern but it’s absolutely magnificent in 120 format.
I´ve used the Fomapan, the Hp5+ and the Rollei RPX400. I would recommend the HP5+ most, the Rollei coming in second very closely. Both excellent films which will make you happy. If you want something really “modern”, then the tabular grain emulsions (Ilford Delta or Kodak TMAX) are worth a try.
Ilford Delta 400 is my choice of 120 fast film, I prefer it to HP5 in smaller formats. I used to use Tmax 400 (& 100) but just couldn't get it when living and travelling abroad so switched to Ilford films with no regrets.
Ian
Ian
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I could never get to like the t-grain films (T-Max, Delta) and after shooting quite a bit of it I went back to trad films: APX 100 & Plus-X {no longer made, but some in my freezer}, FP-4, HP-5 & Tri-X. Grain is a secondary problem to me. My goal is tonality and I just never got it with t-grains.
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I too like T-max 400 in D76 stock.
My favorite too.
But as always, this is all very personal - give it another day or two and you‘ll get 200 different suggestions.
What kind of „look“ are you looking for? maybe we can work out a list of 3-4 film types for you to try and pick your favorite.
In 120 I find HP5+ and 400TX do what I need almost interchangeably (slight developing time difference). I was on the verge of trying out some 400 T-Max when the backing paper issues arose, so I still haven't done that. One could almost argue 400TX is modern, as it's been reformulated a number of times during its history.
My last few outings with 35mm I have shot 400 T-Max with decent results
My last few outings with 35mm I have shot 400 T-Max with decent results
I'm a FP4 fan and my fast film of choice in 120 is Delta 400. For whatever reason I can't seem to get results I like with tri-x in 120 like I get in 35mm.
Exposing and developing at box speed would mean something stronger than D76 for instance. I use HP5 with Microphen and 400-500 ASA is not an issue, detailed shadows, etc...
Hp5+ is not very modern but fits your bill and does wello at box speed and even p-ushed a bit.
Kodak Tri-X*, Ilford HP5+, Rollei Infrared 400, Kodak Portra 400* for color negatives.
* My primary films
* My primary films
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Actually the TriX that Kodak makes and sells now is quite modern, it's certainly not much like the TX I used a lot of in the 80s and 90s. According to Anchell, Kodak incorporated T grains into the currently available TriX emulsion. I still like it in 120 but it isn't the same as it was not that long ago.
Give Tri-X or HP5 a try. Many persons here, including myself, seem to reach a consensus that you will find what you want with one of those. Have fun experimenting!
As a side note, Tri-X (and certainly HP5) prints very easily in my opinion. Grain is small enough in 120 to be a non-issue, but gives a nice texture to the prints. 400 ISO is fast enough to allow the use of filters as well as the relative low-speed medium format lenses.
What size do you intent to print, by the way?
What size do you intent to print, by the way?
As far as I'm aware all the backing paper issues are now solved with the new type of paper (batch 159 or above for T-Max 400). I had mottling issues (related to storage humidity during the supply chain apparently) rather than the print-through that others were seeing, but not with rolls with the new paper.
As far as traditional grained 400 speed films go, HP5+ would be my choice.
Good to know!
I've used HP5+, Delta 400, Tri-X, Fomapan 400 and Rollei Retro 400 in 120 in the last three years. I prefer HP5+ but I tend to use more Fomapan as it's a lot cheaper and still very good as long as I am shooting at box speed and not pushing it. Rollei Retro 400 is more contrasty which can be nice (or not) depending on what you're trying to achieve. Delta just looks rather digital to me. Though certainly it has imperceptible grain at box speed. Tri-X is still nice but expensive here. Perhaps because I am in England, most physical shops stick to Ilford B&W material. I have more choice online but Kodak is still more expensive.
Tri-X is my personal choice for ASA 400 - I tried Kodak 400TMY and Ilford ∆400 but I better cope with Tri-X.
Sometimes I have a preference for those chromogenic films like Ilford XP2 or Fuji Neopan 400CN (out of production) to achieve a wide range of tones.
Sometimes I have a preference for those chromogenic films like Ilford XP2 or Fuji Neopan 400CN (out of production) to achieve a wide range of tones.
HP5 user here and had the same dilemma... the other way around (slower film). Grabbed a brick of Delta 100.
As I'm not a quantity user, HC110 is a great developer and mostly soup using Dilution E, exposing at 320.
On sunny days I often use a Yellow filter (#12), rating at 160.
TMY, I am also intrigued by that film. A particular feature I think about is its lesser spectral sensitivity on blue, which should show up as if a mild yellow filter were used on another Pan film.
However, haven't tried it.
HP5 is very solid. Prints straight and easy, sometimes it's a bit flat (or my skills are and I have to train myself more). My choice, somehow finding myself like what Ian Grant mentions. Quite available and in Europe it's priced at a very reasonable range and often 1€ cheaper than Kodak film, significant for my student budget.
As I'm not a quantity user, HC110 is a great developer and mostly soup using Dilution E, exposing at 320.
On sunny days I often use a Yellow filter (#12), rating at 160.
TMY, I am also intrigued by that film. A particular feature I think about is its lesser spectral sensitivity on blue, which should show up as if a mild yellow filter were used on another Pan film.
However, haven't tried it.
HP5 is very solid. Prints straight and easy, sometimes it's a bit flat (or my skills are and I have to train myself more). My choice, somehow finding myself like what Ian Grant mentions. Quite available and in Europe it's priced at a very reasonable range and often 1€ cheaper than Kodak film, significant for my student budget.
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