Agfa-Ansco 12 / Orwo ST-2 vs Ilford ID-11 and film recommendation?

[blmoyer]

Hello all,
I'm a first time poster, long timer lurker.

First, I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with Agfa-Ansco 12 / Orwo ST-2 developer? My understanding is that this was the fine-grain soft working developer of choice in the Eastern Bloc, whereas Kodak D-76 / Ilford ID-11 sort of filled that roll in the West. For those of you that have used both, which fine grain developer gives superior results in general?

My second question is regarding film. I have an upcoming project that will require me to shoot 105 rolls of 120 film in the span of a month, perhaps two if I'm lucky. I need a film of decent quality at a very low cost. I've used Fomapan 100 and 400, and like both, albeit with the 400 shot at ASA 250. The Foma curls terribly which is about the only major downside to the film in my opinion. I've yet to use Ultrafine Xtreme 100 or 400, but I've heard great things about it. For those of you that have used Foma 100, Foma 400, Ultrafine Xtreme 100, and Ultrafine Xtreme 400, which is the better of the 100 speed films? Which is the better of the 400 speed films in your opinion? Does anybody actually know who makes the Ultrafine?

Any wisdom or insight is much appreciated.

Warmest regards,
Ben

 

[cmacd123]

The untrafine extreme 400 I got gives every indication of being packaged by Ilford. Who knows where the actual film was made.

As far as Foma, I have seen a couple of base variations in there 120 over the years. some dry quite flat, others a bit curly. Some almost clear some with a blue tint.

 

[blmoyer]

I've decided to stick with the Foma for the time being as I know the emulsions well enough. Curious if anyone has any real expierence with the Agfa-12/Orwo-12 developer...