Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/10/28
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>> >>1) Which is the best slow film? Tech Pan, Agfa Pan 25 or anything else? Ilford PanF (my favorite was Adox KB14) wish I had purchased a train load years ago. >>2) Which is the best medium speed film (100 ASA)? Is it T-Max 100, Ilford >>Delta 100, Plus X or anything else? Ilford FP4 >>3) Which is the best fast speed film (400+ ASA)? Tri-X? Whab about C-41 >>T-Max400CN? Tri-X, but you might also try 400CN. They produce completely different results. Both great. >>I want to able to use one each from the above three and then stick with >>those, so that I can learn them. In each case I am looking for the best in >>sharpness, good contrast, fine grain and not too difficult development. 400CN is fine grain and EASY to develop. Someone else does it. >>4) I hope to buy film in bulk. Is it easy to load myself? Yes >>5) Will I need three different bulk loaders if I am using three different >>films? Or can one just easily change the film in a loader? It is MUCH easier to have a loader for each film. Changing film is a hassle. You can also simply load the entire roll into cassettes all at one go. You then only need one loader. And a LOT of cassettes. >>6) Does one need to keep B&W film refrigerated? No, but it doesn't hurt. Warm it up to near room temp. before using it. >>7) How long will unexposed B&W film last with or without refrigeration? At least until the expiration date. >>8) I have seen that all bulk loaders are for 100 ft rolls of film. But >>Tech Pan is available in only 150 ft rolls. So how does one get around >>that problem? No. Not a problem. Thinner film. >>9) Which developers are better powder or liquid? Liquid (Rodinal 1:100, 1:75, 1:50, 1:25 depending on film and film speed), powder (D-76 1:1 or ID-11 1:1). A film/developer combo is a personal thing. You'll have to work this out for yourself. >>10) Do developers and other chemicals need to be refrigerated? >No, No, No. That will cause a problem. Use a squeeze bottle to remove the extra air. >>11) How long do they last? If you take very many pictures, you won't have to worry about this. Jim