Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/11/08
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]The exact wording in the old Fotoimpex cataloque was "wie" or "like". This is stronger then "similar to", but still not "same as" what I have said before. Maco's website didn't quote the manufacturer. Fotoimpex' current cataloques says Orwopan 400+ is "comparable to HP+". I really don't know whether there are any factories actually making FP+ or HP5+ under license. But I doubt whether they could make film cheaper than Ilford in the UK, Forte or Foma in Hungary or Bohemia. Efke says they use "German machines" to make their Adox offspring. Most probably they purchased the old equipment from Orwo who thus wouldn't be able to actually make film anymore. I believe Orwo/Maco is genuine FP4+/HP5+. If there is a difference in quality, it would be related to transport/storage, printed frame numbers, dust and scratches from spooling which indeed could be significant. And I indeed would confirm that the frame numbers printed inbetween the perforation looked crude. In addition Brenner or Fotoimpex offer Agfa, Kodak and Fuji film spooled from bulk rolls, at a price halfway between factory and home spooled film. But again I suspect that despite the same raw material they cannot work as clean as the factory. I don't live in a big city (300,000+ inhabitants), but within 20 minutes walking distance from my home there are two shops which carry the full scope of "professional" film, developers, papers etc.. Mail order dealers like Brenner or Fotoimpex may ask less per roll or bottle, but have shipping and handling fees. It only pays off, if you order in bulk and you often may order more than you actually need. Hans-Peter