Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2007/05/22
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Hi Chris, as you know the Fuji Neopan 400 is not a C41 process film. Comparing the true BW emulsions, I think that there is a lot of support on the list for Neopan 400 in Xtol 1:1. I'm now officially an evangelist for that combination, too. That's my choice over the Ilford HP5. I have little experience with the Kodak. Just to be out on left field, I guess, I think that conversion from transparencies yields the ultimate BW in relation to smoothness, grain appearance and tonal range. Other considerations there naturally. Cost, convenience, latitude, processing control etc. Back on the C41 process emulsions, I think that GeeBee is the man to give you a qualified opinion (amongst others). Just search his last 973 posts for fine examples. Looking at your XP2 samples, the first two look fine to me, maybe the second two, as shown on screen here, look a little muddy to my eye. A lot more to it than just the film's capabilities, of course. Post another hundred pictures and we all promise to look and give feedback. Or I least I can speak for myself there! Cheers Hoppy -----Original Message----- Subject: [Leica] Black and White C41 Films Hi, Has anyone compared the Kodak, Fuji and Ilford C41 400 ASA films? I have been getting good results with the Kodak version and just tried Ilford's XP2 and Fuji's Neopan. Not too sure about the Fuji but the Ilford film looks promising. Here are a couple of examples: http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/crb/barbirolli.jpg.html http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/crb/graffiti.jpg.html using a Leica IIIf and Summaron 3.5cm f/3.5 (circa 1955). Critical comments welcome. Here are two slightly different versions of a third photograph using the same combination: http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/crb/avenue_light.jpg.html http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/crb/avenue_dark.jpg.html Any preferences between the two? Chris _______________________________________________ Leica Users Group. See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information