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> Buy Cheap, Buy Dear - Fomapan 100 (again) |
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#1
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Buy Cheap, Buy Dear - Fomapan 100 (again)
Well, I've nearly now shot 30 sheets of Fomapan 100, and find it responds very well to Rodinal 1:50 . . . however I doubt I'll ever buy another box, because of the quality control. To be honest, similar sized small crescent- shaped lines in the emulsion, were alright when the photos were of my son, taken in our living room . . . . but when you've lugged a Sinar F and a Linhof tripod up to about 2500 ft in filthy weather; shot what you think are real 'Ansel' moments (if you know what I mean); got home, processed the film and discovered a strange crater-shaped pinhead sized splodge (shows pure black with a crater edge on the contact print) and two really strange lines on on the non-emulsion side of your best frame . . . harumph!
It doesn't exactly instill confidence in using it again - yes it is nice and cheap, and has actually been fine to use, but if I don't feel I can rely on it, I'm not going to load it, and especially when distance is involved! So I am afraid it is back to good old reliable Ilford, and if the lottery comes up, Kodak for me. I don't think I've ever had quality control issues with their stuff. Phil |
#2
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Now you should understand the meaning of the oft used expression :
"Film is cheap"
__________________
An old dog learning new tricks |
#3
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Bad news Phil. I'm in the "Been there, done that camp", so can appreciate something of how you feel. Equally Rob is correct. Film cost can be a small fraction of the overall cost of a shoot, be it in cash, or kind. Your decision to keep the cheap film for local, repeatable shoots is very sound, and one we should all follow until complete confidence in a product is achieved.
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#4
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Dave,
To take the example of the Efke films, it is interesting to read reports suggesting some have never ending problems with the films while others none; perhaps they are using different batches, accounting for variability? Tom |
#5
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Interesting thought Tom; that could be the case, but I hope that their quality control isn't that bad.
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#6
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Frequent reports of quality issues ensure that I never use anything other than the "big three" (Kodak, Ilford, Fuji) for film - Agfa would have made it "four" but alas...
Having said that, past forays with Maco film were perfectly fine though. |
#7
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Worrying. I was going to buy some Foma 10x8 tomorrow....
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#8
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Actually I've used Adox too (about 30 sheets in . . ) and apart from some slight frilling at the extremes of the sheets they've been fine - CHS 100 responds well to HC110 and Rodinal.
With Foma, I've used the roll film which has been great (apart from the curl) and no quality issues at all - that's why the problems with the sheet film did suprise me (though maybe I should have had some idea from the dreadfully cheap quality of the box [and it only being a two-part box]). But I am resolved now . . . spend more money . . use less film . . . make better images! Phil |
#9
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This appears to be a sheet film issue. I have used 100/200/400 ASA Foma film in 35mm with excellent results. Have just purchase 10 more rolls of Classic Fomapan!
Robert |
#10
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I wont buy foma any more. I have had issues with the 200 in both 120 and 35mm with emulsion defects, scratches etc. The 100 is fine, but very prone to drying marks and that is a problem for me.
Its a shame, because I find Foma 100 amazing in rodinal and 200 truly unique. Now, I am back to Delta 100 and FP4+ depending on the look I am after. |
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