Efke Vs Arista

Is Arista inferior to Efke in some way? Coating flaws or other gross issues?

I've been using Efke/Adox PL 100 for a year now and love it. No issues what so ever. I rate it at 50asa and soup it in PyroCat-HD.

There are multiple "types" of Arista film, each of which corresponds with a different film manufacturer. Freestyle is not a film manufacturer.

 

The original Arista films were Ilford, sold house-branded to Freestyle. This was back when Ilford was in dire financial straits, was overstaffed due to rigid union contracts, so selling film at a loss to Freestyle was still better than paying the employees to do nothing. (So long as they could sell it over direct material and energy costs, it was worth it.) Film Warehouse was also buying large lots of uncut Ilford sheet film under this deal, and would custom-cut it to any size. This deal is now over, since Ilford's post-bankruptcy staffing levels are sane.

 

Arista Edu is Forte. It will run out, since Forte has gone out of business.

 

Arista EDU Ultra is Foma.

 

There's now Arista-II. This is remaindered Agfa film (APX 100 and APX 400), which is presently a drug on the market, being sold under many brands. This too will vanish when the inventory of film left over when Agfa-Photo went belly up expires.

 

I'd expect that quality control at Efke, Forte, and Foma are probably reasonably equivalent, but a clear step below Kodak and Ilford.

 

To a reasonable degree, you get what you pay for with film. Of course, with the strong Pound/weak Dollar, Ilford can't really put much price competition on Kodak. (They used to, holding down Kodak's prices.)

John, would you expect physical flaws or other screw-ups with any of those films, or would the concern be more subtle...such as speed?

 

I'm looking to buy and freeze a few hundred sheets of something OK for my Century Graphic. I'd buy Kodak if I could find it in that size.

I've recently started shooting the 100 ISO Arista.edu Ultra (Foma) in 35mm, 120mm, and 4x5. A nice film, with a nice look to it, and, so far, no problems. I plan on shooting a lot of it.

Eric, fine work: www.ericrose.com

 

That makes your evaluation of Arista convincing :-)

I've been shooting Efke 25 at iso 12 and developing it with Accufine, and I'm pleased with the results.

Unfortunately there are numerous problems with Efke Sheet film. Check some of the other boards like APUG.org and you'll see someone got 4x5 sheets cut too large for film holders.

 

The Arista Ultra however is made by FOMA in the Czech Republic. They have made tremendous strides in quality control. You can shoot that with confidence. It is also very good film.

There should be no difference in Efke and Foma branded film and their Arista equivalents.,

except price.

<p>My 2 cents?<br>

Talking 4x5 only.<br>

Arista EDU Ultra 100 and 200 - never has an issue of any kind.<br>

EFKE - have a box now of Efke PL50 which is cut a little big for the holders and I have to finesse the sheets in. They do lie flat so the sheets are not off by much.<br>

I would not hesitate to but either again - and I will based on my needs of course.</p>