Slow film with the look of Tri-X 400?

[david_henderson]

Relatively new to b&w, I've settled on Tri X 400 for most of my

medium format b&w work, after trying a range of alternatives. I

very much like the look this gives me; and mostly appreciate the

flexibility that the speed provides.

 

However there are times, especially near water, when it's just too

fast and I can't get the long exposures I occasionally want. So, is

there a slow film that could give me a similar look to Tri-X?

 

I should add that I have my films developed commercially in

D76/ID11. Thanks.

[pat_wilson1]

How about a Neutral Density Filter or two?

[lex_jenkins]

Other than a neutral density filter, as suggested, you might try Ilford FP4+, Agfa APX 100 or Efke 100. These are all "older" style emulsions. While none of them duplicates the look of Tri-X they'll get you closer than Kodak's T-grain or Ilford's Delta films.

 

However if you're wanting the water to look blurred, unless it's already moving pretty fast even a 100 speed film won't be slow enough. Again, you'll probably need neutral density filters for daylight shooting.

[david_henderson]

I do know I'll need to combine methods of getting speed down,

so the ND thought is certainly televent. But if I want to end up

with exposures of maybe 4-8 seconds I'd rather not start from a

nominally 400 ISO point. Neither do I want to commit to using

my smallest apertures every time. So if I can get a similar look

from a film 2/3 stops slower it would help.

[titrisol]

Fortepan 100 and 200

Give those a shot, you can get them cheaper under the Arista-Edu name from freestylee.

 

Also APX-100 in Rodinal would give you a similar look

[conrad_hoffman]

Is this like what you've got in mind?

 

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photo/1758983">water</a>

[jay ott]

How about Plus-X?

[david_goldfarb]

The last of the really slow traditional B&W films is probably Efke 25. You can find it at www.jandcphotography.com

[johnmarkpainter]

I'm with Jay....

 

Give Plus-X a try and see what you think.

 

jmp

[chris_waller]

Ilford FP4+ or Agfa APX 100 downrated to 50 ASA. I'd also strongly recommend you set up to do your own processing. You only need a changing bag and daylight tank, e.g. Paterson), thermometer etc. and you have full control over your negs.

[doug_bennett]

APX 100 or FP4 in Rodinal 1:50. Efke 25 in Rodinal is very nice, but because of its different spectral response, has a very different look from Tri-X.

[david_henderson]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I think I'll give FP4 a try first- not

least since its easy to buy and my lab will be used to it. Haven't

Agfa discontinued their 120 films anyway?

 

If that doesn't give the effect I want then I'll try some of the others.

Efke sounds fascinating and I've looked at their web-site- I do

wonder whether its a good fit with commercial processing

though?

[timothy_nolan]

I'd think Plus-X might be good too, but you may want to keep an eye out for Fortepan 100 or 200. I have quite a love for it when I'm going for a more classic look, and my local store generally stocks it for under two bucks a roll.