Canon A-1, 85mm f1.2L, Agfapan APX-100, what fun

[User_4754088]

<p>Been a while since I loaded up some Agfapan APX-100 in a Canon FD body and took some pics with the 85mm f1.2L lens. Used to shoot truckloads of APX-100 in a Canon F-1n with the 85mm f1.2L back when I was doing fashion work in New York in the early 1990's. But then Agfa went belly up in the 2000's and I started shooting more news/politics and sports (and digital). Haven't had a fresh roll of Agfapan APX-100 in my hands for more than a decade.</p>

<p>Well B&H is now stocking it, not sure who is really making it these days, or whether it is the same formula as the original. But I got a roll, and loaded it up in the last FD body I own, a Canon A-1, and slapped that 85 on the front of it and shot most of the roll of my daughter. What a joy to be shooting that A-1, and focusing that beautiful 85, and working with a subject I adore.</p>

<p>Will run the roll through some Adox Rodinal (replacement for Agfa Rodinal) tomorrow, using my old times and temps, and see how she does.</p>

<p>It really is fun using a Canon FD body and lens. Feels good in the hand, and so beautiful to focus.</p>

<p>Best,<br>

-Tim</p>

[mark_pierlot]

<p>I can't wait to see the results, Tim.</p>

[chris_waller]

<p>I look forward to seeing the results. I used to shoot Agfapan 100 once upon a time. And I'm a Rodinal user of some 30-odd years so I'd be very interested to hear your comments of the Adox version.</p>

[acinos]

@Tim "APX 100 new emulsion" is made in the UK by Harman/Ilford. It is a variant of Kentmere 100 but is is not 100% equal, its a little bit different.

[User_4754088]

<p>Nowhere on any of the packaging does it mention Harmon/Ilford. It just says produced for Lupus Imaging & Media in Germany.</p>

<p>Just unloaded the camera and put the film on a reel. It certainly doesn't behave like the old APX100. Much more like an Ilford film. Goes almost perfectly flat when released from the cassette, as opposed to the old APX100 which held a strong curl.</p>

<p>I'll be very disappointed if this is an Ilford film like Delta 100, which I never liked the look of. Not familial with Kentmore. We'll see how it processes.</p>

<p>Best,<br>

-Tim</p>

[User_4754088]

<p>Well that's disappointing.</p>

<p>Just processed the roll, and since it didn't perform anything like the original APX-100 while loading into a stainless steel tank, I went and found the APX-100 New Emulsion processing times on the Massive Development Chart and used those.</p>

<p>It's a mediocre Ilford B&W emulsion. Nothing like original AgfaPan APX-100.</p>

<p>It doesn't totally clear with Kodak Fixer, still has that slight Ilford pink tint. Like other Ilford films I've used, it's kind of flat (which may make it scan well, I'll have to see).</p>

<p>But I'm very disappointed that it doesn't have the drama, the contrast, the deep blacks, and the sharp details of the original AgfaPan APX-100.</p>

<p>I'm also rather put off that the folks who bought the brand names when Agfa went belly up, are obviously not photographers, or they wouldn't be slapping APX-100 on any old 100 speed B&W negative stock, and packaging it to look just like the original AgfaPan. They would understand that all B&W film emulsions are not the same. I find the whole thing insulting, and more than a bit dishonest.</p>

<p>Best,<br>

-Tim</p>

[acinos]

If you like the old APX so much you should give the ADOX Silvermax a try.

[User_4754088]

<p>Is it supposed to be the same emulsion as the old APX-100?</p>

[acinos]

no Tim, I think there is no actual film available that is 100% like APX because there a no more masterrolls available.

Here is a link to a comparison http://www.apug.org/forums/forum37/122844-silvermax-v-apx-100-whats-difference-if-any.html

You may search for Silvermax or an APX substitute on the net, it is a little difficult for me to explain it because english it not my native language ...

[User_4754088]

<p>Henning, thanks so much for your posts, they have been very helpful. I've done a lot of searching on the internet and have come to the conclusion that APX is over.</p>

<p>It's a shame that there is no 100% like APX anymore. It made some beautiful images.</p>

<p><img src="http://www.timcarrollphotography.com/Assets/images/Beauty/Ada.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>I guess I need to let that go and move on and try to get good results from other combinations.</p>

<p>Best,<br>

-Tim</p>

[User_4754088]

<p>For those hoping to see how the "New Emulsion" APF-100 renders, here is a shot from yesterday after much post processing. The lens still renders beautifully, unfortunately I don't think the film is not up to the task.</p>

<p><img src="http://www.timcarrollphotography.com/Forums/Beautiful.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>Best,<br>

-Tim</p>

[rick_janes]

Processing travails duly noted, yet it's a pleasing image...and the bold texture contributes. I like it!

[chris_waller]

<p>I'm surprised t hear it's made by Ilford. Ilford do (or did) make a 'cooking' 100 ASA film which we used to use in college. I use Ilford FP4 which I still rate as one of the all-time best medium speed emulsions. APX 100 was very different to Ilford FP4. All that said, to get the best from an emulsion takes a long time and a lot of exposure/development trials.</p>

[Alex_Es]

<p>That is a great image, Tim. Would be great on anything.</p>

[User_4754088]

<p>Thanks Alex.</p>