black and white film

[jamesw]

howdy,

im a bit of a newb with film cameras, and in a different thread i mentioned how i recently came across a nikon f4.

i am planning to shoot a little b&w this weekend, and a few people had mentioned you can buy black and white film that can be developed at 1hr labs etc (ie it uses the same development process as colour film).

i suspect that the quality of this film (and its development) would be inferior to that of standard b&w film (and its development), but as its going to be my first few rolls of film put through a film camera, i am not too fussed about the quality as much as im trying to become more acquainted with film in general.

cheers,

james

[tbgphoto]

Ilford XP2 Super is processed in C41, so that's probably the one that was being mentioned.

[jamesw]

yeah, after postin the thread i did a bit of a google and smsed a few mates who shoot some film,

they just said to get film that can be proccessed in c41, and its pretty readily availible at cheapo 1hr processing places.

anyone use this stuff much? any preferences, or brands to watch out for?

cheers

[tbgphoto]

I used a version of this film many years ago and it was ok, not as good as the normal B&W film but more than useable.

[trotkiller]

You really only have 2 choices with this type of film

Kodak BW 400CN

or

Ilford XP2 400

I have only used the Kodak film myself but have had quite pleasing results, especially when pushed a stop or two.

[Nnnnsic]

There used to be a few more choices... an Agfa and at least one other.

I've used both. Recently I used the Kodak 400BW CN... and I prefer it.

[Bugeyes]

Those 2 C41 process B&W films were deigned for 90's press photogs, where speed to press took priority over image quality, and as such are NOT indicative of what you can expect from true B&W film. If you really want to try a nice B&W film, look for some "Ilford Pan F Plus" ISO 50. I can highly recommend this stuff, its silky smooth with a very good contrast range, and makes for some excellent enlargements.

http://www.borge.com.au/product_info.ph ... 8deb5e7d88

[dawesy]

A bit late to the party I know but...

I have used the Kodak variant and ultimately was impressed with it. The first time was via a 1hr place in North Sydney and the photos came back all muddy and crap so I left it at that.

Moved to Bathurst for a while and one of the Camera shops there the owner knew her stuff and when I asked for some true black and white she pointed out the expense of processing and suggesting the C41.

Long story short I got great shots from her and she said the main difference was that they use specific black and white paper to print, whereas the average 1hr place uses colour paper and just can't get the balance right. In any case, the images on the neg are good so you can always scan them and get them printed wherever, or at home.

My $0.02!