Topic: HALP! kentmere 400 vs fomapan 400?

[jojonas~]

Hi guys!

earlier this week I was back to revive the old darkroom in another town where I have my original sensei of the dark arts   
and we're planning to buy a big roll o film so the group there can get a roll when they need it. the vote went for iso 400 and now the selected buyer is asking: kentmere or fomapan?

we're probably going to use T-MAX developer as that is the pref of our sensei (though I'm pushing for R09!)

any thoughts on this would be most appreciated

now... FIGHT!

[LT]

not used either --- BUT ...

I have used the foma in larger formats and got loads of quality issues (emulsion problems mostly)

The kentmere is made by Ilfordphoto, so will have been subject to their very high quality standards.

I'd opt for the Kentmere.

[Photo_Utopia]

I'd probably go Kentmere too, although I have used the Foma in 120 and had no issues (apart from a blue tinge to the base)
I wouldn't use TMax developer on 'classic' type emulsions though– it is formulated to work best with T grain and normally likes to work at a temp of 14°c although it does Ok at 20 it's too fast and rapid for the kind of fine control I like
Mark

[jojonas~]

thanks so far guys!

I'd probably go Kentmere too, although I have used the Foma in 120 and had no issues (apart from a blue tinge to the base)
I wouldn't use TMax developer on 'classic' type emulsions though– it is formulated to work best with T grain and normally likes to work at a temp of 14°c although it does Ok at 20 it's too fast and rapid for the kind of fine control I like
Mark

really? I've used it with the now defunct fortepan and was very satisfied. though it might just have been that it added to the lo-fi feel of my holga shots then. hm...

[Francois]

It's just that you won't gain anything from using the T-Max developer. It will work fine that's for sure. Just don't expect anything out of this world from it.

[astrobeck]

from personal experience...go with the Kentmere.
I've used both, and Kentmere is by far the most reliable and consistent in processing.

I mostly use Arista chems, which are similar to Kodak's and have not had any issues with them.


I think Fomapan is just okay film.  Go with the Kentmere, it is an A+ where the Fomapan gets an A-  in my book.

**To quantify my grading levels...I give Ilford HP5 an A+++, and something like Fuji Acros 100 an A++

[Francois]

For me, any film is fine as long as it doesn't come out of the processing tank looking like it just had a perm...

[Nigel]

I'd also go for the Kentmere because of the quality and the quantity you're buying. If you get a dodgy 36exp roll of Fomapan it's probably not the end of the world, if you get a dodgy 100m it's not quite so funny. 

[sapata]

I have used the Foma 120... besides the blue colour which I'd probably get used to, the film base was a bit strange...

[jojonas~]

looks like we're leaning on one side here, gents

the order has been sent and the club is getting a big roll of:

• kentmere 400
• some Rodinal 09 developer to go with that (or other R09 equivalent)
• and some polymax paper dev for a big stack of old papers in our fridge~

thanks for the help! I think we'll be enjoying our film I've seen some nice results from someonerating it down about a stop.

[Photo_Utopia]

I think you've made the right choice. BTW when I said you shouldn't use TMax developer, I didn't mean you can't– just that it was designed to be a slightly more vigourous developer to enhance detail and shadow detail/photographic speed in "T-grain' type films, you can process cubic structure films just fine-you just don't benefit so much. Also you should note that because it is an active (higher hydroquinone content) that control of fine tonal values with cubic films may be harder, also Kodak say you can't develop sheet film with T-Max (not that it should be an issue for you)

[jojonas~]

P_U: ok! thanks for clearing that out

I've actually found an almost empty bottle of t-max dev that I got from a friend that I'm currently investigating on how I can use it.

I'm thinking about 1:9 with my own kentmere 100, though I've seen writing of 1:19(!) so I might try that if I can get more info.

[Mike (happyforest)]

jojonas

Where are you getting the bulk kentmere from?

I can only find it as individual rolls, 24 or 36 exposure.

Mike

[Dave Elden]

Can't help you with K vs F but another for K400 (in my case with D76 1:1).  Similar results to Ilford Delta 400 for less $ IME (ME is with students using it in 35mm).

[hookstrapped]

I like Tmax developer for pushing, and it's expensive so I wouldn't use it for shooting normally exposed film.

[jojonas~]

jojonas

Where are you getting the bulk kentmere from?

I can only find it as individual rolls, 24 or 36 exposure.

Mike

maco, man! they've got lotsss of stuff http://www.macodirect.de/kentmere-35mm-305m-p-2356.html

[Mike (happyforest)]

Thanks didn't think of trying them.

Mike

jojonas

Where are you getting the bulk kentmere from?

I can only find it as individual rolls, 24 or 36 exposure.

Mike

maco, man! they've got lotsss of stuff http://www.macodirect.de/kentmere-35mm-305m-p-2356.html

[Miles]

I have found Foma quite blue and VERY curly, as bad as Efke and Shanghai for that aspect.

In the end, Ilford and Fuji just always deliver for me.  Yet I insist on trying others, just in case ... 

[Windy]

Have to say I'm a fan of fomapan. I thinks it's part of working in a medical lab where technology and quality are such an important part of my working day.

If I want perfection I shoot digital (or buy expensive film) but sometimes I need a fix of something that's far from perfect and quality is not an issue.

It's why I use film, ride fixed and still listen to scratched vinyl  

This description from Ag-photographic sums up why I like foma film:

'Quality is not up to the standards of the likes of Ilford or Kodak, but this is as a result of the very traditional production methods and this has become part of the appeal of the Foma brand'