Photography

Ever since "StreetPan 400" was introduced in March-2016 I have been wanting to test this film.  I finally purchased a couple of rolls at the local camera shop and ran some through the Leica MP using a 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH.  The next roll will be tested with my favorite 50 mm ; )

The film is said to have been original made by AGFA so it's not a new formula, but rather a film that has been put back into production... not respooled old stock nor re-branded 35mm film.

Scanned as monochrome with increased brightness and de-saturated in post processing

I exposed at box (i.e. metered for ISO400) using both in-camera and hand held meters.  According to the official website, the transparent polyester base film is sensitive to red light and suited to dawn, dusk and winter photography... so I did a 180 and exposed the first test photos at high noon on a bright sunny day, maybe not the best use of a high contrast film suitable for low light and the long shadows at sunrise or sunset.

From the marketing blurb: "The spectral sensitivity is extended in the near infrared [IR] range ... the film offers excellent penetration through haze, fog and other atmospheric conditions..."  One test shot with a Y2 (yellow) filter darkens the sky as a YA2 (orange) or even an R1 (red) might produce with a film such as Neopan 100 or 400.  Even without a filter, the cloud definition was pronounced.

As I mentioned, the film has a transparent base, very much so when compared to the afore mentioned Fuji B&W films.  Because of the film base, there was some bleeding around the sproket holes for the first couple of frames (take care if doing own development).  The negatives lay flat and are scanner-friendly with minimal curling.

There are detailed development options included with the film but I went for standard processing by the local lab... I suspect the results will vary greatly depending on the development details.

Some test shots (straight from the camera & scanner, resized):

Exposed as metered




Exposed +1 steps shutter speed




Exposed +2 steps shutter speed

It's a high contrast film, so given the small sampling a +1 compensation might be the way to go given the way I developed the film, although adjusting in post also seems to work well... I need to shoot some at low light...

Would I use this film...  while you can come close the the same look in post processing, I like the added twist of the extended sensitivity in the near infrared range.  As one option I will continue to use "StreetPan 400" and looking forward to testing in the late afternoon and with different filters.

Thanks for reading,
Casey

like the first two versions best, depending solely on what kind of mood you wish to elicit from viewing the image . Thanks for posting, cheers, Filip

I didn't show the test exposures of -2 or -1 shutter speed as they were very dark...

In the +1 the shadow detail is visible when enlarged, with the first shot (exposed as metered) the deep shadow is a little dirty.  In both of the two mentioned examples the highlights are borderline.  I used the in-camera meter not a spot meter on these first shots.

at it was a 28 mm.... early days for testing...

Best wishes

Alkiro

I was sitting on the top of very steep steps and the middle ground is sloped down & away while the background has an elevated bridge... plus the 28 mm was pointed down angle... Good thing that I was sitting down, nightmare ; )

Best wishes

Alkiro

I remember shooting some, with a fileter, And nice results.

I truly miss playing with B&W and filters.

By the way Casey, what is your favorite 50mm?

Ilford SFX 200 is still available in 35mm and 120 format... here is a link to a thread I did a couple of years ago with some examples... Extended Red Sensitivity Film

At the moment I have four at 50mm: Nikon AI-S 50 f/1.2, Leica 50 f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH, Pentax SMCT 55 f/1.2, and a medium format Mamiya K/L 90 f/3.5 L (close enough at 44mm full frame equivalent)... the one that gets the most use is the Nikon, but the Summilux is no slouch ; ).

Casey

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; )

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Those mid day scenes were challenging due to the lighting conditions and extreme contrast (dark shadows and bright sun).  Do you have Lambrecht's Way Beyond Monochrome?  It's an excellent and thorough resource.  His advice, in general:

I forgot to mention (for those who might not know) that "box speed" and iso are sometimes quite different. Iford sells a fast film called Delta3200. One might assume the iso of the film is 3200 because the box says so in large type, but Ilford's technical information states the film is iso1000 (which is not mentioned anywhere on the box). Why the difference? Because the film is an honest iso1000 but low contrast, making it a good candidate for pushing to 3200 and beyond with usable results. So for Lambrecht's advice while using Delta3200 you would start from iso1000 and adjust accordingly.

I had a couple 3200 boxes that I never got to use! Not sure where they went... Echi

[nt]

So far I think this might be a good summary: "development is the key to using this film"

One recommendation was to use Beutler 1:1:8 for 11 minutes

Beutler developer

Stock Solution A: metol 10g, sodium sulfite 50g, water to make 1 liter
Stock Solution B: sodium carbonate 50g, water to make 1 liter
Working Strength: 1 part A, 1 part B, and 8 parts water
Time: 8-15 minutes, 20°C, use once only

Not the actual ISO listed on the box, what will they do next.  The marketing boys love to play...

As listed on Amazon, "Way Beyond Monochrome" by Ralph W. Lambrecht and Chris Woodhouse looks like a winner!!  If the table of contents is any indication, it should be 'required reading', including the sections on digital...  the hard cover is less expensive than the ebook, which probably makes more sense as a reference book.  I'll see if I can find a used copy ; )

It would be nice to do own development, but just not possible at the moment...  custom development is a possibility...

Always enjoy reading you comments \(ツ)/

Especially for film shooters.

Amazon USA USD 58.96 / Amazon JPN USD 155.26... definitely looking for a used copy ; )

I'm not sure why the huge markup for the Japanese market but I'm sorry to hear of it. Required reading, but yes, used. ;-)