400 speed for 8x10 film

[Noah B]

Hey all, it's getting that time again when my film is slowly running out and I'm about to buy a new box or two of film. I currently use the arista.edu 400 ISO for my 8x10 and it seems to be alright. I was considering getting some HP 5+ just to try it out. Is there a difference between the two films regarding tonality? There's only a 20$ difference between the two films so I was seeking some more input.

[John Kasaian]

I like HP-5+. It is mostly what I shoot in 8x10 since TMY went through the roof price wise. I haven't used Arista .edu Ultra 400 so I can make a comparison. I know Ralph Barker shoots 8x10 HP-5+ and his work is really, really cool.
I find HP-5+ very easy to work with just like the TXP of olde, but it is a different film than TXP. I've shot HP-5+ at 400 iso and it looks good to me but test it to find your own EI.

[sully75]

I've had better results with Arista.edu for scanning but I'm kind of a hack. Either way, I think they are both 200 ISO films.

[turtle]

personally I think that HP5+ makes a good honest 400 in Xtol or DDX, or 250-320 in devs with less speed. From what I hear, Foma 400 (arista edu ultra 400 as I understand) struggles to make that speed in any developer so I suspect that you wil get a speed boost with the HP5+

Tonally HP5 plus IMO has a fairly distinctive look, esp in flat light. Personally, I am not a huge fan much of the time, but I know others love it.

[Noah B]

I used to rate the arista.edu at 200 ISO, but currently have been rating it at 400 with decent results. I'm mainly working outside so not having crazy exposures hardly. Can't hurt to try out a box I suppose.

[false_Aesthetic]

Another vote for HP5 in Xtol but I still rate it at 200.

[mat4226]

HP5+, it has it's own tonal "look", but works well as an affordable, high speed panchromatic emulsion. I shoot it at 200 and soup in Pyrocat HD.