Fast film recomendations

[Ron Marshall]

I am currently using fp4+, but for windy days I need a 400 speed film.

I am considering hp5+, Delta 400, TMY.

Would those having experience with these films please tell me how they compare in terms of grain, tonality and acuity.

[David A. Goldfarb]

Of those three, I like Delta 400 the best, especially rated at 200 in Perceptol for very smooth gradation, solid blacks, and delicate highlights, but unfortunately it's not available in sheet sizes.

[John Kasaian]

I like T-Max 400 in TMAX RS, but thats probably because when fast film is warranted, I'm usually dealing with reciprocity factors (I don't have any experience with Delta, however!) HP-5+ is a nice fast film to with and if Freestyle has any Arista Pro 400 left you can get it for a pretty nice price, too. If Kodak gives TMY is boot, I'll switch to HP-5+

[Eric Leppanen]

Here is one lab's set of opinions: www.dr5.com/largefilm.html

My local custom B&W lab (which does all my processing and printing) advised me to use HP5+ (with Tri-X a close second) as the high-speed film of choice for my 8x10 landscape work. They felt that TMY or FP4+ was less suitable for my application (at least for traditional processing and printing).

[JimL]

I've seen that dr5 site before, but they seem to be talking about their own proprietary reversal process, so I don't know how well their comments about tonality and shadow detail translate to normal negative and print production.

[Varakan Ten Tipprapa]

Hey Ron, I have a pack of TMax 400. Since I've changed to readyload, I didn't use it at all. You can pick up any time for testing ..if you want.

Cheers,
10

[Paul_5410]

Hello Ron,

I use HP5 with D-76 1:1 and really like the results I have been getting. I shot a couple of boxes of T-max and it was very good but I seem to have been using 4x5, 5x7 & 8x10 HP5 film for the last couple of years. I have not shot the Delta so I can not speak in reference to that.

So Ilford HP5 is my vote but I too am curious to see what this thread pulls out of other users. . .Paul

[David A. Goldfarb]

The high speed films that I actually use in sheet sizes are Tri-X and J&C Classic 400, but you didn't ask about them.

[mark blackman]

I've has success with the new Rollei R3 film which is rated upto 6400. It certainly stands up to reasonable enlargement.

[Joseph O'Neil]

I usually shoot HP5+ at 200, but if you need a film to push to 400 or 800 ASA, I personally find HP5+ works the best of any of the films out there, and like was said before, Tri-X a close second.
joe