Another new film from Rollei - Superpan 200

[JanaM]

Hallo,

another good news for BW photography. Maco/Rollei is working on the introduction of a new, very flexible BW film. Since some weeks photgraphers can get test samples of this film in Germany. The emulsion is yet the final one, but the confectioning is still the test version. You can already see this film in their web-shop on www.macodirekt.de .

So far the following data / test results from the test samples look promising:

- high resolution film with 200 Lp/mm
- very fine grain, similar to Delta 100, T-Max 100
- 200 ASA
- excellent results with pull processing at 100 ASA in Perceptol, Rollei RLS etc.
- very good results with push processing at 400 ASA
- clear PET base, the film can be used not only as a negative film, but also as a positive film in the Agfa Scala chemistry; this film will be the official successor of the Agfa Scala 200X
- extended red sensivity, probably usable as an IR film with filters

Seems Maco intends to go further to the mass market with this film. The BW film market is very dynamic. I wouldn't be surprised if Fuji would answer Kodaks TMY-2 with a Fuji Neopan Acros 400. Fuji has the Sigma Fine Crystal technology implemented in Neopan Acros 100. A 400 speed film with the same technology and exceptional fine grain and resolution is certainly possible. Why should they leave the market of high speed/high resolution films to Kodak and Maco alone?
And it is certainly not unlikely to see improved T-Max 100 and 3200 in the future.

I think it is time for Ilford to become active and improve their Delta film programme. The competition isn't sleeping.....

Best regards,
Jana

[keithwms]

Thanks for the news.

I am still anticipating Rollei's/Maco's decision whether to keep their current IR film on the market and bring out the new one. This would be the time to do it, now that HIE is gone.

[JanaM]

Originally Posted by keithwms

Thanks for the news.

I am still anticipating Rollei's/Maco's decision whether to keep their current IR film on the market and bring out the new one. This would be the time to do it, now that HIE is gone.

Hi Keith,

their current IR film will certainly stay on the market for a while. It is a very flexible film with excellent results if you use it as a normal film at 200-400 ASA, as a reversal film or as an infrared film.
At the beginning of this year Maco said that they intend to introduce an IR film with extended red sensivity to 850-900 nm. Perhaps we will see this film next year. After Kodaks decision there will be a bit more space for such a film on the market.
And I wouldn't be surprised if Efke make a IR film similar to HIE, the 'aura-effect' inclusive. At least they could make such a film with their technology. The question is, is the 'niche in the niche market' IR great enough for so many films.

We will see,
best regards,

Jana

[ath]

Hi Jana,

where can I read the tests in original?
I'm somewhat cautious regarding statements from Maco.

[Fotohuis]

I am alsmost ready with some test results with this new Rollei film. E.I. 100 till E.I. 800 is possible without to much problems.
The prototype films I have are all 35mm because the official introduction will be at the Photokina in Köln 2008.

Basic is the Agfa Scala 200 technology behind this film, further improved by Gevaert in Belgium who did also the R&D half the 90's for Agfa when they introduced their Agfa Scala 200 film.

This film is a kind of Fuji Neopan Acros 200
Rollei Super PAN 200 will replace the classical APX100/400 alias Rollei Retro 100/400 films next year when the complete stock of these films will be depleted.

Best regards,

Robert

(Dutch Rollei/Maco distributor)

[Snapshot]

This is certainly welcome news. I'm wondering if it is a conventional grain film or a T-grained film. Regardless, if it delivers superior quality, I'll be purchasing it.

[JanaM]

Originally Posted by ath

Hi Jana,

where can I read the tests in original?
I'm somewhat cautious regarding statements from Maco.

Hi Andreas,

I can understand your caution regarding the Maco statements. In the past they were sometimes a bit too self-confident.... .

But I am referring to test results of a friend, who used some of the test samples. In the past I could rely on his results.
I guess this is one of Agfa-Gevaerts aerial Aviphot films, and these films are good. At least good enough for military use . On the website of the german Luftwaffe is explained how they are working with such aerial films.

I have not tested this film so far by myself, not enough time at the moment for an exact and detailed test. Perhaps in the beginning of next year.
AFAIK you can still get test samples from Maco, so if you are interested in this film, try it.

Best regards,
Jana

[Henning Serger]

Originally Posted by ath

Hi Jana,

where can I read the tests in original?
I'm somewhat cautious regarding statements from Maco.

Hallo Andreas,

you know from aphog.de that Maco offered this film for testing to the aphog photographers. I have received some test samples, but I have not finished my test programme yet. I like Agfa Scala 200X, so I wonder whether the new Rollei Superpan could be a suitable successor to this unique film.

I asked Maco some questions about this film and get the following answers:
1. Will A&O continue the production of the special Agfa Scala chemistry?
Yes, production will be continued. The labs which are currently developing Agfa Scala will obtain the chemistry in the future, too.

2. My assumption was that Rollei Superpan 200 is the Agfa-Gevaert Aviphot Pan 200 (Rollei IR is Aviphot Pan 400). Therefore I asked Maco whether this is correct.
They said yes, it is the same emulsion, but on a 100 micron base. Aviphot Pan 200 for aerial purposes is on thinner 80 micron base (to get more film on the roll). Aviphot Pan 200 is the film which is used in the Tornado jets of the german airforce for surveillance and clearing (currently the mission in Afghanistan). But the Tornado equipment uses this film in 240 mm, not in 35mm width.
I can't imagine our airforce using inferior material for such sophisticated missions. For this reason I think it is realistic to expect a very good film. But nevertheless I will do my own testing.

So long,
Henning

[ath]

Thanks, Jana and Henning. This makes the film certainly more interesting.
If I had the time to test, I would have applied for it. But now I have to await the results of others.

[EmilGil]

Jana, do you think we will see this film in roll format (120)?

Too bad they only offer the film in packs of 20 rolls, it's a bit too many for me.