EFKE 25 vs. EFKE 100 - differences?

[Scott Peters]

Curious, as a user of EFKE 100 in 7x17 and 8x10 sheet film, it was suggested that I may want to try EFKE 25...What are the main differences in the films from users please? I am using sheet film and contact printing so grain is not an issue for me. I am more interested in characteristics, like contrast, tone, effectiveness in low sbr, or high sbr, etc. Speed is also not a real issue as EFKE 100 is already pretty slow...

Any thoughts out there?

Thank you!

[MarkS]

In general; the slower a film, the finer the grain, and the higher the inherent contrast. You won't see the grain size reduction in a contact print. So in your case, you might try Efke 25 if you want more brilliant highlights and deeper shadows (compared to your 100-speed film). Of course you can compensate for this, to a degree, by increasing exposure and reducing development; which will lead you to some very long exposures. Myself, I prefer faster films for their longer tonal scale, (which for me translates into richer shadows) and don't enlarge my 4x5 negs very far.

[Thomas Bertilsson]

Efke 25 has more of an orthochromatic/panchromatic light sensitivity, so depending on your subject matter you could get a different tonal rendition of various objects. The lack of red sensitivity (not complete, but almost complete) will affect the tonal scale a bit. I like both films, but have settled on others for reasons of availability. In your case, shooting 7x17, I'm sure it's the other way around. Hard to find anything but Efke and a couple of others.
- Thomas

[Scott Peters]

Yes, it is. Plus it's a lot less expensive....in 8x10 it's not as big of an issue in regards to cost, but in 7x17 films other than efke are 50% more to 75% more....and I do shoot quite a bit of film through 7x17...

sounds like efke 25 may be a better choice in low sbr situations?

[Thomas Bertilsson]

I always thought that the Efke film was great in low light situation, which would of course be a fairly low sbr. The film adds a little extra oomph and punch to a scene with dull lighting.
With that said it also looks great with objects that sparkle, like metal, glass, and those types of things. I think you'll have fun using it.
- Thomas

[Scott Peters]

Thomas, is this with the 100 or 25 in your experience? Thanks. Scott

[rwyoung]

Alex Hawley has some horror stories for you about Efke 8x10 and 7x17...

[Scott Peters]

hmm, are you referring to the quality issues? I have gone through several hundred sheets at least with no quality issues as of yet? I will keep fingers crossed...again, more interested at the 7x17 level difference between 100 and 25....Thanks, Scott

[Alex Hawley]

I have gone through several hundred sheets at least with no quality issues as of yet?

Scott, consider yourself lucky.

With respect to your original question, give me a couple weeks and I'll have a data point. I've got two 4x5 negs waiting to print; one shot on Efke 25, one shot on FP4; same subject place and time, both shot with a yellow filter on the lens. I want to see what the difference which will be my deciding factor on using Efke 25 with the 7x17.

[Thomas Bertilsson]

Scott, the 25. I haven't used the 100 under such circumstances.
- Thomas

Thomas, is this with the 100 or 25 in your experience? Thanks. Scott