Retro 80, alternative to Retro 100?

[RobertV]

RPX 100/400 is available in 135-36 twin packs but the 120 roll films will be on the market in January 2011.

A 1:1 replacement for APX 100 in 135-36 is the Rollei Retro 100. But these stocks are running out now.
A good fit in 135-36, 120 roll film and sheet film is the Fomapan 100.

RPX will be not available in sheet film.

[cmo]

Fomapan 100 (Arista.EDU Ultra 100 in the US) is a worthy replacement of APX100, although not quite the same in a number of ways:
- the base is blueish polyester (but it lays flat, no worries there),
- contrast runs off quickly with overdevelopment,
- not as mechanically tough or reliable as APX (I had problems with 'micro-scratches').

Contrast can be controlled well (try Rodinal).

The two films share the same 'old-fashioned' look, to my eyes at least. If it wasn't for the mechanical quality I'd be all over Foma 100-120.

These were taken in the winter sun of January 2010, and one inside, of my hat (@ EI 80, Rodinal 1+50, 7', 20 deg. C, H'blad w/ 80 CT*):

In many developers this film must be rated at 50-80.

In XTol I easily achieve 100 ASA box speed, grain is surprisingly fine, sharpness is good. I like this combination and use it for 6x4.5 and 6x6 folders.