ADOX Pan 25

acroell · 2010-11-14T16:03:26+00:00

Im wesentlichen eine Frage an den Hausherrn: Maco hat gerade verkündet, dass "Rolleipan 25" ab jetzt (zumindest für KB) Efkepan 25 eingesetzt wird, siehe htt...

acroell

Essentially a question for the host: Maco has just announced that from now on, “Rolleipan 25” will be replaced by Efkepan 25 (at least for 35mm), see http://www.macodirect.de/sale-13536-p-409.html. Given that ADOX Pan 25 and the previous Rolleipan version from Filmotec shared certain similarities and were based on Orwo NP15, the obvious question is: what is the outlook for the future (medium to long-term) availability of ADOX Pan 25?

cfb_de

As long as the machine in Samobor keeps going, I don’t see any problems with the classic ADOX films. These films are so similar to those from Samobor that you could easily swap them for one another. Rumour has it that the same applies to films labelled under other names; see, for example, the Rollei equivalent (where Maco would surely not be so foolish as to offer a film that differs in key parameters as a ‘replacement’). Anyone who really wants to keep the same name on the film in the long term should have a look at Bergger. Oops, some of those come from Samobor too... Best regards, Franz

HenningH

The Adox Pan was, after all, supplied on a crystal-clear base right from the start, unlike the Efke/CHS, which still had the grey backing at the time... Maco clearly refers to “this version of the Rollei Pan 25 films”, and the 2008 catalogue states: “The ADOX PAN 25 is more modern than the CHS 25 and has a different sensitisation.” So there were two different films, and now they’re the same??? Swinging regards? Henning

Gast

I found the Maco comments very confusing too! That said, I didn’t find the Filmotec Adox/Rollei Pan 25 particularly exciting either. This film can’t do anything that the Efke/ADOX CHS 25 can’t do, whilst offering better tonal range. Best regards, Wolfgang

michael-kielgmxnet

I found the Maco comments very confusing too! That said, I didn’t find the Filmotec Adox/Rollei Pan 25 particularly exciting either. This film can’t do anything that the Efke/ADOX CHS 25 can’t do, albeit with poorer tonal range. Regards, Wolfgang

When developed in Rodinal, this film produces really poor results and the emulsion isn’t as fast as the Efke’s. Ultimately, though, it’s a matter of taste whether you prefer the Efke or the ADOX... The fact is, however, that there isn’t much choice left in the 25 ASA class now that the Agfa APX 25 has long since been discontinued.

MirkoBoeddecker

There are certainly differences between the two films, and anyone who takes the time to really look into them will recognise these differences. The most significant technological difference is the AHU (anti-halation layer between the emulsion and the base) in the PAN 25 compared to the backing in the CHS 25. As halation is not the biggest problem with a 25, the difference is minor, but it can be seen at large enlargements. The PAN 25 has slightly higher sharpness in this respect. Furthermore, both films use different sensitizers, which has led to the ‘closing’ of the green gap in the PAN 25 compared to the CHS 25. This affects the grey-scale reproduction. Everyone must decide for themselves which they prefer. The CHS has a more classic feel than the PAN 25. With the PAN 25, on the other hand, the curves are closer to those of the APX 25. However, there is another reason not to let this film die out: in future, it will be cast on a modern cascade coater in one of the world’s most renowned factories (note: merely cast). That was not the case in the past. With both the PAN 25 and the efke, we constantly have problems with larger sheet film formats, as the old machines unfortunately tend to produce ‘scatter’ too easily and we can no longer eliminate it. This isn’t noticeable with roll and 35mm films, but becomes apparent in homogeneous grey areas from 8x10” upwards and, depending on the intensity, even as small as 4x5”. We have repeatedly had to contend with affected sections of film, and as it is not possible to perform exposure and testing on 100% of the material, some of it has unfortunately made its way onto the market for all parties involved. The prospect of flawlessly cast material is sure to please every processor and, ultimately, every large-format photographer. In any case, we are doing our best to keep the product on the market even without Maco, and things are looking quite promising at the moment. The price will have to be raised moderately after five years. But it won’t be a disaster. The CHS 25 will likely be cheaper in future, so there’s no need to worry about that either. Best regards, Mirko

acroell

In any case, we’re doing our best to keep the product on the market even without Maco, and things aren’t looking too bad at the moment.

Excellent! That puts my mind at rest for now. What about a 120 version, then? So far, that’s only been available as a Rolleipan. Arne P.S. I’ve just read in the other thread (http://forum.fotoimpex.de/index.php?showtopic=2374) that you’re already working on the roll film. That’s great.

acroell

The Adox Pan 25 has now disappeared from the FOTOIMPEX website; what does the future hold for this film, given that Mirko mentioned earlier that production on newer machines was on the cards?