Gast
Hello,
I’m planning to take some photos at a christening tomorrow using this film in a church (unfortunately, it’s very dark in there and, understandably, flash isn’t allowed – I wouldn’t be too keen on that anyway).
Which developer would you recommend specifically for this film?
I’m still torn between Calbe A49, Ultrafin Plus or possibly Ilford ID11.
But perhaps there’s a completely different combination? What do you think?
Regards, Heinz
MirkoBoeddecker
Heinz,
The A49 was once the test winner for Neopan films in *Foto Hobby&Labor*. Full speed and excellent detail.
If grain isn’t a priority: two-bath development with Emofin or MZB to handle the high contrast (side lighting).
Ultrafin Plus and ID 11: Trusty old alternatives, but not outstanding in any way. They tend to perform as well as Emofin or MZB but do not handle contrast quite as effectively.
If sharpness is a particular priority (and grain is therefore secondary again): Rodinal, F09, Paterson FX39. These developers produce a distinct edge effect with Neopan and enhance sharpness. The tonal range also comes out very nicely. Balance: slightly better than with A49 but not quite as high as with two-bath development.
Does it have to be a 1600 ASA film?
Sometimes a 400 film pushed by one stop and well developed is the better choice....
With my M6 and an aperture of f/2, I get by just fine indoors during the day.
And where there’s no light at all, you won’t get a picture...
I hope I haven’t contributed too much to the general ‘confusion’.
Best regards,
Mirko
skahde
Hi Heinz,
It’s been a few years since I last used Neopan 1600. What worked very well, though, was undiluted Microphen. By the way, I wouldn’t expose it at 1600 but, if possible, at 800 ASA.
Best regards,
Stefan
Gast
Hi Heinz,
In my opinion, the NP 1600 in A49 1:1 is the best you can get in this sensitivity class.
Regards, Axel
Gast
That was quick, brilliant
I’m not confused at all, quite the opposite – thanks for the detailed information –
I’ll take the A49 for now, just to be on the safe side, so nothing goes wrong; I’ll give the 2bad development a go later on.
SamuliSchielke
What would you recommend as a guideline for the development time of Neopan 1600 in A49? (No, it’s not in the Massive Dev Chart.) On my last attempt, I overdeveloped the film badly (lost the grey scale, severe colour cast, grey haze – though the film had also passed its use-by date), and before I experiment any further, I’d appreciate some good advice.
Samuli
Gast
1:1 = 13 mins, 1600 ASA
1:1 = 11.5 mins, 1250 ASA (works better).
I don’t use it undiluted.
Axel
SamuliSchielke
Thanks!
Samuli
