EFKE Films

Gast · 2003-02-09T15:08:42+00:00

In den Fotoimpex -News konnten wir ja lesen, dass die EFKE Filme nun auch teurer werden...aber es auch eine Qualitätsverbesserung geben soll, nämlich den kla...

Gast

As we read in FOTOIMPEX News, EFKE films are now set to become more expensive... but there’s also supposed to be an improvement in quality, namely the clear base. Does this apply to all EFKE 35mm films or just medium format? If it applies to 35mm as well, when will the films with the clear base become the standard, as it’s still rather rare at the moment? Regards, Michael

Gast

Michael, In the standard process, the base is still reddish in colour at the end of development, but it is nevertheless clear. In the reversal process, the reddish tint disappears in the Bleach bath and the film becomes clear. The difference between 35mm and medium format is that a different antihalation technique is used. With LP FIX SUPRA, for example, you can also make 35mm film largely clear. Best regards, Mirko FOTOIMPEX

Gast

Hi Mirko, I almost missed the announcement about the price increase. It’s a shame; Efke films are slowly moving into price brackets that make them a bit less accessible. It really makes you appreciate the R50 in 6x6 and 6x9... Have a word with the lads at Fotokemika. ;-) When do the new prices come into effect? Is there a date in sight yet, and by what percentage are they expected to rise? Will the emulsion change in terms of hardness? The emulsion separation on my first films was severe, but I’ve got it under control now. I was actually planning to pop round in person in Berlin in early/mid-April and stock up my fridge there. Thanks for the forum. Now I’ve got yet another site to ‘check out’ (alongside Kiev-Report, the Beststuff ‘Russian’ forum, and SW-Magazin/Phototec), but direct contact is always welcome. Thanks, Regards, Roman

Gast

I’ve actually toyed with the idea of trying EFKE films before, but when I hear that the emulsion can peel off... Has anyone had any experience with EFKE films and can offer advice on what to look out for to avoid such problems? Best regards Volker S.

Gast

I’ve actually toyed with the idea of trying EFKE films before, but when I hear that emulsion separation can occur… Has anyone had any experience with EFKE films and can offer advice on what to bear in mind to avoid such problems? Best regards Volker S.

Don’t worry, it’s manageable. Essentially: no drastic temperature fluctuations in the processing baths and wash water, don’t leave the emulsion in for too long, and don’t rub the emulsion too vigorously (film scrapers are a no-no). Adding a hardener to the fixer can also help; I usually skip it out of laziness and absent-mindedness. Areas with high ‘silver concentration’ on the base are at risk, i.e. the heavily exposed film leader (just make sure the scraps don’t end up on a print) and extreme highlights. Give the Efkes a go. R50 is my current favourite.

MirkoBoeddecker

Volker, The efke is an old-school film. The convenience offered by a modern, super-stabilised, full-range (and low-silver) thin-layer film is something the efke won’t give you. It challenges you, but in return offers superb grey tones and detail. If you stick to the processing guidelines, the emulsion will stay on the base. Regards, Mirko

MirkoBoeddecker

Roman, All films (especially roll films) have become more expensive in recent months. efke is no exception. The price increases are now almost unnecessary. After all, the film remains below the competition’s price level, even though it is a specialist film with a higher silver content. Actually, efke should be at the same price level as Technical Pan. It’s light years away from that, and I think we can all continue to be satisfied that we’re using a niche product and still paying less than for the cheapest mass-produced film. Prices won’t double! Don’t worry! :( Best regards, Mirko