Agfa APX 400 v Ilford HP5

[Clive K]

I received two films back from the processors yesterday and thought that I would compare the two as the Agfa works out quite a bit less expensive than the Ilford film. The crops are 100% straight from the scan with no manipulation. I've tried to use similar subjects for comparison. The HP5 was used in a 1950's Contax IIIA rangefinder with a Zeiss 50mm Sonnar lens and yellow filter. The Agfa was put through a 1960's Contarex with Zeiss 50mm Planar and no filter.









The first and last are HP5 and the middle two are APX. There is definitely more grain with the Agfa especially in the lighter tones. Some of that might be attributed to the later and somewhat better Planar lens, but I wouldn't think there would be much in it except contra-jour.

 

[zx9]

Is this the film that is currently sold as Agfa APX400 or outdated APX 400 cut from original bulk rolls by Lupus in the mid 2000's?

There has been noise on the interweb that the new APX400 may be a Harman product, similar to Kentmere 400, I have used plenty KM400 but I have not yet tried the current 'APX 400'
For some reason I get on better with KM400 pushed a stop or more than I do rating it at 400, it seems to get a bit more contrast with very little more grain.

 

[Clive K]

It is new stock in Agfa branded packaging.

Agfa APX 400 - pellicule noir et blanc 35mm polyvalente

Agfa APX 400 : La pellicule noir et blanc 35mm haute sensibilité idéale pour vos photos en basse lumière. Grain saisissant, contraste marqué. Commandez dès maintenant et profitez de notre qualité de développement. ✔️ Livraison 24-48h ✔️Port offert à partir de 89€

labo-argentique.com

 

[Kevin Allan]

I'm not a big fan of heavy grain so in 35mm I tend to use slower films, and a tripod, when possible. If I must shoot 35mm at 400 or faster then I stick with HP5+ as I believe it gives me the best chance of getting an image within my level of tolerance for grain. Even pushed to EI 1600 the results can be quite acceptable (in my eyes) as long as I don't pixel-peep.

I also prefer to stick with films which are available across all the formats I use - 35mm, 120, 4x5, and half-plate - so that preference cuts down the choice considerably.

 

[Clive K]

I can understand your brand loyalty Kevin. Processing at home must be simpler when you can use the same chemicals and processes for each format. I did the same with 35mm and 120 when I had access to a darkroom. I used Kodak back then and had my own box of chemicals and recipes in the cupboard. Others had their own stocks for their favourite brands. The APX is under half price of Ilford film and a third of the price of T-Max. That is why I tried it. I have some Kentmere coming that is just a bit more expensive than Agfa.

The reason I opted for iso 400 is that I wanted to use a yellow filter on the older Contax and to be able to compare it to HP5 like for like.

 

[FishyFish]

The new Agfa APX 100 & 400 films are rebranded Kentmere (as are the Rollei RPX stocks), so if you do like them then you can choose any of those based on the lowest price and get the same film.

I've seen less grainy results, so it would be interesting to know what chemistry the lab has used.

 

[Clive K]

The new Agfa APX 100 & 400 films are rebranded Kentmere (as are the Rollei RPX stocks), so if you do like them then you can choose any of those based on the lowest price and get the same film.

I've seen less grainy results, so it would be interesting to know what chemistry the lab has used.

That is interesting, thank you Nige. Kentmere and Rollei are roughly the same price with Agfa coming in around a euro cheaper.

I can't help with the chemistry aspect, but once the negatives arrive I'll be able to do some higher resolution scans and get a better look at them.

 

[Clive K]

These are two of the full scene at 1200x800

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55144391085_4bbc3159d7_o.jpg

Fouga Magister by Clive Kenyon, on Flickr

St Germaine de Confolens Road to Chateau by Clive Kenyon, on Flickr

 

[auntiemaryscanary]

Ilford won't rebrand their main films for anyone. Now, if you pay them the correct amount they will put K100 or 400 in the branding of your choice. I can't say I've seen rebranded K200 yet.

 

[Clive K]

Seem the low-res scans that I selected along with the film processing haven't given a true representation of the grain.

This was the scan of an APX400 image along with a home scan of a similar image from the same roll at 2400ppi





I'm happy with both films.

 

[Kevin Allan]

A vast improvement with your scans.

 

[Clive K]

Yes, thanks.

A vast improvement with your scans.

Thanks. It has evened up the playing field and made the choice of the cheaper Agfa a better option for me in 35mm format.