B+W film

happygolucky

happygolucky

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Andrew
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Hi all, I'm hoping you may be able to help me.
I'v just bought an OM 10 with a 28mm 2.8 Vivitar lens and would like to try some B+W's. What make/brand type should I be looking for?

Thanks in advance :thumbs:
 
I recommend going for some of the C-41 B&W films - what this means is that the end result will be black & white, but it is processed with colour developers. Colour developing is often significantly cheaper and more prevalent, which makes it perfect for that first roll. B&W developing tends to be more expensive and fewer places will offer it as a service. We have a thread at the top of Film & Conventional which may be of use - Film Developing in the UK.

The main C-41 films are Ilford XP2, Kodak BW400CN and Fuji Neopan 400CN.

For pure B&W film (ones that are developed in proper B&W chemicals), my personal favourite is Kodak T-Max 400 but many people are happy with: Kodak Tri-X 400 (a classic emulsion), Ilford HP5+ 400, Fuji Neopan 400, Fuji Acros 100... there are countless other emulsions but those tends to be the mainstay for most.
 
What sort of subject are you going to be shooting, portraits, landscapes, street? Are you after a grainy look to your shots or a smooth fine tonal quality.

There are b&w films to suit all tastes so let us know the look you're after someone on here will be able to suggest a suitable film.
 
That was quick!

I'll be shooting street scenes with it, any help gratefully received.
Rather a fine outcome than really grainy.
 
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Thanks for your help already too.

Edit: Also what's the best ISO speed for street stuff, 400?
 
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happygolucky said:
Thanks for your help already too.

Edit: Also what's the best ISO speed for street stuff, 400?
Click to expand...

That's open to debate, but I feel that, especially given the UK weather, ISO400 gives enough flexibility for a range of lighting conditions that isn't given by other ISOs.

Also, I didn't know how expensive XP2 was sheesh!
 
Like suggested I would start with a C-41 B&W film such as Ilford XP2 Super or Kodak BW400CN as they can be processed in pretty much any place whilst proper B&W processing is becoming rarer and more expensive. Their very exposure tolerant and will give a decent image if rated between ISO 50 - 800 (although for best results expose at 400)

If however you do want to use the proper stuff then theres tons of choice, Kodak Tri-X or Ilford HP-5+ are usually good ones to try first. Their both ISO 400 and have lots of exposure latitude so their fairly easy to use.

You might want to pick up a cheap yellow filter though for when you shoot B&W as it increases the contrast and makes the pictures look less 'flat'.
 
Ilford HP5+ 400
Fuji Acros 100
Ilford XP2 C41 400

Just a few suggestions :}
The XP2 can be developed in high street stores whereas the other two are more do it yourself or spend a fair amount on posting your negatives to be developed by specialist labs.
 
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Another quick question, if I may.

What is the correct lens hood for my 28mm Vivitar?

Thanks again.
 
I have a Vivitar 28mm f2.5 and the lens hood is 5mm deep, but not to say your lens would be different, all I can suggest is that with the wide angle 28mm, 5 to 10mm would seem to be the normal range of hood dimensions.
 
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where are you in the south east Andy ?
 
ok maybe a bit far out then ,if you were more in the kent direction you could have used my darkroom and had a go at developing yourself
 
That's very kind of you to offer, thank you.

Yes a tad too far.

I used to watch my brother (who's on here) develop in his dark room as a kid
We were just talking about it the other day.

He's getting back into film again now and loving it..
 
Personally I would recommend Ilford FP4 125, very nice for hand printing and very fine grain. I find HP5 pretty grainy, especially if scanned, Delta 400 is better, but not much.

I've only been shooting film since September last year and only because I have to as part of my HND course, but I'm completely hooked now.
 
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