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Old May 3rd 07, 06:53 PM posted to rec.photo.marketplace.darkroom
darkroommike
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Posts: 223
Default Discontinued Film

I shot a lot of XP-1 and the equivalent Agfa product
(Vario?) when first introduced and latter shot a lot of XP-2
when I had to take my darkroom down and move into an
apartment for a year. Given that's it's been discontinued,
I can see some pitfalls.

Availability of an adequate, continuous supply of properly
stored out of date film. The need to "burn" or waste a
sheet out of each order to ensure the lot hasn't gone bad.

Processing of 4x5 color negative sheet film is rarely
attempted at home, I could do it but choose not to do so. I
doubt the XP-2 kits are available anymore so you'd need to
process in C-41 or home-brew something. Not impossible, or
even really difficult but it's one more negative to the concept.

All the down-side of shooting large format without the
ability to individually custom process each sheet of film
for E.I. and subject contrast (aka Zone system or other
schema) XP-2's large latitude and forgiving processing
defeat any such plans.

And I'm not sure what tonal qualities, subject matter or
"look" you are attempting; with more detail I'm sure the
smarter guys on this forum could come up with an alternative.

darkroommike

Rob Morley wrote:
In article Rq7_h.7094$dy2.6214@trndny01, Mark
says...
says...
Does anyone have a source for XP2 film in 4x5 size? I think this film
is discontinued.

Ilford XP2 is not discontinued. However it is not made in sheet film and
I'm not sure if it ever was.


It was available. A little research shows that it's valued for its
tonal qualities as well as its chemistry - obviously not popular enough
in that format though.