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neopan 1600-true speed

Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 8:32 am
by pirateoversixty
My point of reference here is Alfred Blaker's article in Darkroom Photography, Feb 1990. In this article he compares the then new Neopan 1600 with T-Max 3200. His results show that Neopan 1600 shows a true speed of 1600 compared to T-Max with a true speed of around 1000. He used T-Max developer 1:4 for both films.

This speed seems to go contrary to everything I have read about Neopan 1600, with the consensus being that is best @ 640 to 800. Blaker's sample pix were taken of architectural subjects in flat frontal to bright sunlite, not in available darkness environment, where one may want to use a film of this speed.

Anyway, I bought a ten-pack off the bay, and am going to try it in Acufine. I am exposing my first roll of 36 in my Epic, as it is my go-to camera for grab-shot candids, and gives pretty consistant exposures.

Perhaps you fine folks could chime in with your experiences and techniques using this film. Thanks
Jim

Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 4:53 pm
by Jim Appleyard
Reminds me of when Kodak VR1000 color neg film came out. I was working in a pro lab that also did amateur work. The first roll we got in was shot outside on a cloudless, bright, sunny day in Feb. with lots of snow. Go figure.

I haven't used this film, but like you, I've read where is about 800 speed. Acufine should bump it up to 1600, tho'.

Let us know how you make out.

neopan 1600-true speed

Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 5:32 pm
by pirateoversixty
I do remember that film. Used it for a few weddings. Pretty good for the time. It did get thejob done.

Jim

Re: neopan 1600-true speed

Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 11:18 am
by Ornello
pirateoversixty wrote:My point of reference here is Alfred Blaker's article in Darkroom Photography, Feb 1990. In this article he compares the then new Neopan 1600 with T-Max 3200. His results show that Neopan 1600 shows a true speed of 1600 compared to T-Max with a true speed of around 1000. He used T-Max developer 1:4 for both films.

This speed seems to go contrary to everything I have read about Neopan 1600, with the consensus being that is best @ 640 to 800. Blaker's sample pix were taken of architectural subjects in flat frontal to bright sunlite, not in available darkness environment, where one may want to use a film of this speed.

Anyway, I bought a ten-pack off the bay, and am going to try it in Acufine. I am exposing my first roll of 36 in my Epic, as it is my go-to camera for grab-shot candids, and gives pretty consistant exposures.

Perhaps you fine folks could chime in with your experiences and techniques using this film. Thanks
Jim
The true speed is about 640. It develops quite quickly, almost like Pan-F, so start with development times on the short side, maybe 1/2 to 2/3 that of Tri-X.