Graflex.org

davebias · Joined: 20 Oct 2003 Posts: 43

Hi everybody,

Just thought I'd share my recent experience with J and C Photo's 2x3 sheet film (http://jandcphotography.com/).

Now I'm not a "real" photographer, and I know very little about the technical aspects of film... Also, these sheets were the first I had ever shot. Period. And my Century was new to me also.

But I love the results I got with J&C's Classic 200 sheets. I finally found a lab here in NYC that would develop them for me (L & I Photo & Digital), and after some experimentation on their part, I got back a box of negs that were beyond my expectations. I scanned the negs just as big as I could, which resulted in something like 24" x 16" file at 300dpi. There is very minimal grain visible at that magnification, which is more than I can say for my Kodak rollfilm of the same speed.

Those of you who process your own film should have no trouble at all getting fantastic results. The midtones are solid as are shadow and highlight details. And that's NOT because I meticulously metered the scenes... I basically took a wide area spot reading from my LunaPro SBC (with no spot attachment), set the aperture and speed and shot.

At $6.99 for a box of 25, this stuff is worth a try by any of you out there who cut your own, or simply let your 2x3 Grafmatics gather dust.

I'll be posting the results on my website later today. I'll update this post once it's done.

-Dave Bias

t.r.sanford · Joined: 10 Nov 2003 Posts: 812

This is very good to know. The 2-1/4x3-1/4-inch format has been fading for years, and sheetfilm is almost impossible to find.

If the material you mention offers a tonal scale equivalent to that attainable with the old Ansco "Versapan" or Kodak "Super XX," I'll buy it.

I look forward to J&C's completing their move and coming back on line.

paxety · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 69

I also like the Efke PL100 available from J&C in 2x3. It's the old Adox formula.
j.e.simmons

davebias · Joined: 20 Oct 2003 Posts: 43

As promised, here are the shots made with this film:

http://www.davebias.org/sheets/sheet1.html

- Dave Bias

clnfrd · Joined: 26 Mar 2002 Posts: 616

Your last shot, "Liberty", I think is an especially great shot. I have two unopened boxes of this film. I gotta load some up. Fred.

glennfromwy · Joined: 29 Nov 2001 Posts: 903

There certainly doesn't seem to be any lack of tonal range with this film. I think it's worth a go. If I remember correctly, they carry it in 3X4, too, which would be fun.
Thanks for sharing!!!

disemjg · Joined: 10 Jan 2002 Posts: 474

The $6.99 price is amazing; I think the last box of Ilford HP5 I got from B&H was between $15 and $20!

AND, for something completely different, they have a nice selection of MINOX film and materials. I have a weakness for the wee beasties, which are an interesting counterpoint to my LF work.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: disemjg on 2004-02-19 16:19 ]</font>

Jim23 · Joined: 08 Sep 2001 Posts: 129

I have some J&C 200 2x3 I just shot, I need someone's reco on a developer and time for large tank (hangers in 1/2 gallon) for HC110 Dilution B or D76....what works well?

tx in advance......Jim

willysmb · Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Posts: 128

Really the film is nice and price attractive, but if you are out of USA..... It's Impossible to valid an order on the web site of this dealer...

t.r.sanford · Joined: 10 Nov 2003 Posts: 812

The consensus seems to be that J&C "Classic" is made in Hungary by the company that makes "Forte" materials. Efke films appear to be produced in Croatia. I would have imagined that both manufacturers have more extensive distribution in Europe than in the U.S. Jipe-Labo apparently markets "Forte" enlarging paper in France. Might they be able to get the film for you?

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2165

Quote:

On 2004-03-07 01:53, willysmb wrote:
Really the film is nice and price attractive, but if you are out of USA..... It's Impossible to valid an order on the web site of this dealer...

Try FotoImpex. Do a web search on them, if you can't find them complain here and I'll look deep in my bookmarks.

Cheers,

Dan

davebias · Joined: 20 Oct 2003 Posts: 43

As far as I can tell - J & C is back online and taking orders. And it seems like they (J&C) encompass all of the following websites as well: http://www.jandcphoto.com, http://www.jandcphotography.com, http://www.fotoimpex.us, http://www.efkeusa.com, http://www.efkefilm.com, http://www.adoxfilm.com, http://www.adoxusa.com, http://www.adoxfotowerke.com and http://www.asa25.com

If you dig around on their site - you'll find a nice chart for developing times in various chemicals for most of their films. I printed a copy to take to the lab the next time I get sheets developed.