Fomapan 100 Classic .
Foma has been making black and white film for more than 100 years. Its core range has three films and this is the slowest, finest version: Fomapan 100 Classic. It’s pitched as a consumer film. Generally this means a little more grain, a little more contrast, a little less forgiving when it comes to exposure and a little lighter on the pocket. These are all true for Fomapan 100.
Compared to Ilford’s FP4 or Fujifilm’s Acros II there isn’t as much latitude or detail but in 120 film and sheet film these comparisons become harder to make. That said, even in 35mm it’s great film for the price and punches above its weight when it comes to its tonal range — it’s smooth and versatile. Architecture, landscapes, street, candids, travel — all of these are suitable subjects.
Fomapan 100 is a good example you don’t need to pay top dollar for good film. Foma has been in the game a long time — they know a thing or two about producing quality film.
- + Architecture with character
- + Landscapes with good light
- + An everyday carry
- − When you want wider latitude — choose FP4
- − When you want speed — choose Fomapan 200 or 400
- − When you want to do long exposures — choose Acros II
more from their film.
Grain is visible in 35mm and part of the look. In 120 the larger negative needs far less enlargement, so it is much less noticeable. Box speed holds at normal development. With normal development it gives good negatives from a stop over to two stops under, so anything shot between 50 and 400 can be developed the same way. Long exposures need help: add a stop at a metered one second, three stops at ten seconds and four at a hundred.
Contrast is medium. Highlights are smooth and slow to reach pure white, while shadows drop away fairly quickly. Pull it a stop to 50 with shorter development for a softer result. It can be pushed a stop to 200 with longer development, but the extra development mostly adds contrast rather than shadow detail, so expect harder negatives.
Keep it cool and dry. From the fridge, allow about two hours to reach room temperature before opening; from the freezer, about six. Get exposed rolls developed soon.