FILM REVIEW – FUJI ACROS II
For quite a while it seemed the only news in the film world was the demise of another much loved film stock – and even with the increase of use and reemerging popularity of film, Fuji announced (to the resulting disturbing scream in the photo community force), the discontinuation of the beloved Fuji Acros black and white film.
It was a film my Dad loved, he tended to shot a lot with Fuji stocks like Pro400h, Veliva and the original Acros. So was I really disappointed to not get a chance to shoot with it now I was getting back into film.
But our collective sighs of sadness was soon met with celebration when Fuji announced they were going to reintroduce a new version of Acros, the Fuji Acros II. However, the announcement was hit with controversy with the news that the film was not being produced by Fuji in Japan, but by Ilford in England. (Such a rollercoaster of filmy emotions!) Ilford have since confirmed its not based on one of their existing films, but a totally new development, which is good enough for me!
So I purchased a number of 35mm and 120 medium format rolls and though it would be fun to try out with a few different cameras to see if I liked the results with different set ups and if this new version would become a staple in my bag.
The cameras I tested the film on are the following:
- Leica MP with the latest 35mm Summilux f/1.4 FLE
- Fuji TX-1 (Xpan) with the 45mm Lens
- Mamiya RZ67 with the 110mm f/2.8 lens
- Hasselblad 503cw with the 80mm f/2.8 CF T* lens (orange filter)
All the film was developed at home with Ilford Ilfotec DDX at the box speed and using the online mega chart developing times. I scanned them on my Epson v850 pro scanner and did some very minor adjustments in Lightroom to clean up dust etc.
Fuji Acros II is a really excellent black and white film. It is known to excel in two key areas, grain and long exposures. Overall, the film is very low grain, it has a lower rating than Kodak’s TMAX and Ilford Delta 100, and in medium format, it’s very smooth for a 100 ASA black and white film.
Of course, the appearance of grain and influenced by exposure, developing and post-processing, but overall the grain is very fine. I tend to like to see some grain, it’s why I like film, so some of my images might be a little more grainy that what you might achieve.
The second feature is long exposure. This is something I have not done a lot of yet, but Fuji Acros and Acros II is very good at exposing under very low levels of light. Many films require, at a certain point of shutter time, a longer exposure than what your light meter may suggest. For example, a 10 second exposure might need 15 or 20 seconds because the film responds more slowly to light the longer the exposure. Fuji recommend 1/2 a stop of extra exposure for shutter speeds between 2-16 minutes, whereas most other films require 1-3 stops, or more.
There are a number of sites shooting the original VS new film side-by-side, which is not something I find interesting to do, but it certainly confirms my findings, that this film is slightly more contrasty than the original, especially in the midtones and shadows that are darker and richer. It’s something you really need to keep an eye on when metering as I find the shadow detail can be lost quite quickly.
You may have noticed most of my images are more landscapes rather than city / street photos which I normally love to take too. But with the spread of Corona here in California, my wife and I are hiding out in our cabin. I really look forward to taking more street photos with this film which I think it will be very well suited.
But I must admit, I like this film a lot. When converting digital images to Monochrom, I tend to go quite contrasty and rich in the blacks. This film, especially with an orange filter that I tried on the Hasselblad, delivers this in spades and really gives me the high contrast look I love with digital black and white, but still with a grain and feeling in how it responds to light that is different to achieve in digital files. I really look forward to shooting more of this film in different settings.
You really make it appear really easy along with your presentation however I to find this matter to be actually something that I believe I’d by no means understand. It kind of feels too complex and very wide for me. I am looking ahead in your subsequent publish, I will attempt to get the cling of it!
800his
Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thanks However I am experiencing concern with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting an identical rss problem? Anyone who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx
Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
you’re truly a good webmaster. The website loading speed is incredible. It kind of feels that you’re doing any distinctive trick. In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a fantastic job on this matter!
You have brought up a very good details, regards for the post.
I truly appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thanks again!
I think this is one of the most significant info for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers
But wanna remark that you have a very decent website , I like the design and style it really stands out.
As soon as I observed this website I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.
This really answered my problem, thank you!
Great write-up, I am normal visitor of one’s website, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
Hello, you used to write magnificent, but the last few posts have been kinda boringK I miss your tremendous writings. Past few posts are just a bit out of track! come on!
Very nice design and superb subject material, practically nothing else we want : D.
You are my inhalation, I own few web logs and occasionally run out from to post .
Thanks for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research on this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more from this post. I am very glad to see such great information being shared freely out there.
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!
I dugg some of you post as I thought they were invaluable invaluable
You made some decent points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found most individuals will agree with your site.
Whats Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It positively useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & assist other users like its helped me. Great job.
I gotta favorite this internet site it seems very useful invaluable
Hello there! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when viewing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to fix this issue. If you have any recommendations, please share. Appreciate it!
I am constantly thought about this, appreciate it for posting.
There is evidently a lot to know about this. I believe you made some good points in features also.
naturally like your website but you have to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very bothersome to inform the reality then again I¦ll certainly come again again.
Thanks , I’ve recently been looking for information about this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I’ve discovered till now. But, what about the bottom line? Are you sure about the source?
Spot on with this write-up, I truly suppose this website wants much more consideration. I’ll probably be again to read way more, thanks for that info.
Rattling nice style and wonderful content, very little else we want : D.
Very interesting details you have mentioned, appreciate it for posting.
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Oh my goodness! an amazing article dude. Thank you However I’m experiencing concern with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting equivalent rss problem? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx
Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thank you Nonetheless I’m experiencing challenge with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting similar rss problem? Anyone who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx
Thanks, I have just been searching for information about this topic for a long time and yours is the best I’ve discovered till now. But, what concerning the bottom line? Are you certain concerning the source?
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was looking for!
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
I believe this website contains very excellent pent subject matter posts.
Thank you for another fantastic article. Where else could anyone get that kind of information in such an ideal way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m on the look for such information.
I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!
I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again
I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great posts.
Some genuinely nice and useful information on this web site, besides I believe the style and design has great features.
I think you have remarked some very interesting points, appreciate it for the post.
I dugg some of you post as I thought they were handy very useful
Some truly prime articles on this website , saved to fav.
I believe this web site has some real fantastic information for everyone :D. “When you get a thing the way you want it, leave it alone.” by Sir Winston Leonard Spenser Churchill.
Perfectly pent subject matter, appreciate it for information .
Woh I enjoy your posts, bookmarked! .
You really make it appear so easy with your presentation however I find this matter to be really one thing that I think I might by no means understand. It kind of feels too complicated and very vast for me. I’m looking ahead to your next publish, I will try to get the hang of it!
Some genuinely interesting details you have written.Aided me a lot, just what I was looking for : D.
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
Good V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related info ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task..
Thanks for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do some research about this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I’m very glad to see such magnificent info being shared freely out there.
You are my intake, I possess few web logs and often run out from to brand : (.
I was studying some of your posts on this website and I think this web site is very informative ! Retain posting.
Heya just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same results.
Once I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the identical comment. Is there any manner you may take away me from that service? Thanks!
I believe this web site has got some really excellent info for everyone. “Drunkenness is temporary suicide.” by Bertrand Russell.
Valuable info. Lucky me I found your web site by accident, and I’m shocked why this accident did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!
Useful info. Fortunate me I found your website unintentionally, and I am shocked why this twist of fate didn’t came about in advance! I bookmarked it.
There are some fascinating cut-off dates in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There may be some validity but I will take maintain opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we would like more! Added to FeedBurner as well
Hello. impressive job. I did not expect this. This is a impressive story. Thanks!
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…
naturally like your web site but you have to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very troublesome to inform the reality however I’ll surely come back again.
I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this site. Thank you, I’ll try and check back more often. How frequently you update your website?
Thank you for every other magnificent post. Where else may just anyone get that kind of info in such an ideal approach of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m at the search for such information.
You made some good points there. I looked on the internet for the subject and found most people will agree with your site.
Only wanna comment on few general things, The website design is perfect, the content material is real wonderful. “To imagine is everything, to know is nothing at all.” by Anatole France.
My brother recommended I might like this website. He was once entirely right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t believe simply how so much time I had spent for this information! Thank you!
Thank you for another informative web site. Where else could I get that type of information written in such a perfect way? I’ve a project that I’m just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such info.
magnificent post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector don’t notice this. You must continue your writing. I’m sure, you have a great readers’ base already!
Yay google is my world beater helped me to find this great website ! .
You are my inspiration , I have few web logs and often run out from to post .
I will immediately snatch your rss feed as I can not find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me realize so that I may just subscribe. Thanks.
Terrific paintings! This is the type of information that should be shared around the net. Disgrace on the search engines for no longer positioning this submit upper! Come on over and talk over with my website . Thanks =)
I am pleased that I found this web site, just the right information that I was searching for! .
A person essentially help to make seriously posts I would state. This is the first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I amazed with the research you made to create this particular publish extraordinary. Wonderful job!
Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem together with your site in internet explorer, might check this?K IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a good section of people will miss your fantastic writing due to this problem.
What i don’t realize is actually how you are not actually much more well-liked than you may be right now. You’re so intelligent. You realize therefore significantly relating to this subject, made me personally consider it from numerous varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it’s one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs great. Always maintain it up!
What i do not understood is actually how you are not actually much more well-liked than you may be right now. You are very intelligent. You realize thus considerably relating to this subject, made me personally consider it from so many varied angles. Its like men and women aren’t fascinated unless it is one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs nice. Always maintain it up!
I really like your writing style, great info, thank you for posting :D. “Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil’s reach as humility.” by Johathan Edwards.
I do like the way you have presented this situation plus it does offer me personally a lot of fodder for thought. On the other hand, coming from just what I have personally seen, I simply wish as other responses stack on that folks keep on issue and don’t start on a soap box regarding the news du jour. Still, thank you for this fantastic piece and even though I do not really agree with this in totality, I respect the standpoint.
Valuable information. Lucky me I found your web site by accident, and I am shocked why this accident did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
Throughout the great scheme of things you’ll receive an A with regard to effort. Where you lost me was first in your facts. You know, people say, details make or break the argument.. And it could not be more accurate here. Having said that, let me inform you just what did give good results. Your authoring is extremely powerful and this is possibly the reason why I am making the effort in order to opine. I do not make it a regular habit of doing that. Secondly, despite the fact that I can certainly see a jumps in reason you make, I am not really certain of how you appear to connect the points which produce the final result. For now I shall yield to your position however trust in the near future you link the dots better.
certainly like your website however you need to check the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth then again I will surely come again again.
I am impressed with this web site, rattling I am a fan.
I’m still learning from you, while I’m trying to reach my goals. I definitely enjoy reading all that is posted on your website.Keep the posts coming. I loved it!