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KeithNP · Joined: 30 Nov 2001 Posts: 26 Location: Loma Linda, CA

I don't suppose that Ilford XP2 comes in 4x5 sheets. I went to the (pretty unhelpful) Ilford site, but couldn't find anything about large format.
If you're not familiar, XP2 is a C-41 process black and white film (I hear Kodak has one too, but I don't know anything about it). It's a chromogenic film, and has amazingly fine grain.
I have visions of getting very Hi-Res drum scans of fine grain negs, blowing them up digitally, Printing them on large sheets of acetate *as negatives* and then making contact prints with old printing processes, like cyanotypes, Van Dyke prints or salted paper prints.
I'm just exploring my film options.
I may try the same thing with agfa Scala, which *is* available in 4x5, and then converting to negative at the computer stage.
Input anyone?

Henry · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2001 3:05 am Post subject:

Don't believe XP2Super is available in 4x5. I've used the 120 version with my Century, also the Kodak T400CN. Both are good, with wide exposure latitude, and they scan beautifully on my Epson Expression 1600. Both are nominally rated at ISO400, but I expose the Ilford at 200 and the Kodak at 100.
These values work the best for me with the kind of photography I do: architectural and industrial, often of dimly lit interiors with available light and/or bursts of flash. I've gotten incredibly sharp 12"x15" enlargements on Epson Premium Glossy Photo paper with the Epson 1270 printer, scanning the KodakT400CN at 600 dpi. For me the combination of a traditional film camera with digital printing is the way to go, and I love the convenience of not having to develop film! Haven't used my wet darkroom in over three years.

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

I checked B&H photo and Calumet and neither had any 4x5 listings. I know they used to sell xp1 in 4x5, but then they used to sell 3x4 film too.

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KeithNP · Joined: 30 Nov 2001 Posts: 26 Location: Loma Linda, CA

Got email back from Ilford - XP2 not available in sheets (any size by the sounds of it). They recommended HP5+ for the same speed and wide latitude.
I may look into the Kodak one. I'll let you know if I find anything.

Stephen Furley · Joined: 11 May 2001 Posts: 79 Location: London, England

XP2 was made in 5x4, but was dropped a couple of years or so ago. I had a feeling that the Kodak version was discontinued soon afterwards, but I'm not certain.