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CatLABS introduces FILM 80, a new black and white film in 120 format, sheet film to follow

04 May

US film camera equipment store and distributor CatLABs has introduced its own brand of black and white negative film that it claims is unique and not available anywhere else. CatLABs says its FILM 80 is a classic emulsion along the lines of Kodak’s Panatomic-X with a high silver content and very fine grain.

Obviously Panatomic-X was rated at ASA 32 and this new emulsion isn’t quite as slow, but CatLABS says it can be rated anywhere between ISO 50 and 800 with different processing techniques and it will still produce a wide tonal range. It can be processed in a number of different developers but 9.30 minutes is the quoted time for standard work at ISO 80 in stock solutions of Ilford ID11 or Kodak D76. Agfa Rodinal is recommended for down rating to ISO 50.

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The film is available now in 120 rolls, and will soon come out in sheet formats. It will be early 2020 before 135 format can be bought. A roll of 120 costs $ 5.55 or a pack of ten can be had for $ 55. See the CatLABS website for more details.

Manufacturer’s information:

CatLABS X FILM 80 (120) BW Negative Film

CatLABS X FILM 80 is a traditional, slow-speed, fine-grain, high silver content film, designed for a wide array of shooting conditions.

Following in the footsteps of Kodak’s famous ‘Panatomic-X’ (which was used in Polaroid’s equally famous Type 55 film), CatLABS X FILM 80 brings back a classic touch with its unique look.

An ideal “daylight” film, offering versatility and unique characteristics not found in any other currently made film on the market today.

Characterized by its very fine grain, moderate contrast and deep tonal range.
Exhibits a wide exposure latitude under various lighting conditions, and extreme flexibility in processing options.

Rate it at 50 ISO when shooting indoors (under studio lighting) for extreme fine-grain, or push it as high as 800 when shooting in low light conditions.

CatLABS X FILM 80/120 has an IE of 80 ISP.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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CatLABS of JP ceases efforts to keep Packfilm alive after two years of trying

18 Sep

Two-and-a-half years after it announced plans to keep Packfilm alive, CatLABS of JP has announced it’s no longer continuing its efforts.

Typically known for its impressive collection of analogue photography products, CatLABS of JP announced in March 2016 that it had plans to revitalize Packfilm — an endeavor further expedited by Fujifilm’s discontinuation of its Packfilm offerings. Over the next two years, CatLABS of JP spent a great deal of time and capital looking for the puzzle pieces it needed to keep Packfilm alive.

‘We had begun a globe-trotting effort to secure things for the future, and met (sometimes secretly) with top executives from companies all around the world, (Japan, Germany, France, China and the US),’ says CatLABS of JP on its update page. ‘We visited factories, warehouses and dungeons, walked knee deep in dust and detritus to try and uncover some long lost or forgotten piece of technology we hoped would aid us in this quest. We met with suppliers, designers, chemists and engineers and secured what would potentially be the base upon which a new production line would be built.’

As you can imagine, it wasn’t a cheap process. After two years of research, travel and communications, CatLABS of JP realized its efforts and capital would be better spent elsewhere. Thus, the effort to keep Packfilm alive is officially over.

On the page announcing the end of its efforts, CatLABS of JP thanks its supporters, saying ‘we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us along the way. We got thousands of emails and phone calls, and while [we were] not able to respond to all of them, know that we took each and every one of them to heart – it has meant the world to us to know there is a strong and active analog community out there.’

Despite the ending of its own efforts, CatLABS of JP ends its update with a call to action for analog photographers around the world — get out there and buy what Packfilm remains in an effort to show how many photographers around the world still use it.

‘Those who have been lamenting the demise of Packfilm (FP100c) and those just jumping onboard now, should know that Packfilm was and still is readily available around the world (and probably will still be available for the next few years), says CatLABS of JP. ‘Everyone should go out and buy some now, buy lots of it and go shoot. Its the only way to keep the industry going.’

CatLABS of JP even links out to another effort to keep Packfilm alive, a revival aptly named Save Packfilm. In addition to an online community full of resources to show support, Save Packfilm is also launching a Kickstarter in two days to help crowdfund its efforts. To find out more information and to be notified when the Kickstart goes live, head on over to the Save Packfilm website.

CatLABS of JP ends its farewell with a simple request ‘as always – BUY MORE FILM. SUPPORT THE INDUSTRY.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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