Foma 100 Classic (100 ISO)	FX39 II
Format:	120
Exposed at:	100 ISO
Developer dilution:	1+9
Development time:	7 minutes
Temperature:	20°C
Agitation:	Agitation for 30 seconds, then 10 seconds every minute

The Cheapest Film on the Market

Sold for as little as €4.99 on some websites, Foma 100 Classic is one of the most affordable films available today. But how good is it?

FX39, a Fine Grain Developer

As suggested by the word “Classic” in the film’s name, Foma 100 Classic uses a traditional grain structure. FX39, on the other hand, is a developer designed primarily for tabular grain films. What kind of results does this combination produce?

Fine Grain

In 6×6 medium format and with this developer, grain is essentially invisible. I did not compare it with another film of the same sensitivity, but the results appear highly convincing to me.

Soft and Pleasant Tonal Rendering

The tonal rendering is soft without becoming flat. The resulting images are pleasant to look at.
Details are rendered well, although I have the impression – to be confirmed with more use – that detail can sometimes be lacking in the deepest shadows.

A Good Film

As you may have guessed, I am quite convinced by this film/developer combination. If I am looking for softness in my images, I now know which film and developer to turn to.

Be careful with 35mm, however (which I have not tested), as I have read that some photographers find the grain too visible.

However, considering the large enlargements I was able to produce here, I doubt those results were developed in FX39 II. Grain remains fairly discreet in this case.