Foma Fomapan 100

B&W NegativeISO 100

Characteristics

  • Grain: medium
  • Contrast: medium
  • Latitude: moderate
  • Formats available: 35mm, 120, 4x5

Fomapan 100 is Foma Bohemia's medium-speed B&W film — a classic cubic-grain emulsion produced in the Czech Republic since the 1960s. Fomapan 100 is the most-used Foma B&W film globally, distinguished from competitors by its lower price (typically 30-40% cheaper than Ilford or Kodak equivalents) while delivering competitive quality for routine work.

Key features

  • ISO 100 rated; medium cubic grain (slightly coarser than FP4+ or Plus-X)
  • Neutral palette with slight cool lean
  • Wide latitude for cubic-grain B&W (~±1½ stops)
  • Lower cost than Ilford/Kodak alternatives
  • Available in 35mm, 120, and 4×5 sheet in current production
  • Standard B&W development — D-76, HC-110, ID-11, Rodinal all work

Workflow

  • Box-speed development: D-76 1:1 at 9 min, HC-110 Dil B at 5 min
  • Push to EI 200 cleanly; EI 400 with moderate grain
  • Pull to EI 64 in dilute developer
  • Standard fix and wash; nothing special required

Practical notes

  • Fomapan 100 is the value-conscious B&W choice — saves 30-40% per roll vs Ilford/Kodak alternatives
  • Quality-control variance is slightly higher than Ilford/Kodak — Foma batch consistency is good but not at the level of Ilford's Mobberley factory output
  • The base material is slightly thinner than Ilford alternatives — handles fine but feels different
  • Cold storage extends shelf life

Related films