Anyone out there ever use the Arista film available from FreeStyle Photo? I have it on good word that this stuff is manufactured by Ilford and is actually FP4 under a differend brand name.

I'm considering taking some with me to Europe this summer and I'd like to get as many opinions as possible before I buy it.

Thanks for any info. you care to send.

Jason

-- Jason Kefover (jkefover@york.tec.sc.us), May 17, 2000

Answers

Jason,

Actually I think there are quite a few posts in the archives on Arista. I am more or less completely convinced that it is FP4 and HP5 and it is not some kind of "second." I have use the 8x10 and several boxes over the years of the 4x5 with nary a problem. Same developing times as the Ilford, same look. Great stuff and really cheap. I quit using the 8x10 because I preferred the Agfa but now that Afga has discontinued it's 8x10 offerings I'm back to Arista when my supply runs out.

-- Erik Ryberg (ryberg@seanet.com), May 17, 2000.

Jason -

I've been very pleased with the Arista 400 that I've shot in 8x10 format, and you can't beat the price... go buy some and help keep the brand alive!!

-- bill youmans (bill@greatgrips.com), May 17, 2000.

The 100/125 film is on a bit thinner base than FP4+, but other than the slight tendency to curl a bit as a result the films looks fine. There is one major drawback to the stuff though... it isn't available in 5x7.

-- Dan Smith (shooter@brigham.net), May 18, 2000.

Ditto on its being a good film and a great price. I have used it in 35mm, 120 and 4x5, all in HC-110 with good results and lots of "zone system" room. If the 4x5 is a bit thinner in the base, the 120 is a little thicker than Kodak, and a bit easier to load onto a Nikkor reel.

Freestyle also has (I think) Arista in color neg and color transp. I may be wrong, but I think I will try some and see what I get. The price is good enough that I can run through a few rolls without breaking the bank.

-- Tony Brent (ajbrent@mich.com), May 18, 2000.