Fomapan 100 120 B&W Film – Beloved Retro Edition for Exceptional Medium Format Results

Fomapan 100 120 B&W Film – Beloved Retro Edition for Exceptional Medium Format Results

Fomapan 100 120 B&W Film is a timeless favorite among analog photographers seeking classic black-and-white aesthetics in medium format. Known for its fine grain, rich tonality, and expressive rendering, this film offers outstanding quality and value. Whether you’re capturing portraits, landscapes, or creative projects, Fomapan 100 120 B&W Film delivers exceptional results that embody the magic of traditional photography.

Why Choose Fomapan 100 120 B&W Film for Medium Format Photography?

Fomapan 100 120 B&W Film stands out for its retro character and dependable performance. Manufactured by Foma Bohemia—a company with over 100 years of analog expertise—it remains one of the most accessible and trusted black-and-white films available in the 120 format.

Photographers value this film for:

• Affordable price point
• Excellent tonal range
• Versatile development options
• High resolution and fine grain

From casual users to darkroom enthusiasts, Fomapan 100 120 B&W Film provides the ideal balance of quality and creative freedom.

Foma Bohemia – A Century of Analog Excellence

Founded in 1921 in the Czech Republic, Foma Bohemia is a cornerstone of the black-and-white film photography world. Unlike many competitors who moved to digital, Foma continues producing traditional films, papers, and developers.

Fomapan 100 120 B&W Film is one of its core offerings, tailored for photographers who value consistency, archival quality, and the look of authentic analog photography. Their dedication ensures that future generations can still access the charm of film.

Key Features of Fomapan 100 120 B&W Film

• ISO 100 Speed: Optimized for daylight and studio setups
• Fine Grain Structure: Ideal for enlargements and scanning
• Classic Tonal Aesthetics: Smooth gradations and strong contrast
• Retro Appeal: Unique grayscale character reminiscent of past decades
• Push/Pull Flexibility: Can be shot between ISO 50–400
• Affordable Quality: Reliable results without a high price tag.

Fomapan 100 120 B&W Film: A Retro Classic for Modern Creators

This film’s traditional emulsion offers an organic grayscale that adds emotion and depth to your images. Whether you’re using a Hasselblad 500CM, Pentax 67, Mamiya C330, or Bronica SQ, Fomapan 100 120 B&W Film pairs perfectly with any medium format setup.

Its retro charm makes it particularly appealing for:

• Portraits: Soft, flattering tones
• Landscapes: Rich skies and textured foliage
• Urban/Street: Quiet, moody atmosphere
• Still Life: Detail-rich renderings with strong mid-tones

Development Tips for Fomapan 100 120 B&W Film

Fomapan 100 120 B&W Film is compatible with most black-and-white developers. Depending on your style, you can tweak contrast, grain, and sharpness using different formulas.

Recommended developers:

• Rodinal (R09/Adox): Enhances edge sharpness, adds contrast
• Kodak D-76 or Ilford ID-11: Balanced tonality
• Fomadon LQN: Made by Foma for ideal compatibility
• Kodak HC-110 or Ilford HC: Speed boosting with highlight control

Typical development time at ISO 100:

• D-76 (1+1): 10–11 minutes at 20°C

For push processing:

• ISO 200: Increase development by ~20–25%
• ISO 400: Increase by ~50%, expect higher contrast and visible grain

Best Cameras to Use with Fomapan 100 120 B&W Film

Fomapan 100 120 B&W Film excels in classic medium format cameras:

• Hasselblad 500 Series – Legendary sharpness and modular design
• Mamiya RB/RZ67 – Studio-perfect depth and control
• Pentax 67 – Stunning portrait rendering and creamy bokeh
• Yashica Mat 124G – Ideal for travel and street photography

Archival Quality and Scanning Results

Fomapan 100 120 B&W Film is coated on a durable triacetate base that ensures long-term negative stability. With proper processing and storage, your negatives will retain their quality for decades.

It also scans exceptionally well using:

• Flatbed scanners: Epson V600/V850
• Dedicated film scanners: Plustek 120, Nikon Coolscan

High-resolution scans reveal fine details and smooth transitions—perfect for digital editing, archiving, or hybrid workflows.

Internal Resources

Explore more from OneStopPhoto:

• Shop All 120 B&W Films
• Browse Foma Film Developers
• 120 Film Archival Sleeves & Storage
• Paterson Film Developing Tank

External Resources

• Foma Bohemia Official Site
• Massive Dev Chart for Development Times
• Film Photography Project – Fomapan Review

Final Thoughts: Should You Shoot Fomapan 100 120 B&W Film?

If you’re searching for a reliable, character-rich film that captures the nostalgia and artistry of traditional photography, Fomapan 100 120 B&W Film is an unbeatable choice. With its smooth grain, expressive grayscale, and flexible performance, this film is a must-have for anyone passionate about black-and-white medium format photography.

Rediscover the joy of analog, one beautifully crafted frame at a time.