Fomapan 100 Classic
The people's film — old-world character at an unbeatable price.
Tonal Palette
Punchy, high-contrast grayscale — European character
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Foma Bohemia (Czech Republic, est. 1921) |
| Film Type | Black & white negative |
| ISO Speed | 100 |
| Process | Standard B&W (D-76, Rodinal, HC-110, etc.) |
| Grain | Medium for ISO 100 — grainier than peers but characterful |
| Exposure Latitude | Moderate (decent but not exceptional) |
| Contrast | High (steeper tonal curve than most ISO 100 films) |
| Available Formats | 35mm, 120, 4x5 and larger sheet film |
Reciprocity Failure Calculator
When exposures exceed one second, Fomapan 100 requires additional time to compensate for reciprocity failure. The correction formula below uses the exponent estimated from Foma Bohemia's technical documentation.
Push & Pull Processing
Fomapan 100 can be push processed to EI 200–400 with acceptable results, though its higher base contrast means pushed images will have a very punchy, graphic quality. Pulling is less common but can tame the contrast in bright conditions.
| Rating | Effective ISO | Stops | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EI 50 | 50 | −1 | Reduced contrast, finer grain; useful in harsh sunlight |
| EI 100 | 100 | 0 | Box speed — punchy contrast with vintage grain character |
| EI 200 | 200 | +1 | Increased contrast and grain; usable for overcast days |
| EI 400 | 400 | +2 | Pronounced grain, high contrast; gritty vintage look |
Character & Personality
Grain
Medium grain for ISO 100 — noticeably grainier than comparable films like T-Max 100 or FP4 Plus. With an RMS granularity rating of 13.5, Fomapan 100 has chunkier grain that differentiates images from digital while still offering good detail. The grain has a classic, traditional look that many photographers find appealing, giving images an old-world, handmade quality.
Exposure Latitude
Moderate — decent but not exceptional. Fomapan 100 has a reasonably wide exposure latitude for an ISO 100 film. It handles moderate overexposure well but is less forgiving than FP4 Plus. Best results come from careful metering at or near box speed. Some batches may vary slightly in sensitivity, so bracketing important shots is advisable.
Tonal Character
Higher contrast than many ISO 100 films. The tonal curve is steeper, producing punchier midtones and deeper shadows. Some photographers compare it to T-Max 100 but "with more grain and a less sterile vibe." The contrast gives images an immediate visual impact without post-processing, and the overall rendering has a vintage quality that pairs well with older cameras.
Best Suited For
- Budget-conscious B&W photography
- Street photography where grain adds character
- Landscape and outdoor photography
- Students and hobbyists learning B&W technique
- Situations where a classic, vintage look is desired
- High-volume shooting where cost per frame matters
Available Formats & Pricing
| Format | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| 35mm (36 exp) | ~$5–7 USD |
| 120 | ~$6–9 USD |
| 4x5 (50 sheets) | ~$35–45 USD |
Fomapan is the most affordable B&W film on the market. Also sold as "Arista EDU Ultra 100" by Freestyle Photo. Prices current as of early 2026.
Development Notes
Fomapan 100 works well with standard developers. Rodinal at 1:50 enhances the grain character for an artistic look — a popular pairing that leans into the film's vintage personality. D-76 at stock strength tames the contrast somewhat and refines the grain for a smoother result.
The higher base contrast means less development time may be needed to avoid overly harsh highlights. If you find the contrast too punchy, try reducing development time by 10–15%. Some batches may vary slightly in sensitivity, so bracket important shots until you learn the characteristics of your particular batch.
Sources & Further Reading
Manufacturer Data
Sample Photos
Reviews & Resources
Shoot Fomapan 100 with TLR Companion
TLR Companion is a free light meter app with built-in reciprocity correction for Fomapan 100 and 21 other film stocks. Load it as your active film and the app will automatically correct your long exposures. Track every frame on your roll and never lose count again.