ADOX is a name with a rich and complex history, tracing back to 1860 when Dr. Carl Schleussner founded the world’s first photochemical manufacturing company in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The company initially focused on pharmaceuticals but soon shifted to photographic materials, becoming a pioneer in dry plates and X-ray plates. The ADOX brand itself became prominent in the early 20th century with cameras and, notably in 1952, with a line of very sharp black and white 35mm films that gained international acclaim as “German wonder films.”
Over the decades, ADOX went through several ownership changes, including being acquired by DuPont in 1962, who later sold the black and white film technology to Fotokemika in Croatia (producing films under the Efke brand). The ADOX brand eventually lapsed but was revived in 2003 by Fotoimpex of Berlin, a company specializing in importing photographic materials from Eastern Europe. Fotoimpex established ADOX Fotowerke GmbH in Bad Saarow, near Berlin, utilizing machinery from former Agfa and Forte factories to convert and package films, papers, and chemicals. In 2015, they also acquired a coating machine in Switzerland, further expanding their production capabilities.
Today, ADOX operates with a small, passionate team dedicated to preserving and innovating in analog photography, offering a range of black and white and, more recently, color films.
ADOX CMS 20 II Pro (ISO 20)
- CMS 20 II Pro is a specialized film for photographers prioritizing maximum detail and sharpness. Requires careful exposure and specific development for optimal tonal range. Can be used creatively for high-contrast effects with standard developers.
- Type: Black and white print film, derived from Agfa-Gevaert Copex HDP microfilm.
- Grain: Ultra-fine, often described as virtually grainless, allowing for extreme enlargements.
- Sharpness: Exceptionally high resolving power (up to 800 lines/mm), claiming to be the “sharpest image recording system in the world.”
- Contrast: Inherently very high contrast, requiring specialized developers like ADOX Adotech IV to manage it and achieve a full tonal range. Can be developed in standard B&W developers for extremely contrasty, almost binary results.
- Tonality: With proper development, it can produce surprisingly good tonality despite its technical origins.
- Base: Clear polyester base.
- Developing: Requires specific developers for optimal results (ADOX Adotech IV is highly recommended). Standard developers yield very high contrast.
- Scanning/Printing: Due to its extreme resolution, it captures an immense amount of detail, making it excellent for scanning and large prints when developed correctly.
ADOX HR-50 (ISO 50)
- HR-50 is a slow, high-resolution film with very fine grain, suitable for landscapes, architecture, and detailed work. Its infrared sensitivity adds creative possibilities. The film ́s speed is enhanced to 50 ASA using Adoxs’ new SPEED BOOST technology. The gamma is reduced so it becomes perfectly usable for pictorial photography in some regular developers.
- Type: Super-panchromatic black and white print film, originally modified from Agfa-Gevaert Aviphot 80.
- Grain: Ultra-fine, contributing to its high resolution.
- Sharpness: Excellent sharpness and high resolution.
- Contrast: Can be high but retains good detail in highlights and shadows. Responds well to filters for contrast control.
- Tonality: Smooth tonal gradations.
- Infrared Sensitivity: Has extended sensitivity up to 750nm, making it usable for near-infrared photography with appropriate filters.
- Base: Clear polyester base.
- Developing: Works well with various developers, including ADOX HR-Dev (recommended), FX-39 II, and others.
- Scanning/Printing: Yields very detailed scans and prints due to its fine grain and high resolution.
ADOX CHS 100 II (ISO 100)
- ADOX CHS 100 II is a versatile film suitable for fine art, landscapes, and portraits, providing a classic film aesthetic with a good tonal range and forgiving exposure.
- Type: Ortho-panchromatic black and white print film, a re-introduction of a 1950s emulsion with modern coating.
- Grain: Classic grain structure, fine to moderate, more noticeable than modern ISO 100 films.
- Sharpness: Good sharpness and edge definition.
- Contrast: Medium contrast, offering good tonal separation.
- Tonality: Known for its soft images with creamy highlights and smooth tonal transitions, providing a classic aesthetic. Reduced red sensitivity (orthopanchromatic).
- Base: Clear PET base with anti-halation layers.
- Developing: Compatible with various developers like ADOX FX-39 II, Rodinal, and others.
- Scanning/Printing: Scans and prints well, offering a slightly vintage look with good exposure latitude.
ADOX SCALA 50 (ISO 50 – Reversal Film)
- ADOX SCALA 50 is a unique film for those wanting the distinct look and experience of black and white slides with exceptional sharpness and fine grain.
- Type: Black and white reversal film, essentially a rebranded ADOX HR-50 optimized for reversal processing.
- Grain: Ultra-fine.
- Sharpness: Excellent sharpness and high resolving power.
- Contrast: High contrast, resulting in crisp, clear slides.
- Base: Clear polyester base.
- Developing: Requires the dedicated ADOX SCALA reversal processing kit for positive transparencies. Can also be developed as a negative using HR-50 development times.
- Projection/Scanning: Produces beautiful, sharp black and white slides ideal for projection and high-quality scans.
ADOX Color Mission 200 (ISO 200)
- ADOX Color Mission 200 is a color negative film with a distinct, saturated, and warm color palette and noticeable grain. Proceeds from its sales fund ADOX’s ongoing color film research.
- Type: Color negative film, a limited-batch emulsion co-researched and coated for ADOX.
- Grain: Noticeable, described as “airy,” comparable to some higher-speed films.
- Sharpness: Surprisingly good.
- Contrast: High contrast, with a tendency for bright highlights.
- Color Rendition: High saturation with a warm bias, featuring rich oranges, greens, and yellows. Reds are often pronounced.
- Exposure Latitude: More limited compared to some other ISO 200 color films, similar to slide film in terms of exposure accuracy.
- Base: Standard orange color negative base.
- Developing: Standard C-41 process.
- Scanning/Printing: Scans relatively easily with minimal color cast.
In conclusion, ADOX continues its legacy by offering a diverse range of films, from ultra-high-resolution technical films to classic black and white emulsions and unique color options. Their commitment to analog photography is evident in their ongoing research and production. While some of their films may have specific requirements or characteristics that demand careful handling and development, they provide photographers with distinct tools for creative expression in the analog realm. The revival of the ADOX brand under Fotoimpex ensures that this historic name remains a vital part of the photographic landscape.