120 Adox CHS 100 II
Product information
120 Adox CHS 100 II| Manufacturer | Adox |
| Film | CHS II |
| Type | Black and White |
| ISO | 100 |
| Format | Medium Format 120 |
Adox CHS 100 II 120: The magic of classic black and white
The Adox CHS 100 II 120 film roll recovers the unmistakable visual aesthetic of 1950s photography. If you're looking for a medium format with a vintage soul, this classic emulsion is your perfect ally. It offers an exquisite tonal separation and an unrepeatable look, making it the ideal tool for characterful portraits and timeless landscapes.
What makes the Adox CHS 100 II medium format special?
Its best-kept secret is its traditional single-layer emulsion. This film features an orthopanchromatic sensitivity. This means it has a slightly reduced response to red colors. As a result, it subtly darkens lips in portraits and separates skin textures wonderfully. It's the perfect film roll for photographers who flee from modern clinical perfection and seek an authentic historical look.
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Level up Move up to Format 120.
If the sharpness of 35mm amazes you, imagine shooting this same emulsion in your medium format camera. Absolute detail for gallery enlargements.
Buy Medium Format 120 Film Rolls
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Technical Specifications and Basic Comparison
Knowing the chemistry of your film is vital to master the light. Here you have the technical x-ray of this German gem in medium format.
- Format: Medium format 120.
- Nominal sensitivity: ISO 100 / 21°.
- Emulsion type: Orthopanchromatic black and white (single-layer).
- Base support: Transparent PET (100 microns).
- Development: Standard B/W chemistry.
| Feature | Adox CHS 100 II 120 | Ilford FP4 Plus 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Spectral sensitivity | Orthopanchromatic (Lower sensitivity to red) | Standard panchromatic |
| Grain structure | Classic, visible and highly aesthetic | Fine and balanced |
| Highlight contrast | High tonal separation (1950s style) | Linear and predictable |
Technical Variables of the Film
- Contrast and Tonal Range: Very particular contrast. It presents a curve that wonderfully isolates highlights, creating images with a spectacular three-dimensionality.
- Spectral Sensitivity: Being orthopanchromatic, it captures the world differently. Skin imperfections are less concealed, bringing a raw dramatism to the portrait.
- Grain Structure: Classic single-layer grain. It doesn't try to be invisible; its texture is noticeable, beautiful and very organic.
- Acutance: Brilliant. Contours are drawn with a sharpness that makes the most of the large glass elements of your medium format lenses.
- Resolution (Resolving Power): High for an emulsion of old design, ideal for large enlargements on baryta paper.
- Push/Pull Flexibility: Very low. It's a demanding emulsion that prefers to be shot at its nominal ISO (100) or pulled to ISO 80 to open up the shadows.
- Base Support and Antihalation Layer: It incorporates an ingenious antihalation layer located between the emulsion and the PET base, drastically improving sharpness.
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Why buy your Adox CHS 100 II 120 at Camera Market?
We have more than ten years of experience working with classic emulsions in our laboratory. We are real analog professionals. We know that Adox CHS 100 II in medium format is a delicate film that demands rigorous storage. We keep our stock in refrigerators to prevent the degradation of its single-layer emulsion. We dispatch your orders extremely quickly in 24/48 hours with a tracking number. If you're unsure about how to meter the light for this gem, a specialist technician will help you by phone with total transparency.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Adox CHS 100 II 120
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Genuine vintage aesthetic, identical to films from the 1950s. | The emulsion is extremely fragile when wet. |
| Transparent PET base that makes scanning a very simple process. | Reduced exposure latitude; it does not forgive light meter errors. |
| Unbeatable highlight separation for overcast landscapes. | It does not tolerate pushing to higher sensitivities well (ISO 400). |
Comparison Table: Adox vs. medium format films
| ISO 100 Film in 120 | Visual Profile and Contrast | Ideal Application |
|---|---|---|
| Adox CHS 100 II 120 | Orthopanchromatic, classic grain, separated highlights | Fine art portraiture and melancholic landscape |
| Fomapan 100 120 | Panchromatic, high contrast, dense blacks | Street photography and architecture |
| Kodak T-Max 100 120 | Imperceptible tabular grain, clinical sharpness | Technical studio and commercial product |
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The classic giants Top sellers in 120.
Discover which films professionals are loading into their backs. Explore our black and white medium format 120 section to see the most in-demand and highest-resolution films.
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Development Times for Adox CHS 100 II 120 (at 20°C)
This classic emulsion requires thermal precision. We show you the tested lab times to process your medium format film without surprises.
| Developer | Dilution | Suggested Real ISO | Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adox Rodinal | 1+50 | 100 | 13 min |
| Kodak D-76 / ID-11 | Stock (Pure) | 100 | 7 min |
| Kodak HC-110 | Dilution B | 100 | 5 min (Careful, very fast!) |
| Kodak XTOL | 1+1 | 100 | 9 min |
Camera Market Pro Tip: The glass emulsion
One of the most common disasters when developing Adox CHS 100 II 120 at home is pulling the spiral out of the tank and finding deep scratches along the entire giant negative.
The mandatory technique: This film has an extremely classic single-layer emulsion. When wet, it becomes gelatinous and profoundly fragile (much more so than a modern Ilford film). Never use rubber squeegee tongs to remove water before drying; you will literally tear off the emulsion. Remove the film from the spiral with nitrile gloves, immerse it in a quality wetting agent and hang it up letting the water drip off by gravity. Do not touch it under any circumstances until it is 100% dry.
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Physical Behavior and Scanability
We analyze the greatest triumph of its modernization, being the great joy of those who digitize at their own desk.
Planarity (Film Curl)
Despite being medium format, its PET support is an industrial prodigy. After drying, the 120 strip is absolutely flat and rigid. It lacks the annoying longitudinal bowing suffered by large acetates. Inserting these enormous negatives into your Epson scanner will guarantee millimeter-perfect edge-to-edge focus without the need for special glass.
Inversion profiles (Scanning)
The crystalline base makes it easy to set the pure black point with astonishing speed in Negative Lab Pro. Apply linear emulation profiles. This film already has a very strong native highlight separation. If you add aggressive contrast via software, you will quickly blow out the skies and lose the vintage essence of the capture.
At the Limit: Extreme Exposure and the Zone System
Learn about the severe photochemical restrictions of this medium format film roll to protect your shots.
Reciprocity Failure
Being an emulsion of old design, it suffers severe light fatigue. From the first second onward, it demands adding light in leaps and bounds. If your light meter dictates 10 seconds, the film will require about 50 actual seconds of exposure. Always use a heavy tripod for your landscapes at dusk.
Extreme Push and Pull
It hates thermal pushing. Pushing this film to ISO 400 destroys the shadows and generates unmanageable contrast that ruins medium format. On the contrary, it loves being treated gently. Shooting it at ISO 80 or ISO 50 (Pull) and reducing development is the master technique to soften its curve and achieve exquisite grays.
Dynamic Range Map
It shows a notably narrow exposure latitude, similar to slide film. It punishes underexposure relentlessly. If the shadows do not receive light, they will merge into a black block. Always meter incident light with extreme precision, ensuring that the dark areas you wish to keep receive enough photons.
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Expert technical management Medium Format Laboratory.
Do not risk scratching this fragile film. Send us your exposed 120 roll so we can apply ultra-careful artisanal development and a TIFF scan that will reveal all its magic.
Request Professional 120 Development
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Camera Market Pro Tip: Caution with filters
A frequent mistake in medium format landscape photography is using deep red contrast filters out of sheer habit when loading the Adox CHS 100 II 120.
The optical laboratory secret: Since it is an orthopanchromatic film (it has very reduced sensitivity to the red wavelength), if you place a dark red filter (#29) in front of your lens, you will be blocking almost all the light that the film is capable of "seeing." You will get a giant, severely underexposed negative. To increase the contrast of the skies with this emulsion, you must exclusively use yellow or green filters. The green filter, in particular, produces spectacular skin tones and luminous foliage typical of the 20th-century classics.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Adox CHS 100 II 120 (FAQ)
What does it mean that it is an orthopanchromatic film?
It means that, although it records the entire visible spectrum, its sensitivity to red is somewhat lower than that of modern standard films. This causes red and orange tones to translate into denser, darker grays, giving images that classic, timeless "look" of the golden age of analog photography.
Why does dark water come out when prewashing this 120 roll?
Don't be alarmed, it is completely normal. This medium format includes a very effective antihalation layer to prevent internal reflections. Upon contact with water or developer, this layer dissolves and dyes the liquid an intense color. It is part of the standard chemical process and does not affect the final quality of the negative.
Can I push the Adox CHS 100 II to ISO 400?
We do not recommend it. Being a single-layer emulsion with classic technology, it does not have the elasticity of modern films like HP5. Pushing it to ISO 400 would result in completely muddied shadows and excessively harsh contrast. Its best performance is obtained by exposing it at ISO 100 or even ISO 80.
How much does it cost to develop this medium format at Camera Market?
We apply our standard laboratory rate for manual black and white development in 120 format. We have extensive experience handling PET supports and delicate emulsions such as those of Adox. We suggest you check our website to add the professional scanning service to your order.
Does the 120 backing paper leave marks on this film?
That was a known problem in very old versions, but the current Adox CHS 100 II uses a latest-generation backing paper. It is specifically designed to prevent the transfer of numbers or marks to the emulsion, even in moderately humid conditions.
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Get the most out of its sharpness Adox Rodinal developer.
Master the acutance of this classic film. Use the renowned Adox Rodinal liquid developer to enhance edge microcontrast and extract amazing textures in your own darkroom.
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Capture time with the most classic medium format
The Adox CHS 100 II 120 is a genuine chemical time machine. Its extraordinary highlight separation and its orthopanchromatic profile make it the essential film for medium format romantics who yearn for the unmistakable aesthetic of the great masters of the 50s. Don't miss this opportunity to feed your 6×6 or 6×7 camera with an unrepeatable signature emulsion. Add your rolls to the cart right now and take advantage of our secure and urgent 24/48-hour shipping. Remember that our lab specialists will be delighted to process these delicate PET strips with the artisanal care they demand.
120 Adox CHS 100 II is in <strong>perfect working condition</strong>. Each unit has been rigorously inspected by our specialized technical team, guaranteeing optimal performance.
The specific cosmetic condition (possible signs of use, superficial scratches, etc.) is detailed in the actual photos of the product and in the full description.
The purchase includes the 120 Adox CHS 100 II and a <strong>warranty</strong> against manufacturing defects. As this is a second-hand product, accessories (caps, lens hood, case…) <strong>vary by unit</strong>.
Want to know exactly what this specific unit includes before buying? <strong>Message us via the website chat</strong> and we'll confirm right away.
All our products include a <strong>warranty</strong> covering any manufacturing defect or technical failure.
<strong>You can extend the warranty of your item:</strong>
- <strong>12 months</strong> of full coverage for only <strong>{price_12}</strong> (one-time payment)
- <strong>24 months</strong> of maximum peace of mind for <strong>{price_24}</strong> (one-time payment) — <em>recommended</em>
We also offer <strong>14-day no-questions-asked returns</strong>. If you're not completely satisfied, you can return it for a full refund.
At Camera Market, most of our items are imported from Europe, so orders can take up to <strong>14 calendar days</strong> to arrive at your address.
However, we offer expedited delivery of <strong>4 to 5 business days</strong> for selected products with immediate availability. All shipments include a <strong>tracking number</strong> so you can track your order in real time.
Comprar the 120 Adox CHS 100 II reacondicionado y certificado en Camera Market te ofrece <strong>múltiples ventajas</strong>:
- <strong>Significant savings:</strong> Prices up to 40-60% lower than new, without compromising quality or performance
- <strong>Guaranteed quality:</strong> Each product is inspected, tested and verified by specialized technicians
- <strong>Warranty included:</strong> standard coverage, extendable with the optional extension
- <strong>Sustainable purchase:</strong> You contribute to the circular economy and reduce the environmental impact of electronics
- <strong>Accessible professional equipment:</strong> Get high-end models at more competitive prices
Our refurbished photography equipment maintains the same optical and technical performance as new. Depreciation does not affect image quality or performance, only the price.
