Expired Medium Format Magic | Fujifilm vs Kodak in the Real World

Описание: Welcome to Analog Aesthetics, Episode 01: a black-and-white 120 medium format shootout between two legendary emulsions, Kodak Plus‑X 125 (PX) vs Fujifilm Neopan 100 Acros and both rolls were expired (with one having an unknown expiration date).

For this test, we asked our lab to push process both stocks +2 stops, then we hit the streets, from street photography in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills all the way down to the skies of San Diego so you can see how each film handles different light, contrast, and real-world situations.

Because of the film’s age, we also ran into something genuinely interesting: swelling/bloating in the 120 roll, which can lead to pressure marks or backing paper artifacts showing up in the final images some of that character is visible in the frames you’ll see in this episode.

The films in this shootout
Fujifilm Neopan 100 Acros (120)

Acros built a reputation for being extremely fine-grained with rich gradation and excellent long-exposure performance. Fujifilm’s own data for Neopan Acros states no exposure compensation is required for shutter speeds up to 120 seconds, which is a big reason photographers loved it for night work and long exposures.

Why you might choose Acros:

You want super clean grain and crisp detail

You shoot long exposures and care about reciprocity performance

You like a refined, smooth black-and-white look with strong tonal separation

Kodak Plus‑X Pan 125 (PX / 125PX in 120)

Plus‑X was Kodak’s classic medium-speed (ISO 125) panchromatic black and white film, known for extremely fine grain and excellent sharpness, aimed at general purpose outdoor and studio work.
The last version (Kodak Professional Plus‑X 125) was available in 35mm and 120 until it was discontinued in 2011, which is why finding it today often means shooting expired rolls.

Why you might choose Plus‑X:

You want a classic Kodak B&W look with fine grain and strong detail

You prefer a more traditional, “older-school” rendering (many photographers describe it as smoother/lower-contrast compared to some modern T‑grain stocks)

You’re chasing a film stock with real heritage that’s now off the market

Why push +2 stops (especially on expired B&W)?

We pushed both films +2 to see how they respond under pressure and because pushing is a common tactic when you’re working with difficult light or trying to punch through the limitations of older stock. In general, pushing B&W film increases contrast and makes grain more noticeable, which can be a feature, not a bug, depending on the look you’re after.

Why people shoot expired film (and why we do it)

Expired film is part science experiment, part treasure hunt. The upside is you can access discontinued stocks and unique looks you simply can’t buy new anymore. The tradeoff is consistency, expired film often develops base fog over time (from heat, time, and background radiation), which can reduce contrast and shift tonal response.

Why it can be worth it anyway:

You get access to legendary, discontinued emulsions (like Plus‑X)

You may get unpredictable artifacts that create a signature look

You learn your process faster by testing, adapting, and dialing in your workflow

Your turn

Which stock do you prefer from this shootout, Acros or Plus‑X? And do you like the “expired artifacts,” or do you prefer a cleaner negative? Drop a comment with your pick.

Hashtags:
#AnalogAesthetics #FilmPhotography #MediumFormat #120Film #BlackAndWhiteFilm
#StreetPhotography #ExpiredFilm #FilmShootout #KodakPlusX #FujifilmAcros
#Darkroom #PushProcess #FilmScanner #LosAngelesPhotography #SanDiegoPhotography