ADOX CHS 100 II 135/36 - classic ISO 100 black-and-white film
ADOX CHS 100 II is a modern version of a classic ISO 100 black-and-white film with soft, airy tonality. It gives open shadows, creamy highlights and smooth midtone transitions, so it fits portraits, city details, landscapes and fine art work where mood and tonal shape matter as much as sharpness.
The film is orthopanchromatically sensitized, so it renders reds, blues and greens a little differently from many modern panchromatic films. Skies and clouds can separate more clearly, skin tones stay natural, and the overall look has a classic 1960s black-and-white feeling. The grain is traditional rather than clinically smooth, but still tidy for ISO 100.
Technical notes
- Format: 35mm / 135, 36 exposures.
- Speed: ISO 100/21°.
- Type: black-and-white negative film, standard B&W development.
- Base: clear archival 100 micron PET.
- Two anti-halation layers in 35mm help preserve sharpness and reduce curl.
What I would use it for
I would choose CHS 100 II for daylight shooting, window-light portraits, architecture, quiet street photography and landscapes with expressive skies. Softer developers can make it look velvety, FX-39 II keeps contrast and sharpness balanced, while Rodinal/Adonal can give it a more contrasty, graphic character.
One practical detail: because CHS 100 II is coated on a clear PET base, it is best to load it in shade or subdued light. That reduces the risk of fogging the first frames through the base light-piping effect.
Status: preorder. If you want a classic ISO 100 black-and-white film with expressive midtones, this is a very interesting roll to pair with development and scanning.
