Silberra ULTIMA160 is a photo film for black and white photos. It comes from the Russian brand Silberra from Saint Petersburg. The Agfa company was probably responsible for its production.
One version of the film is the Silberra PAN160, which is almost identical, but is cast on a thicker polyester base.
It is possible to make black and white images with the Silberra ULTIMA160 because the emulsion is panchromatically sensitized. The specified value for film speed is ISO 160 and is given in the data sheet.
The film material is described by Silberra as fine-grained with a wide tonal range and medium contrasts. The emulsion is composed of two layers. Areas of application for which the film stock is suitable are daylight photography such as street, portrait or architectural photography.
Development of the film
It is important to develop Silberra PAN160 film in a suitable black and white developer to achieve optimal results. Photo development can be done both in photo labs and at home with appropriate accessories. The choice of film developer plays a crucial role in the final result of film development.
Development times
| Developer | Dilution | ISO | Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D-76 | 1+2 | ISO 160 | 22 min | 20 °C |
| D-76 | Stock | ISO 160 | 14 min | 20 °C |
| D-76 | 1+1 | ISO 160 | 19 min | 20 °C |
| PyrocatHD | 1+1+100 | ISO 160 | 21 min | 20 °C |
| Silberra Ascorol | 1+29 | ISO 160 | 10:30 min | 22 °C |
| Silberra Ascorol | 1+29 | ISO 160 | 14 min | 20 °C |
| Silberra Pyro-HD | 1+1+100 | ISO 160 | 17 min | 22 °C |
| Silberra Pyro-HD | 1+1+100 | ISO 160 | 21 min | 20 °C |
| Silberra RDN-LQ | Stock | ISO 160 | 17 min | 20 °C |
| Silberra S-76 | Stock | ISO 160 | 14 min | 20 °C |
Calculation of the development solution
| Dilution | Developer (ml) | Water (ml) |
|---|---|---|
| 1+2 | 167 | 333 |
| Stock | 500 | 0 |
| 1+1 | 250 | 250 |
| 1+1+100 | 250 | 250 |
| 1+29 | 17 | 483 |
There are no precise development specifications from the manufacturer for any combination of PAN160 film and film developer. To achieve optimal results, test strips can be developed with different settings. The developed film strips contain the captured photos.
The images can then either be printed or scanned for digital purposes. Many developing labs offer the creation of prints in various sizes as a service.
Digitization
One option for processing digital images is to use a scanner to digitize the film strips. It is common for photo labs to offer digitization of negatives, but it is also possible to purchase a scanner for personal use. The digitized results can be used in many ways, both digital and printed.
Formats of the Silberra ULTIMA160
Only 35mm format is available compatible with the ULTIMA160. There are 36 images on one film at normal size. Manufacturers such as Porst, Olympus and Fujifilm offer compatible models for the 35mm format.
It is important to consider that not all cameras have an ISO setting of 160. In such cases, you can switch to ISO 200 and extend the development time a bit.
Storage
To avoid changes in the quality of future photographs, it is important to store unexposed material in the best possible way. An ideal storage location for the Silberra Ultima 160 is in a cool, dry place.
After exposing the film, it is advisable to perform prompt development to prevent possible deterioration in quality.
