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Colour reversal · 1990s

Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50

Agfa's slow, neutral slide film.

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Planned media

Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 in Reversal mode. Original vs Ashigrain.

Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50

stock
Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50
mode
Reversal
film_format
35mm still (135)
Exposure index
50
Daylight
Introduced
1998
Discontinued
Process
E-6
Prints on
Reversal, viewed directly

About the film

Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 Professional is a daylight ISO 50 colour reversal film in the RSX II range.

Agfa introduced the new family at photokina in 1998, and its September guide lists the 50, 100 and 200-speed members together. The company presented RSX II as a development of the earlier RSX emulsions for professional transparency photography. Agfa described improved linearity near the top of the tone curve and greater maximum density, with both projection and reproduction in mind. Its guide said colour neutrality was retained within one stop of push or pull and changed only slightly at two stops. The film used Agfa AP 44 processing, compatible with E-6, and the guide listed format-specific support thicknesses. A photoscala report in April 2007 said the former professional Agfachrome RSX range was no longer available. It is discontinued, but that report does not establish this film's stock-specific final production year.

Sources for this history
  1. Agfa Professional Films, Technical Data PF, Agfa-Gevaert AG
  2. photokina 98: Agfachrome RSX II for precision down to the last detail, Agfa-Gevaert AG
  3. Agfa-Filme: Das derzeitige Sortiment, photoscala (mts)

The look

Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 is a daylight ISO 50 slide film for projection and reproduction, using AP 44 or E-6 processing. Agfa described neutral colour that stayed consistent through moderate push or pull. It defaults to Reversal mode, but the model borrows grain from Kodak Ektachrome 100D.

Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 sample frame: OriginalAgfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 sample frame: Ashigrain
Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 sample frame: OriginalAgfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 sample frame: Ashigrain
Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 sample frame: OriginalAgfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 sample frame: Ashigrain

Best for

  1. Daylight transparency photography at ISO 50
  2. Slides intended for projection
  3. Professional reproduction work

Compare camera films

FilmSpeedGrain, RMS σD · lower means finer grainYears made
CinefotocolorCinefotocolor−2⅔ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 8−2⅔ stops.0191948
GasparcolorGasparcolor−2 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 12−2 stops.0181932
Ansco Color Negative 843Ansco Color Negative 843−1⅔ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 16−1⅔ stops.0041951
Gevacolor Negative T 6.51Gevacolor Negative T 6.51−1⅔ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 16−1⅔ stops.0071951
Technicolor Process IITechnicolor Process II−1⅔ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 16−1⅔ stops.0191922
Trucolor (two-colour)Trucolor (two-colour)−1⅔ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 16−1⅔ stops.0191945
ORWOCOLOR UK 14ORWOCOLOR UK 14−1⅓ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain the sameEI 20−1⅓ stops.0111964
Kodak Kodachrome 25Kodak Kodachrome 25−1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 25−1 stop.0141974
Agfacolor Typ 432Agfacolor Typ 432−⅔ stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 32−⅔ stop.0071962
Svema DS-5MSvema DS-5M−⅓ stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 40−⅓ stop.0051979
Kodak Aerochrome III 1443Kodak Aerochrome III 1443−⅓ stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 40−⅓ stop.0292001
Kodak Vision3 50DKodak Vision3 50DMade since 2011, in production · same speed vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 50same speed.0042011–
Fujifilm Velvia 50Fujifilm Velvia 50Made since 2007, in production · same speed vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain the sameEI 50same speed.0112007–
Agfa Agfacolor Ultra 50Agfa Agfacolor Ultra 50same speed vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 50same speed.0041995
Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50this filmEI 50this film.0111998
Konica Impresa 50Konica Impresa 50same speed vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 50same speed.0051998
DufaycolorDufaycolorsame speed vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 50same speed.0121935
Fujifilm Fujichrome 64T Type IIFujifilm Fujichrome 64T Type II+⅓ stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 64+⅓ stop.0132002
Kodak Kodachrome 64Kodak Kodachrome 64Made 1974–2009 · +⅓ stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 64+⅓ stop.0161974–2009
ORWOCOLOR NC 3ORWOCOLOR NC 3+⅓ stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 64+⅓ stop.0071972
Polaroid Type 669Polaroid Type 669+⅔ stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 80+⅔ stop.0231981
Ilford Ortho PlusIlford Ortho PlusMade since 1997, in production · +⅔ stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 80+⅔ stop.0131997–
Svema LN-9Svema LN-9+1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 95+1 stop.0071988
Kodak Ektar 100Kodak Ektar 100Made since 2008, in production · +1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 100+1 stop.0052008–
Kodak Ektachrome 100DKodak Ektachrome 100DMade since 2018, in production · +1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 100+1 stop.0132018–
Lucky Super GBR 100Lucky Super GBR 100+1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 100+1 stop.0052001
Ferrania Solaris FG Plus 100Ferrania Solaris FG Plus 100+1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 100+1 stop.0052002
Fujifilm Astia 100FFujifilm Astia 100FMade 2003–2012 · +1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain the sameEI 100+1 stop.0112003–12
Fujifilm Velvia 100Fujifilm Velvia 100Made since 2003, in production · +1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain the sameEI 100+1 stop.0112003–
Kodak Ektachrome E100SKodak Ektachrome E100S+1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 100+1 stop.0151996
Agfa Agfacolor Optima II 100Agfa Agfacolor Optima II 100+1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 100+1 stop.0051998
Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 100Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 100+1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain the sameEI 100+1 stop.0111998
Kodak Ektachrome E100VSKodak Ektachrome E100VS+1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 100+1 stop.0171998
Fujifilm Provia 100FFujifilm Provia 100FMade since 2000, in production · +1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 100+1 stop.0102000–
Gevacolor 682Gevacolor 682+1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 100+1 stop.0061979
Kodak Ektachrome 100 Plus (EPP)Kodak Ektachrome 100 Plus (EPP)+1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 100+1 stop.0181988
Fujifilm FP-100CFujifilm FP-100CMade 1992–2016 · +1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 100+1 stop.0221992–2016
Lomography Redscale XR 50-200Lomography Redscale XR 50-200+1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 100+1 stop.0052025
Fomapan R 100Fomapan R 100Made since 1980, in production · +1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 100+1 stop.0211980–
Tasma NK-2Tasma NK-2+1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 100+1 stop.0121980
Kodak T-Max 100Kodak T-Max 100Made since 1986, in production · +1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 100+1 stop.0081986–
Ilford Delta 100Ilford Delta 100Made since 1992, in production · +1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 100+1 stop.0071992–
Agfa Agfapan APX 100Agfa Agfapan APX 100+1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 100+1 stop.0071998
Fomapan 100 ClassicFomapan 100 ClassicMade since 2016, in production · +1 stop vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 100+1 stop.0122016–
Eastman Color Negative 5247Eastman Color Negative 5247+1⅓ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 125+1⅓ stops.0051983
Kodak Technical PanKodak Technical Pan+1⅓ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 125+1⅓ stops.0081977
Kodak Portra 160Kodak Portra 160Made since 2011, in production · +1⅔ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 160+1⅔ stops.0062011–
Agfa Agfacolor Portrait XPS 160Agfa Agfacolor Portrait XPS 160+1⅔ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 160+1⅔ stops.0061995
Kodak Vision3 200TKodak Vision3 200TMade since 2010, in production · +2 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 200+2 stops.0062010–
Kodak Verita 200DKodak Verita 200DMade since 2026, in production · +2 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 200+2 stops.0062026–
Fujifilm C200Fujifilm C200+2 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 200+2 stops.0052017
Kodak Gold 200Kodak Gold 200Made since 2007, in production · +2 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 200+2 stops.0082007–
Lucky Super GBR 200Lucky Super GBR 200+2 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 200+2 stops.0072001
Ferrania Solaris FG Plus 200Ferrania Solaris FG Plus 200+2 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 200+2 stops.0052002
Kodak Ektachrome E200Kodak Ektachrome E200+2 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 200+2 stops.0181997
Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 200Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 200+2 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 200+2 stops.0141998
Kodak Kodachrome 200Kodak Kodachrome 200+2 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 200+2 stops.0271986
Harman Phoenix 200Harman Phoenix 200+2 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 200+2 stops.0072023
Kodak Tri-X Reversal 7266Kodak Tri-X Reversal 7266Made since 2003, in production · +2 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 200+2 stops.0242003–
Kodak Vision3 250DKodak Vision3 250DMade since 2009, in production · +2⅓ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 250+2⅓ stops.0062009–
Fujifilm Eterna 250Fujifilm Eterna 250+2⅓ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 250+2⅓ stops.0052006
Fujifilm Eterna 250DFujifilm Eterna 250DMade 2005–2013 · +2⅓ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 250+2⅓ stops.0052005–13
Kodak Vision 250DKodak Vision 250DMade 1997–2005 · +2⅓ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 250+2⅓ stops.0071997–2005
Kodak Aerocolor IV 2460Kodak Aerocolor IV 2460Made since 2009, in production · +2⅓ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 250+2⅓ stops.0132009–
Eastman Double-X 5222Eastman Double-X 5222Made since 1960, in production · +2⅓ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 250+2⅓ stops.0131960–
ORWO Wolfen NC400ORWO Wolfen NC400+3 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 400+3 stops.0052022
Kodak Portra 400Kodak Portra 400Made since 2010, in production · +3 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 400+3 stops.0072010–
ORWO Wolfen NC500ORWO Wolfen NC500+3 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 400+3 stops.0062022
Fujifilm Provia 400FFujifilm Provia 400F+3 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 400+3 stops.0172000
Ferrania Solaris FG Plus 400Ferrania Solaris FG Plus 400+3 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 400+3 stops.0062004
Fujifilm Pro 400HFujifilm Pro 400HMade 2004–2021 · +3 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 400+3 stops.0052004–21
Kodak Ektachrome 400XKodak Ektachrome 400X+3 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 400+3 stops.0371992
Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 400Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 400+3 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 400+3 stops.0052006
LomoChrome Color '92 Sun-kissedLomoChrome Color '92 Sun-kissed+3 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 400+3 stops.0052024
Kodak Tri-X 400Kodak Tri-X 400Made since 1954, in production · +3 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 400+3 stops.0171954–
Kodak T-Max 400Kodak T-Max 400Made since 2007, in production · +3 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 400+3 stops.0102007–
Ilford HP5 PlusIlford HP5 PlusMade since 1989, in production · +3 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 400+3 stops.0161989–
Ilford Delta 400Ilford Delta 400Made since 2002, in production · +3 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 400+3 stops.0102002–
Kodak Vision3 500TKodak Vision3 500TMade since 2007, in production · +3⅓ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 500+3⅓ stops.0072007–
Kodak 500T 5230Kodak 500T 5230+3⅓ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 500+3⅓ stops.0092011
Fujifilm Eterna Vivid 500Fujifilm Eterna Vivid 500Made 2009–2013 · +3⅓ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 500+3⅓ stops.0052009–13
Kodak Vision2 500TKodak Vision2 500T+3⅓ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 500+3⅓ stops.0092009
Fujicolor Reala 500DFujicolor Reala 500D+3⅓ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 500+3⅓ stops.0052001
Kodak Vision2 Expression 500TKodak Vision2 Expression 500T+3⅓ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 500+3⅓ stops.0092003
Fujifilm Eterna 500Fujifilm Eterna 500Made 2004–2013 · +3⅓ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 500+3⅓ stops.0052004–13
Anscochrome D/500Anscochrome D/500+3⅓ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 500+3⅓ stops.0381967
Eastman EXR 500TEastman EXR 500TMade 1989–1995 · +3⅓ stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 500+3⅓ stops.0081989–95
Kodak Portra 800Kodak Portra 800Made since 2000, in production · +4 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 800+4 stops.0092000–
Ferrania Solaris FG Plus 800Ferrania Solaris FG Plus 800+4 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 800+4 stops.0072004
Kodak Vision 800TKodak Vision 800T+4 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 800+4 stops.0101998
Konica Centuria Super 1600Konica Centuria Super 1600+5 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain finerEI 1600+5 stops.0072002
Kodak Ektachrome P1600Kodak Ektachrome P1600+5 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 1600+5 stops.0501999
Kodak T-Max P3200Kodak T-Max P3200Made since 1988, in production · +6 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 3200+6 stops.0181988–
Ilford Delta 3200Ilford Delta 3200Made since 1998, in production · +6 stops vs Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 · grain coarserEI 3200+6 stops.0191998–

Science & sources

Agfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 calibration chart: OriginalAgfa Agfachrome RSX II 50 calibration chart: Processed
Synthetic test chart (skin tones, Munsell greys, colour bars, tone and hue ramps, step wedge, memory-colour roll-off, halation star) before and after the full Ashigrain pipeline: reversal branch, Super 35 4-perf, default controls, exposure +0.55 stops to match the original's mid-grey, frame 0.

Tone, spectral and dye data come from Agfa's September 1998 guide, with one visual MTF curve used on every layer. Grain is proxied from Kodak Ektachrome 100D (5294), because the printed RMS 10.0 headline does not specify gross or net density. Push and pull use a generic model.

Response curves and the evidence behind the model

Compare manufacturer data with Ashigrain’s response on the same axes. These curves show how the model is calibrated to its sources; they do not establish a match to photographed film.

Characteristic response

Density against log H (lux-seconds) for channels R, G, B. R circles, G squares, B triangles, N diamonds; filled markers and solid lines are digitised, open markers and dashed lines are simulated: digitised and simulated.−3.0−2.0−1.00.01.02.0log H (lux-seconds)0.01.02.03.04.0Density

RMS granularity

RMS granularity (σD) against Density for channels R, G, B. R circles, G squares, B triangles, N diamonds; filled markers and solid lines are datasheet-based, open markers and dashed lines are simulated: datasheet-based and simulated.0.00.51.01.52.0Density0.00.020.040.06RMS granularity (σD)

Density variation (σD) measured through a 48 µm aperture. Where the datasheet gives a single grain value, the response away from that point is an approximation.

ChannelDensityDatasheet-based σDModel σD
R0.30.0054640.005415
G0.30.0035490.003513
B0.30.006580.006507
R0.60.0108170.010721
G0.60.0070830.007013
B0.60.0158320.015656
R10.0167490.0166
G10.0113090.011196
B10.026650.026354
R1.50.0244790.024261
G1.50.0179710.017792
B1.50.0412320.040775
R20.028990.028732
G20.0250490.024799
B20.0590210.058367

Model limits

These images show the film model in use. Spectral response, lighting and viewing conditions include approximations. Halation, bloom, grain size, weave and flicker are not fully measured for each film. The look of real film also depends on development and print timing.

  • Custom lighting spectra, camera metering and the spectral reflectance inferred from fixed-white-balance footage are assumptions used by the model, not measurements of this film.
  • Conversion-filter spectra (80A for daylight films under tungsten, 85 for tungsten films in daylight) come from separate measured filter data, not from this film’s source. Applying those filters to this film remains modelled.
  • Agfa prints an RMS granularity headline but does not state whether its density is gross or net. Grain is proxied from Kodak Ektachrome 100D (5294), so the granularity shown is that film's rather than a measured RSX II grain curve.
  • The source prints one visual MTF curve, not separate red, green and blue curves. The model applies it to all three layers.
  • Push and pull have no published curves for this film and use a generic model.
  • The printed MTF rises above 100 %, which the model renders as a development adjacency effect. Its width, amplitude and dependence on density and development are not published and are approximated.
  • The adjacency fit uses two parameters per layer and cannot follow every printed MTF sample. Its dependence on local density differences is also assumed.
  • The sheet prints reciprocity corrections at a few exposure times; the correction between them is interpolated, and the colour-compensating filter it prescribes is taken at its nominal value.
  • The density curves are calibrated to the printed grid lattice; the zero frame line sits 0.043 density below it. The guide's combined Status A and Status M statement leaves the plotted densitometry unresolved.
  • The 1998 and 2003 editions reuse the same artwork, so their agreement is an extraction and calibration check, not independent film measurements.
  • The spectral-sensitivity and dye-density drawings are shared with RSX II 100 rather than independent measurements of the 50-speed film.
  • The 1998 primary gives resolving power of 125 lines/mm at chart contrast 1000:1; the later edition prints 135. The primary value is retained.
  • The guide gives support thicknesses of 120 µm for 135 and 95 µm for roll film but does not name the base material. The physical model uses the 135-film thickness.
  • The physical dye-cloud or grain-clump size is inferred from the film's speed class, not measured for this film.
  • Individual dye amounts, layer interactions and push/pull behaviour are approximated where the datasheet provides no calibration. Grain size is assumed; published RMS granularity does not specify dye-cloud size.
  • The source names no antihalation layer; an undercoat is inferred rather than documented.
  • Characteristic response outside the published exposure range is an extrapolation, not measured film data.
  • Halation strength, radius and layer weights are not quantified by the datasheet. The effect of removing antihalation and the bloom response are also approximations.
  • The available sources do not measure veiling flare during projection. The model approximates its contribution to lifted blacks on screen, so the result is not a measured projection contrast.

Reciprocity: modelled from 1/10000 s to 100 s, following the datasheet's corrections for long and short exposures. Exposure time stops at the ends of that range.

Film guide: assumptions and practical choices

Sources

  1. Process: Agfa Professional Films, Technical Data PF, Technical Data PF, 09/1998, 1st edition, p. 4
  2. Characteristic curves: Agfa Professional Films, Technical Data PF, Technical Data PF, 09/1998, 1st edition, p. 8
  3. Diffuse RMS granularity: Agfa Professional Films, Technical Data PF, Technical Data PF, 09/1998, 1st edition, p. 8
  4. Exposure index: Agfa Professional Films, Technical Data PF, Technical Data PF, 09/1998, 1st edition, p. 8

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