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Agfa RSX II 100 Review: Iconic Film for Vibrant Photography
January 6, 2025

Did you know that the Agfa RSX II 100 slide film, even though it has been discontinued, is still a beloved choice among photographers around the globe? Known for its vivid colors, fine grain, and the exciting possibilities of cross-processing, this film continues to enchant analog lovers and influence contemporary photography. Let’s explore what makes this legendary film so memorable.
Key Takeaways
- Vibrant Colors: Neutral tones with vivid reds, blues, and yellows.
- High Image Quality: Fine grain, sharp details, great for highlights and shadows.
- Versatile Performance: Excels in varied lighting and long exposures.
- Creative Appeal: Perfect for cross-processing and Lomography.
- Enduring Legacy: Still inspires analog and digital photography today.
01.
h2>What Makes Agfa RSX II 100 Unique?
The Agfa RSX II 100 is a versatile ISO 100 slide film that delivers professional results with a unique touch. Its slightly warm tones and neutral color balance make it a fantastic option for various lighting situations. If you want a film that’s dependable yet offers its own subtle flair, this could be the perfect choice for you.
How Does It Handle Colors?
This film excels in producing vivid, true-to-life colors. Reds, yellows, and blues stand out beautifully without being overwhelming. It’s an excellent option for capturing nature and landscapes, where you want an accurate representation of the scene. It also performs exceptionally well in snowy settings, rendering whites as pure as can be, without any distracting color casts. [2]
Can It Manage High Contrast?
Yes! The Agfa RSX II 100 performs wonderfully in challenging, high-contrast environments. With its moderate contrast and wide exposure latitude, you can expect to retain detail in both shadows and highlights. Even if you slightly misjudge the exposure by up to 2/3 of a stop, the results will still impress.
Does It Work for Long Exposures?
Absolutely. This film performs well during long exposures (up to 10 seconds), with minimal color shifts or loss of speed. If you’re into nighttime or low-light photography, you’ll appreciate its reliability. Pro tip: try overexposing slightly to bring out the best results.
How Sharp and Grainy Are the Results?
Expect ultra-fine grain and impressive sharpness. With a granularity rating of RMS 10, the details are crisp, whether you’re shooting landscapes or portraits. While you might notice some grain under heavy magnification, it’s practically invisible when projecting your slides [2].
Agfa RSX II 100 Specifications
Feature | Details |
ISO | 100 |
Grain (RMS) | 10 (ultra-fine) |
Resolving Power | 130 lines/mm (high contrast), 50 lines/mm (low) |
Color Balance | Neutral with slight warmth |
Exposure Latitude | Handles up to ±2/3 stop |
Agfa RSX II 100 is a dependable, high-quality choice that brings out vibrant colors and handles challenging situations with ease. Whether you’re capturing a sunlit meadow or a snowy mountainside, this film won’t disappoint.

02.
How Do You Develop Agfa RSX II 100?
What Is Cross Processing?
Cross processing involves developing film with the “wrong” chemicals for creative results.
With Agfa RSX II 100, you can process it in C-41 (instead of the intended E-6) to get:
- Bold contrast
- Grainier textures
- Unique color shifts like yellow and green tones [5].
This unpredictable method adds an artistic, retro feel to your photos.
Why Is Agfa RSX II Perfect for Cross Processing?
- Processed normally (E-6), the film produces: Vibrant reds and blues with a classic Technicolor vibe.
- Cross processing transforms the look with: Yellow-green hues and striking contrast. A gritty aesthetic that’s perfect for experimental photography [4].
How Do You Develop It Normally?
- E-6 process is the standard method for Agfa RSX II 100: Produces rich, accurate colors. Delivers positive (slide) images directly.
- This process is ideal for predictable and professional-quality results.
What Should You Know Before Cross Processing?
- Plan ahead to account for the dramatic effects: Overexpose by 1 stop to preserve shadow detail. Be mindful of the film’s expiration date, as it affects results.
- Expect the unexpected: Each roll will deliver unique outcomes that are tough to replicate digitally.
By experimenting with these development methods, you’ll discover the full creative potential of Agfa RSX II 100!
03.
How Good Is the Image Quality of Agfa RSX II 100?
Why Is Its Color Reproduction So Impressive?
- Neutral with warmth: The film’s color balance is neutral with a touch of warmth, ideal for natural and pleasing tones.
- Brilliant whites: Whites are clean and free from color casts, making it perfect for snowy or bright scenes.
- Rich but natural colors: Reds, yellows, and blues are vivid yet not over-saturated. Greens are subtle and accurate, reminiscent of Kodachrome 64 but with a modern vibrancy [2].
How Does It Handle Contrast and Latitude?
- Moderate contrast: This ensures balanced images with detail in both shadows and highlights.
- Wide exposure latitude: Great for high-contrast conditions, like shooting under harsh midday sunlight.
- Forgiving of errors: Small exposure mistakes (up to 2/3 stop) won’t ruin your shot [2].
Is It Sharp and Grain-Free?
- Impressive sharpness: You’ll get high-definition images, even for close-up photography, without extra tools like diffusion filters.
- Fine grain: Grain is minimal, with a granularity rating of RMS 10. Nearly invisible in projected slides, adding to its polished look [2].
How Does It Perform in Different Conditions?
- Long exposures: Handles them well, with minimal color shifts or speed loss, making it ideal for nighttime or low-light scenes.
- Tungsten lighting: Often works perfectly without additional filters.
- Versatility: Excels in both landscape and portrait photography thanks to its fine detail and accurate colors [3].
Photo Quality Highlights
Feature | Performance |
Color Balance | Neutral with slight warmth |
Contrast | Moderate, with wide latitude |
Grain (RMS) | Ultra-fine (RMS 10), barely visible |
Sharpness | High-definition, excellent for close-ups |
Low Light/Long Exposure | Reliable with minimal color shifts |
With its top-tier color reproduction, sharpness, and flexibility, Agfa RSX II 100 is a solid choice for photographers aiming to capture fine detail and vibrant scenes in any condition.
04.
How Was Agfa RSX II 100 Used?
Why Did Photographers Love It?
Affordable and accessible: Agfa RSX II 100 was a budget-friendly option compared to films like Ektachrome and Provia, making it popular among hobbyists and pros alike.
Versatile applications: Its vibrant colors and fine grain made it perfect for:
- Landscapes: Capturing nature’s beauty with accurate colors.
- Portraits: Delivering natural skin tones.
- Everyday photography: A reliable all-around choice.
Travel-friendly: Its ability to highlight reds and blues made it a go-to for holiday photography [4].
How Did Lomography Boost Its Popularity?
- Lomography movement: In the 1990s, creative photographers embraced RSX II for its cross-processing potential.
- Cross-processed results: Bold contrast and unique yellow-green color shifts. A gritty, experimental aesthetic loved by LOMOgraphers [6].
- Cult favorite: Its compatibility with cross-processing helped build a devoted following among artistic photographers.
How Did It Perform Under Different Conditions?
- Reliable in tough lighting: The film preserved details in both highlights and shadows, making it dependable for high-contrast scenarios.
- Natural tones: Excellent skin tone reproduction, ideal for portraits.
- “Memory colors”: Captured familiar and nostalgic hues, blending natural accuracy with artistic enhancement.
Quick Usage Highlights
Feature | Popular Applications |
Affordable Pricing | Hobbyist and experimental photography |
Versatile Colors | Landscapes, portraits, travel shots |
Cross-Processing Appeal | Lomography movement enthusiasts |
Reliable Performance | High-contrast and varied lighting |
Agfa RSX II 100 wasn’t just a film—it was a tool for creativity and experimentation, perfect for capturing vibrant, memorable images in any setting.
05.
How Is Agfa RSX II 100 Remembered?
What Made It Stand Out?
- Unique color rendition: Photographers loved its slightly warm tones and neutral balance, which improved on older Agfa films.
- Perfect for travel: Its ability to capture vibrant reds and blues, along with fine detail in highlights and shadows, made it ideal for high-contrast situations like travel photography [6].
Why Was It Critically Acclaimed?
Technicolor charm: RSX II’s vibrant reds and blues gave images a striking, cinematic quality.
Cross-processing magic:
- Boosted contrast and gritty, artistic effects made it a favorite for creative experimentation.
- Unexpected and one-of-a-kind visual outcomes kept photographers coming back.
Desirable grain: Visible under magnification but added texture without compromising image quality.
What’s Its Legacy?
Beloved despite discontinuation: RSX II remains iconic, inspiring photographers to recreate its look through:
- Digital manipulation to mimic its aesthetic.
- Alternative film stocks that echo its distinct qualities.
Community-driven nostalgia: Enthusiasts continue to share their results and memories, keeping RSX II relevant in analog photography circles.
Why RSX II 100 Lives On
Highlight | Impact |
Vivid Colors | Perfect for high-contrast scenes like travel photography |
Creative Potential | Cult favorite for cross-processing |
Lasting Inspiration | Still influences modern film and digital edits |
Agfa RSX II 100 isn’t just a film from the past—it’s a legend that continues to inspire both analog and digital photographers, reminding us of the magic of creative experimentation.
06.
What Photographers say about the Agfa RSX II 100 Film
The Agfa RSX II 100 has received a significant amount of attention from film photography enthusiasts.
Color and Saturation: The film is praised for its vibrant and saturated color reproduction, offering richness and depth in hues. Users have noted that the colors are not overly saturated, providing a balanced and accurate color palette which is slightly warm and gives a nostalgic feel. This makes it particularly good for landscapes, portraits, and general outdoor photography. (Turninganalog)
Grain and Detail: The RSX II 100 is known for its fine grain, which contributes to its high resolution and sharpness. This characteristic allows for detailed work and enlargements without losing clarity. The fine grain also provides a smooth texture to the photos, appealing to those who appreciate the aesthetic of analog film. (Filmphotography.eu)
Expired Film Performance: Reviews of expired RSX II 100 film vary, often depending on storage conditions. Some users have experienced good results even with film expired for over 20 years, although with a slightly muted and blueish color cast. Others have reported less favorable outcomes, suggesting that the film’s performance can be quite unpredictable when expired. (Reddit)
User Experience: Photographers have shared positive experiences with this film, especially those who enjoy the unique look it imparts on images. It’s noted for its ability to capture accurate tones and brilliant colors, making it a favorite among those who prefer a classic film aesthetic. However, the availability of this film now is limited to expired stock, which adds a layer of challenge and unpredictability to its use. (Alysvintagecamera)
Legendary Agfa Lightroom Presets provide an effortless way to recreate the timeless charm of classic Agfa film in your digital edits. Perfect for photographers craving vibrant colors, fine grain, and authentic Agfa-inspired aesthetics:
Agfa Precisa CT 100 Presets Agfa Portrait XPS 160 Presets Agfa Vista 800 Presets Agfa Vista 400 Presets
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