Thank you.
Haven't used the Kodak C41-process B&W's, but did try the Ilford equivalent. Seemed to lack something in print.
Did use Portra 400NC (in color and converted to B&W in post). It and 160NC (135) scan just wonderfully. Ran many a roll of 160NC and to a lesser extent 400 thru my R8 and while the 400 was sweet, the 160 scanned (Nikon 5000, stock Nikon SW, multisampling) with an acuity exceptionally close to what I was seeing with the same Leica R lens on the 30D I owned at the time (did a side by side test for the hell of it).
Now, do I want to sell my Mamiya 220/2.8 APO for a 500CM and put up with iffy scans until I can replace my 4990 with a Nikon 9000? Damn, I REALLY hate budgets.
If you don't hear from me - very nice kit and best of luck.