Kodak BW400CN First Impressions

Richard Black · 02-03-2005

I know this thread contains a review of film when all have reviewed cameras, but I think film is an important component of the photo process. I have used Kodak's C-41 black and white film, all iterations, and finally got my hands on their newest. I used a Bessa R with a Color-Skopar 28mm and a B&W orange filter to take this shot. The film was processed by Walgreens and printed on a Fuji printer. Their rendition of this was extremely contrasty. I would expect an increase in the contrast but nothing like what I received. I then scanned the negative on an Epson 3170 and messed with the histograms and came up with an acceptable image. Has anyone had this experience with this film? I will try it again with a different processor to see if that makes a difference. The original looked like it was printed on grade 5 paper. Let me know what you have found. I think it has some good qualities.

Todd.Hanz · 02-03-2005

The sample is extremely small, give us a bigger one.

Todd

Joe Brugger · 02-03-2005

Sounds like the orange filter might have been too much. I've found one helpful with Ilford XP2 in many cases, but less necessary with Fuji Neopan 400CN. Could be that Kodak's contrast level is higher than previous chromogenics.
A larger image would be helpful, say 400 wide or so.

Nikon Bob · 02-03-2005

I have never gotten satisfying C41 B&W prints back from any local processor. I now only use the prints as proofs of what I might like to scan. I hope you have better luck finding a good lab. For filters all I have used have been yellow, all I have , and not found Kodak C41 too contrasty. An orange filter would be more conrtasty so Joe may have something there. Most people complain that C41 B&W film lacks contrast and is muddy looking. I don't mind the C41 B&W but then I am not an expert in traditional B&W.

Bob

wlewisiii · 02-03-2005

It's much more contrasty than earlier Kodak C41 films - It seems to me that filters give about one level more than on traditional BW film. So use no filter where you'd use yellow, yellow instead of orange, orange instead of red and red only if you're feeling very experimental...

Other than that, I've gotten good results from it at my local Walgreens, but the gal there actuall shoots film and has been doing it for awhile, so she has some clue about the practical aspects of the process.

It's not going to replace Tri-X in my arsenal, but bear in mind it's limits and its a nice film that can be quite convienient to use.

William

Richard Black · 02-04-2005

I edited the first message to enlarge the photo per requests. Click on the new image and you will get a bigger image, about 3x5. Sorry about the first one. I'm new to this and am aware of some of the limitations on size of file.

nikon_sam · 03-25-2005

I've got 3 rolls of T400CN T-MAX 120 film that I know I'll never use and are up for grabs. They are all expired (1 roll 04-1999, 2 rolls 07-1999). Stored in the closet for years.
Price...Free !!!
First one gets them all...
Have fun shooting.

nikon_sam · 03-25-2005

The three rolls now have a new home...Thanks...

cbass · 03-25-2005

I've used the Kodak chromogenic B&W in my Hi-Matic 7 and my XA-2 and I've been very pleased with the results. I've never used a filter. I'll try to attach some samples if I can figure out how...

RayPA · 03-25-2005

Richard,

There was quite an extensive thread on this topic about a month ago and if I remember correctly the concensus seemed to be that the best results come from pulling the film. I like the Ilford chromgenic much better than the Kodak. I'm one of those that feels the results from these films are too muddy, particularly in the highlights and high-mids (quarter tones?). cbass got some really nice results, and I've seen some other beautiful shots in the gallery using these films. The foreground of cbass' snow picture, with the shack, is indicative of what I've seen from the Kodak. I think you may be on the right track by using filters, but check out that other thread if possible.

RayPA · 03-25-2005

Here's a link to one thread:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/foru...ead.php?t=4010

I think there is another. If I find it I'll post it too.

Bertram2 · 11-03-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Black

. I used a Bessa R with a Color-Skopar 28mm and a B&W orange filter to take this shot. The film was processed by Walgreens and printed on a Fuji printer. Ts.

I don't have a clue what was going wrong here but THAT is not what you can expect from the combo you used !!

This is BW400CN with a Orange filter, J8 on an Bessa R :

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=2029&cat=3234

I use that film since it is available and consider it as an omprovement compared to it's predecessor T400CN.

If you want decent prints oder them for B&W paper, NOT for colour paper !
Scan the negs with the normal colour set up and desaturate later . Should work.

Regards,
Bertram