The Fomapan 400 is a versatile black and white film available in a variety of formats, including 35mm (135), roll film (120) and sheet film (large format). It is characterized by its nominal sensitivity of ISO 400, which makes it suitable for a wide range of lighting conditions.
Compared to other films with similar sensitivity, such as Kodak Tri-X 400 or Ilford HP5 Plus 400, Fomapan 400 has a slightly coarser grain. This grain can be considered characteristic of the film and gives the images a certain texture and aesthetic appeal of its own. Photographers who prefer a particularly smooth and detailed reproduction may find this a disadvantage, while others appreciate the look of Fomapan 400 precisely because of its pronounced grain.
The term "Action" in the film's name suggests that it is suitable for dynamic shots and subjects with movement. The high sensitivity allows for shorter exposure times and thus the freezing of movements. The Fomapan 400 can be used in both available light and with flash.
The development of the black and white film can be done in various developers, both in classic black and white developers and in special film developers that are tailored to the properties of the film. The choice of developer influences the final appearance of the images and can, for example, increase or decrease grain.
The Fomapan 400 is manufactured by the Czech company FOMA Bohemia, which has a long tradition in the production of photographic materials. It is relatively inexpensive compared to other black and white films, making it an interesting option for photographers who want to experiment with analog film.
The Fomapan 400 is also sold as "Holga 400" and "Arista EDU Ultra B&W 400" as medium format and 35mm film.
Development Times
Fomapan 400 development times
| Developer | Dilution | ISO | Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D-76 | Stock | ISO 400 | 7-8 min | 20 °C |
| ID-11 | Stock | ISO 400 | 7-8 min | 20 °C |
| Rodinal | 1+25 | ISO 400 | 5:30 min | 20 °C |
| Rodinal | 1+50 | ISO 400 | 11 min | 20 °C |
| Xtol | Stock | ISO 400 | 7 min | 20 °C |
| Fomadon Excel | Stock | ISO 400 | 7 min | 20 °C |
Calculation of the development solution
| Dilution | Developer (ml) | Water (ml) |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | 500 | 0 |
| 1+25 | 19 | 481 |
| 1+50 | 10 | 490 |
Sample photos
All sample photos were taken with the Nikon EM. Developed the film for R09 One Shot (1+25) for 11 minutes at 20 degrees.
