Kirkland Signature 400

The Kirkland Signature 400 represents a color negative film. The Costco retail chain from the USA sold the film under the “Kirkland” brand. The color film was manufactured in Germany, with the material coming from the German company Agfa.

The Kirkland Signature 400 is used to create color photographs. The results are classic color photographs that authentically represent the captured moment. It is ideal for vacation pictures, wedding and party photos, or family shots.

The film’s specified light sensitivity is ISO 400, and the ISO value indicates the light sensitivity of the film stock. An ISO 400 value is good for general photography and is supported by most exposure meters.

Exposure of expired film stock

It is not uncommon for unexposed materials from discontinued film to exceed the printed expiration date. The manufacturer’s quality guarantee up to a certain date should not be used as a measure of whether or not the film is still usable.

Under-exposed images may occur with older film stock, especially if it has been stored under adverse storage conditions, as light sensitivity decreases. It is possible that the photos will be underexposed if the specified ISO value is used. Therefore, it is recommended to set a lower ISO value on the camera.

Other factors that may affect image quality include increased film grain, lower contrast, or color aberration. Proper storage of unexposed film stock can ensure subsequent image quality.

Film Processing

To extract images from exposed film, C-41 process development is required. This development process is performed by most photo labs. The standard sequence of the development process is identical at all photo labs. Large drugstore chains in Germany offer a film development service. The development results are film strips with the captured images.

Prints of the images can then be made or they can be scanned for digital purposes. When developing images, many labs offer additional options to create prints in various sizes.

Digitization

Another option is digitization using a scanner. Digitization of negatives can be done by many photo labs. However, it is also possible to purchase a scanner for private use. After the images are digitized, they can be digitally processed or used in printed form.

Availability and alternatives

The Signature 400 was produced in 35mm format. Matching cameras for the 35mm format are offered by various manufacturers such as Minolta, Rollei, and Fujifilm.

The film is no longer in new production and is no longer in Costco’s offerings. A possible replacement in the 35mm range is Kodak Ultramax 400*.