Lucky SHD 400 CN

The Lucky SHD 400 CN is a black and white film. It was offered by China Lucky Film Corporation from Baoding in Hebei province.

The Lucky SHD 400 CN enables black and white photos. The ISO value 400 for the film’s sensitivity is given in the data sheet. With this film speed, it can be used in many ways and provides good results in many situations.

Using expired film

If you find a roll of the film today, it has probably already expired. The film quality guaranteed by the manufacturer up to a certain date should not be used as a measure of whether or not the film is still usable.

As the film ages, the likelihood of a loss of quality increases, as evidenced by reduced light sensitivity. The way the film is stored can speed up or slow down this process. To avoid underexposure in the images, it might be advisable to set the ISO of the camera lower than the specified value. To prevent loss of quality in the film material, it is advisable to store it under ideal conditions.

For longer storage, a cool and dry place should be chosen, as humidity and heat can damage the material. The exposed film should be developed as soon as possible for best results.

Lucky SHD 400 CN vs. Lucky SHD 400 NEW

In addition to the Lucky SHD 400 CN, there was also the Lucky SHD 400 NEW, and both films can be used to take black and white photos. The latter, however, is a “true” black and white film. The SHD 400 CN is a chromogenic black-and-white film, i.e. a color film that allows monochrome images.

Development of the film

Lucky SHD 400 CN is not processed in a black-and-white developer. The film is developed in the C-41 developing chemistry. This has the advantage that development is offered by more photo labs and is usually less expensive.

The C-41 process follows a standardized procedure. For this reason, normally, every lab gets the same results.

After development, you get the negatives. One can then scan the negatives, for example, or have the photo lab make prints of the photos directly.

Availability and alternatives

The film was available for 35mm and medium format cameras. One roll of the B&W film fit 36 photos. The 35mm film was marked with a DX code. Suitable photo cameras for the 35mm format could be purchased from manufacturers such as Revue, Pentax or Zenit.

In order to expose the roll film, a medium format camera is required, which is available in various designs and with different functions. Well-known brands in this field include Minolta, Hasselblad and Lomography.

The production of the film has been discontinued. An alternative in 35mm format is the Ilford XP2 Super*. A possible alternative in medium format is the Ilford XP2 Super*.