Maco Cube 400c

The MACO MACOPHOT CUBE 400c is a highly sensitive to ultra-sensitive, sharp-contrast black and white negative film based on classic cubic crystals. Its sensitivity extends up to approximately 710/730 nm. The film’s emulative properties are derived from three extremely thin layers containing different-sized silver halides and three different sensitivities.

The structure of the MACO CUBE 400c allows for extreme control over film characteristics through the choice of developer and development time. This enables the MACO CUBE 400c to cover the entire spectrum from fine-grain images with medium effective sensitivity (ISO 100/21°) to images with the highest effective sensitivity (ISO 6400/39°). It achieves significantly better shadow detail and finer tonal gradation compared to conventional pushed films.

The MACO CUBE 400c features a light trap layer directly cast onto the clear base, which is a unique feature. This leads to improved sharpness by suppressing reflections before they enter the base material, rather than weakening them within the base material.

The film is suitable for all types of imaging applications, with particular emphasis on portrait photography and theater and available light photography. It can be processed in all types of black and white developers, with its film characteristics being more strongly influenced than with other films.

The MACO CUBE 400c has a clear base, allowing for its use as a black and white slide film. The polyester base provides the highest standard in terms of archival safety.

The film’s spectral sensitivity is expanded panchromatically, from approximately 380 nm to 710/730 nm. Its nominal sensitivity is ISO 400/27°, but the effective sensitivity can be adjusted between ISO 50/18° and ISO 6400/39° through the choice of developer and development time.

The resolving power is 100 Lp/mm at a nominal sensitivity of ISO 400/27° and a contrast ratio of 1:1000. Film processing must be carried out in complete darkness.

Loading the MACO CUBE 400c Film

To properly use the MACO CUBE 400c film, please follow these instructions:

Ensure that you use the film in subdued light, especially when shooting outdoors. This helps avoid unnecessary exposure of the film.

Place the MACO CUBE 400c film either in the shade or in a shadowed environment to prevent overexposure. This ensures correct exposure and enhances image quality.

Make sure to load the film into the camera or film magazine following the instructions specific to your camera or film magazine, ensuring proper positioning of the film.

When loading sheet film holders, absolute darkness is required. Find a darkened room or a darkroom to protect the film from any light. This ensures that the film is not prematurely exposed before you intend to use it.

Film Development

The choice of developer and development time is crucial for the final image. Different developers can be used for different results. LP-CUBE XS is recommended for the finest grain and highest sharpness. LP-SUPERGRAIN is optimal for maximizing sensitivity. For optimal sharpness, Champion Promicrol developer should be used. For good image quality with normal sensitivity utilization, Kodak D-76 or Ilford ID-11 can be used.

For consistent results, it is recommended to always perform the development processes at the same temperature, typically at 20°C. For deviations in temperature, corrections are necessary: at 21°C, reduce the development time by 5%; at 22°C, reduce by 10%; at 23°C, reduce by 15%; at 24°C, reduce by 20%; and at 25°C, reduce by 30%.

Another significant aspect of the MACO CUBE 400c is its water-soluble light trap layer. To remove this layer and improve sensitivity utilization and uniformity of development by swelling the gelatin evenly, it is strongly recommended to pre-soak the films in tap water for 30 to 60 seconds before development. The motion should be even and gentle (e.g., one tilt every 2.5 to 3 seconds). The water temperature should ideally be the same as planned for the subsequent development process.

However, the mentioned development times and processes are only guidelines and can be adjusted according to the end user’s needs. Due to the unique properties of the MACO CUBE 400c, it may be necessary for the user to modify the values according to their own requirements to achieve optimal results.

Development Times

Data for the development of Maco Cube 400c

Calculation of the development solution
How much development solution do you need?

Availability and Alternatives

The MACO CUBE 400c was available in various formats in the early 2000s. It was offered as 35mm film (perforated on both sides) in 135-36 and 30.5m lengths. It was also available as roll film in the 120 format and as sheet film in sizes 4 x 5 inches and 8 x 10 inches, each with 25 sheets.

The base material for the 35mm film and roll film is blue-tinted polyester with a thickness of 100µm. The sheet film is either blue-tinted or clear polyester base material with a thickness of 175µm.