Panda Camera 500T

The Panda Camera 500T is a color negative film based on the Kodak VISION3 500T, a film specifically designed for cinema production. Kodak produces the original material but is not directly involved in the distribution of the Panda Camera 500T. The VISION3 500T is originally offered on large spools that are rewound into 35mm cartridges for the film.

The film is sold by Big Panda Limited from Hong Kong. The online retailer for photo accessories will offer the film for around 8 euros in 2024.

This film is designed for artificial light (tungsten). In contrast to digital cameras, where the white balance can be adjusted, analog cameras require a specially adjusted film to accurately display colors under artificial light. The Panda Camera 500T can also be used in daylight, but color shifts occur. An appropriate filter can help, but reduces the light sensitivity.

Development of the Panda Camera 500T

The Panda Camera 500T is processed using the ECN-2 development process. This is necessary because the film has a special protective layer (Remjet coating) that is intended for use in cinema cameras. This layer must be removed during development.

Development using the C-41 process is technically possible, but problematic: the Remjet residues can contaminate the chemicals and render them unusable. Some photo labs offer ECN-2 development. It is advisable to check in advance whether the desired lab offers this service. Alternatively, there are versions of the VISION3 500T without Remjet coating that are easier to handle.

Use in cameras

The Panda Camera 500T is designed for 35mm cameras. Such models are available from Minolta, Olympus, Nikon, Leica or Konica, for example. It is important that the camera is designed for the 35mm format.

Cameras that allow you to manually adjust the film speed are particularly helpful, as this allows for more precise exposure. A roll of film has space for around 36 shots, depending on the camera used.