Rollei RPX 400 | Guide for the film

The Rollei RPX 400 is a panchromatic black and white film. It is available as 35mm film with 24 or 36 frames it is available as twin pack and medium format film. It is distributed by Maco from Hamburg at a reasonable price. It is manufactured by Ilford/Harman in England.

The black and white film can be pushed up to ISO 1600. The best results are said to be possible with the Rollei RPX-D, a black-and-white developer specially developed for RPX films by the German manufacturer SPUR of Aachen. The developer promises high contour sharpness, is said to make good use of the rated sensitivity of ISO 400, and when pushed to ISO 800 or 1600, delivers the same quality as 400 film.

Instead of being sold twice in plastic boxes, the Rollei RPX 400 has been available individually in a cardboard box since December 2013.

The old packaging of the medium format film

Development of the film

Times for the development of the Rollei RPX 400.

Developer	Dilution	ASA/ISO	35mm	120	Temperature
D-76	Stock	ISO 400	7:30 min	7:30 min	20°C
D-76	Stock	ISO 800	11 min	11 min	20°C
D-76	1+1	ISO 400	13 min	13 min	20°C
D-76	1+1	ISO 800	17 min	17 min	20°C
ID-11	Stock	ISO 400	8 min	8 min	20°C
ID-11	Stock	ISO 800	11 min	11 min	20°C
ID-11	1+1	ISO 400	13:30 min	13:30 min	20°C
ID-11	1+1	ISO 800	17 min	17 min	20°C
Rodinal	1+25	ISO 400	8 min	8 min	20°C
Xtol	Stock	ISO 400	8:30 min	8:30 min	20°C
Xtol	Stock	ISO 800	10:30 min	10:30 min	20°C
Xtol	Stock	ISO 1600	13 min	13 min	20°C
Xtol	1+1	ISO 400	12 min	12 min	20°C
Xtol	1+1	ISO 800	14:30 min	14:30 min	20°C
Xtol	1+1	ISO 1600	18 min	18 min	20°C

Tilt rhythm constantly for the first 30 seconds, then once every 30 seconds. When developing with the RPX-D, it is noticeable that the temperatures differ. These are only the filling temperatures. It is enough to develop at a room temperature of 20°C, keeping the temperature constant is not necessary.

Sample photos

Shot with the Holga 120N

Shot with the Mamiya C33

All sample photos were developed in Kodak XTOL (1+1) at 20 degrees for 14:30 min.

Storage of the film material

It is not recommended to store the film material in a humid or sunny place, while a cool and dry place is ideal for long-term storage. This way, the film will provide good and reliable results even after a long period of time. Frozen, you won’t notice any difference at all if you’ve been past the expiration date for some time.

For exposed film, prompt development is recommended to avoid prolonged storage.