WonderPan 400

The WonderPan 400 is a black and white film. To mark its fifth anniversary, UK-based film photography store Analogue Wonderland has announced the launch of a limited edition black and white 35mm film called WonderPan 400. This special film is produced in collaboration with one of their top film producers, but whose names are kept confidential under an agreement.

The WonderPan 400 is a modification of a popular black and white emulsion that has been redesigned to encourage photographers to experiment, especially when playing at higher ISOs. Although the original emulsion typically operates at around ISO 100, this modified variant has an ISO rating of 400 and aims to deliver images with strong contrast, dark blacks and a moderate amount of grain, particularly noticeable in the mid-tones. The creators believe this ISO change will stimulate discussions about the pros and cons of using higher ISO settings in film photography.

To add a creative narrative to this launch, Analogue Wonderland has introduced a fictional backstory revolving around Chef Ambrosia, portrayed as a culinary genius, tasked with producing this film that blends innovation with classic elements. Documented by Karen Freer, this narrative and accompanying illustrations are inspired by the video game series “Cooking Mama” and playfully combine the fields of culinary arts and film photography.

Development of the film

The WonderPan 400 requires processing in a developer specifically designed for black and white film. This process is offered as a service by numerous laboratories. Alternatively, development can also be carried out in a home environment. Choosing the right developer plays a crucial role here, as there are various development chemicals such as Rodinal, XTOL, D-76, Ilfosol 3 or Ilford ID-11, which can significantly influence the final output of the image.

Development times

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

There is currently no specific development information available for the exact combination of film and developer. It is therefore advisable to use existing examples of similar film types as a guide or to carry out experiments yourself. After the development process, you will receive the film strips with your captured images, which can then be further processed. You can choose between digitizing the negatives and producing physical prints. Many laboratories also offer the option of making direct prints of the images.

Digitalization

For lovers of digital photography, there is also the option of digitizing the analog film strips using a scanner. While professional photo scanners provide the most optimal results, more affordable home scanners are also available on the market. The photos digitized in this way can then be shared on social networks or further processed digitally, for example.

Formats

The WonderPan 400 is only produced for 35mm cameras. With a size of 24 x 36 mm per image, 24 images fit on the film. Suitable cameras for the 35mm format are available from various manufacturers such as Yashica, Minolta and Fujifilm.

The WonderPan 400 is limited to 1,000 rolls. The film costs £8 per roll, just under $10, and was made available exclusively through the Analogue Wonderland website from the end of June 2023.

Analogue Wonderland

Analogue Wonderland was founded in 2018 by Paul and Mary McKay with the vision of making film photography both entertaining and accessible to a wide audience. They offer a range of services and products including film cameras, film stock, home developing supplies and in-house film developing services, which also include an eco-friendly option.