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Kodak Professional BW400CN - Expired

Exposing an expired roll of 35m film is like playing the lottery; you most often lose, but when you win, it's exhilarating.

A friend gave me a few rolls of expired 35mm film cartridges in a box. In the box was a Kodak BW400CN cartridge.

Kodak Professional BW400CN was a chromogenic black-and-white 35mm film with an ISO rating of 400. The film used colour dyes to produce a black-and-white image and was designed to be processed in standard C-41 colour-negative chemistry. This means that it could be developed using the same process as colour-negative films, making it more accessible to photographers who did not have access to traditional black-and-white processing facilities.

The 35mm film was versatile, creating sharp, fine-grained images, making it suitable for various shooting conditions and styles, from landscapes to portraiture.

Kodak Professional BW400CN film had a nominal sensitivity of ISO 400, making it a versatile choice for various lighting conditions. It was known for its fine grain and smooth tonal gradations, which produced images with excellent detail and contrast. The film also had a broad exposure latitude, meaning it could capture a wide range of tones in bright and shadow areas.

One of the benefits of using Kodak Professional BW400CN was that it could be scanned and printed using standard colour printing processes. This made it an attractive option for photographers who preferred to work digitally or who wanted to make prints using traditional colour printing services. It was popular among photographers who wished for a black-and-white film's look-and-feel without needing specialised processing equipment. Kodak Professional BW400CN was the successor to Kodak Professional Portra 400BW.

Exposing an expired roll of 35mm film can result in unpredictable results, as the film's sensitivity to light may have degraded over time. I read on the Internet that to ensure the best possible outcome, it is recommended to overexpose the film by 1 to 2 stops to compensate for its decreased sensitivity. Expired film can be more prone to graininess and other anomalies. I set realistic expectations and was open to the possibility of unexpected results.

I waited for a sunny day to ensure I had opportunities to test the film in various lighting and see how it performed. On a cold day in February, I grabbed my camera, set the ISO to 80, inserted a roll of Kodak BW400CN, and drove to Princeton University. I did my best to take notes, but I expected the worst. Exposing an expired roll of 35m film is like playing the lottery; you most often lose, but when you win, it's exhilarating. When I sent the cartridge to Boutique Film Lab, I expected that I might be wasting $14.

I parked the car on campus and started walking toward the Firestone Library. The air was colder than I expected. I checked the weather app on my iPhone. The outdoor temperature was about 0ºC. There was a strong breeze. I walked for about twenty minutes before I started to lose feeling in my fingers. I exposed a few frames near the John Witherspoon Statue and the Firestone Library before turning around and heading back home.

John Witherspoon was a Scottish-American Presbyterian minister and a Founding Father of the United States. He was a signatory of the United States Declaration of Independence and served as the sixth president of the College of New Jersey, now known as Princeton University.

I had a scheduled haircut on Friday afternoon at Revival Barber Shop in Hillsborough. Since we now have only one car, I dropped Bhavna off at work and kept the car. I used the opportunity to expose a few more frames outside her office complex. The orange American muscle car was the main attraction.

The next day, Bhavna, Shaan and I stopped at Flounder to try some of their new ales. I exposed two frames inside the brewery under challenging lighting conditions. The brewery was poorly lit, and at ISO 80, shooting indoors was challenging. After a few half-pints, we put returned home. I put the camera away and didn’t pick it up again until later in the week.

I mentioned it before. While 36-exposure 35mm film cartridges are more economical, I prefer the 24-exposure film cartridge. After about 24 frames, I am anxious to finish the film, and I often rush "to get it over with", exposing the last frames for the 36-exposure cartridge without much thought. In this case, I completed the cartridge, photographing subjects inside my home and on the street outside.

I am delighted with the results from the expired 36-exposure cartridge of Kodak Professional BW400CN. I have a few more, but I want to be patient and exposed when I have more interesting subject matter. That means waiting for another sunny day.

Name Kodak Professional BW400CN
Format 35mm
Features chromogenic black and white negative
Native ISO 400
Price FREE
Exposed ISO 100
Lab Boutique Film Lab
Process C41
Scanner Epson Perfection V600
Software VueScan 9, Negative Lab Pro, Adobe Lightroom
Saturday 4 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 4 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 4 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 4 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 4 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 4 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 4 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 4 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 4 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Sunday 5 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Sunday 5 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Friday 10 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Friday 10 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Friday 10 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Friday 10 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Friday 10 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Friday 10 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Friday 10 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Friday 10 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Friday 10 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 11 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 11 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 11 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 11 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 11 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 11 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 11 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 11 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 11 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 11 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 11 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 11 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80
Saturday 11 February 2023 · Minolta XD-11 · MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 · ISO 80

Minolta XG-1 - Experience Report

Released in 2021 by the New Classic Film project, EZ400 is a panchromatic black and white negative 35mm film that delivers what some describe as "retro yet sharp images".

I acquired more Minolta photographic gear during the second year of the global pandemic after buying a used X-700 and MD Rokkor-X 50mm f/1.7 lens in 2020. I bought a used Minolta XD-11, MD Rokkor-X 45mm f/2 lens, MD W.Rokkor-X 28mm f/2.8 lens, and other non-Minolta branded lenses. I also bought a used Pentax P3n even though I already had a working Pentax P3 from college. I convinced myself that I needed aperture priority. All of this gear worked, and I enjoyed using them. I had developed some G.A.S.

With poor judgment, I bought two used Minolta XG-1 bodies, one of which the seller told me did not work. I purchased these in person and tested the mechanicals, confirming the seller's claim. I don't remember what I paid, but it was a nominal amount, perhaps $20. One of the camera bodies has a sticky on-off switch. The other camera body had a jammed shutter curtain, but I convinced myself I could fix it.

Carriage Farm · Sunday 8 January 2023 · Minolta XG-1 · MD Rokkor-X 50mm F1.7

But soon, I lost my enthusiasm for fixing them and put them on a shelf where they sat until a few weeks ago. At the beginning of the year, I decided to simplify and minimise my film photography. I sold the Pentax P3n and SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/1.8 lens. I sold it after replacing my Fujifilm XF27mmF2.8 lens with the Fujifilm XF27mmF2.8 R LM WR lens. It was time to sell the Minolta XG-1s, as is, for parts. But first, I wanted to see if I could successfully expose some frames. I loaded a New Classic EZ 400 cartridge into the Minolta XG-1 with the sticky on-off switch.

Carriage Farm · Sunday 8 January 2023 · Minolta XG-1 · MD Rokkor-X 50mm F1.7

The New Classic EZ 400 is a black and white film that the Chinese company Luckyfilm manufactured for 35mm cameras. Luckyfilm has been producing photographic materials since 1958. The company produces a range of film products for both professional and amateur photographers, and their products are known for their quality and affordability. New Classic EZ 400 was hyped as a good choice for photographers who want a versatile, high-quality film that can be used in various situations.

Belle Marra · Sunday 8 January 2023 · Minolta XG-1 · MD Rokkor-X 50mm F1.7

Of the four cartridges of the New Classic EZ 400 I bought last year, I have used two and given two away. This was the last one of the four. Here's what I wrote after the first time I used New Classic EZ.

I exposed the first roll at box speed at Palmer Square and around my neighbourhood. I sent the cassette off for Boutique Film Lab to develop. Here are some frames scanned with an Epson V600 with my scanning workflow. All film frames were exposed at box speed. The results are okay, nothing spectacular. But EZ 400 is low-price and an excellent alternative black and white film to put in my Minolta. I have four more rolls of EZ400. Maybe it will grow on me.

Flounder Brewing · Sunday 8 January 2023 · Minolta XG-1 · MD Rokkor-X 50mm F1.7

It did not grow on me.

I'm not too fond of the strong contrast and chunky grain. I've said it before. I'm not too fond of grain. I'm not too fond of this film stock. New Classic EZ 400 is more affordable than most black and white film stock, but Kentmere 400 is just as inexpensive, and I got much better results.

Doug Duschl,Head Brewer at Flounder Brewing Co. · Sunday 8 January 2023 · Minolta XG-1 · MD Rokkor-X 50mm F1.7
Name New Classic Film EZ400 400
Type Black and White (negative)
Native ISO 400
Format 35mm
Process Black and White
Lab Boutique Film Labs
Scanner Epson Perfection V600
Software SilverFast 9 SE and Negative Lab Pro
Sunday 8 January 2023 · Minolta XG-1 · MD Rokkor-X 50mm F1.7
Sunday 8 January 2023 · Minolta XG-1 · MD Rokkor-X 50mm F1.7
Sunday 8 January 2023 · Minolta XG-1 · MD Rokkor-X 50mm F1.7
Sunday 22 January 2023 · Minolta XG-1 · MD Rokkor-X 50mm F1.7
Sunday 22 January 2023 · Minolta XG-1 · MD Rokkor-X 50mm F1.7
Sunday 22 January 2023 · Minolta XG-1 · MD Rokkor-X 50mm F1.7
Sunday 22 January 2023 · Minolta XG-1 · MD Rokkor-X 50mm F1.7
Sunday 22 January 2023 · Minolta XG-1 · MD Rokkor-X 50mm F1.7
Sunday 22 January 2023 · Minolta XG-1 · MD Rokkor-X 50mm F1.7

34 Year Old Kodak T-MAX Negatives

I was bored. There was nothing on Netflix or Amazon Prime, Apple TV or Hulu, or HBO Max that I wanted to watch. To distract my mind from boredom, I rummage through a set of negatives from my early college days with 35mm film photography.

In college, the chemistry for developing a 35mm colour film was expensive. As a student on a limited budget, black-and-white photography was an attractive option. I had access to the darkroom at the Media Centre at Drew University, spending hours experimenting and developing Kodak Tri-X Pan, Ilford HP5 and Kodak T-Max.

Kodak T-MAX Professional is a black-and-white film known for its high resolution, sharpness, and fine grain for decades. It has a nominal sensitivity of ISO 100 or 400, making it a versatile choice for various lighting conditions.

One of the key features of T-MAX Professional is its T-Grain emulsion technology, which produces extremely fine grain and smooth tonal gradations. This makes it a popular choice among photographers who want to achieve a high level of detail and sharpness in their images.

T-MAX Professional also has a wide exposure latitude, allowing for greater flexibility in various lighting conditions. It can be pushed to higher ISOs without sacrificing image quality, making it a useful tool for low-light situations or for creating dramatic effects.

In addition to its technical features, T-MAX Professional is known for its classic black-and-white look, with deep blacks and bright whites that create a striking contrast. It has been popular among fine art photographers and documentary, portrait, and landscape photography.

November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400
November 1988 | Pentax P3 | SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 | Kodak T-MAX Professional   ISO 400