In the realm of black and white film photography, Fomapan 400 Action emerges as a budget-friendly option for enthusiasts looking to capture everyday moments with a touch of classic elegance. This film, available in both 135 and 120 formats, is an offering from the Czech company Foma Bohemia. In this review, we will delve into the core attributes of Fomapan 400, drawing comparisons with Kentmere 400, and exploring the results of pairing this film with the Compard R09 Spezial developer.
Fomapan 400 Tonality
Fomapan 400 exhibits a different tonal palette when compared to Kentmere 400. It tends to lean towards higher contrast, which sometimes comes at the expense of subtler mid-tones. The mid-tone rendering is not as sophisticated as that of Kentmere 400, yet it carries a bold character that gives images a dramatic, vintage look.
Fomapan 400 Grain Structure
One of the defining characteristics of Fomapan 400 is its noticeable grain. The grain structure is quite pronounced, contributing to the film’s retro aesthetic. While some photographers may prefer the finer grain of other films, the bold grain of Fomapan 400 can add a unique texture and character to the images, making them stand out in a distinctive way.
Fomapan 400 Contrast
The contrast on Fomapan 400 is high, rendering deep blacks and bright whites that carve out a stark silhouette of the subjects. This level of contrast contributes to the film’s classic look, making it a suitable choice for photographers aiming for a dramatic, vintage aesthetic in their captures.
Pairing with Compard R09 Spezial Developer
Combining Fomapan 400 with Compard R09 Spezial developer has been found to yield pleasing results. This developer helps in maintaining a good level of sharpness while slightly taming the grain, which can be particularly beneficial when seeking a balanced grain-to-sharpness ratio in the final images.
Exposure Recommendation
It’s advisable to slightly overexpose Fomapan 400 by shooting it at 200 or 320 ISO. This practice tends to yield better shadow detail and a more balanced exposure overall, allowing for a more forgiving latitude in varying lighting conditions.
Conclusion
Fomapan 400 Action stands as a compelling low-cost choice for everyday shooting, especially for those who appreciate a classic, high-contrast look in their photographs. While it might not offer the subtle mid-tone transition of Kentmere 400, it compensates with a distinctive vintage aesthetic brought out by its pronounced grain and high contrast. The flexibility it offers, especially when paired with the Compard R09 Spezial developer, and the option to overexpose it slightly for better results, makes it a versatile film for various photography adventures. Its affordability and the unique character it imparts to the images make Fomapan 400 a worthy consideration for both seasoned photographers and newcomers to the film photography realm.