BERGGER PANCRO 400 120 – Powerful High-Speed B&W Film

BERGGER PANCRO 400 120 – Powerful High-Speed B&W Film

In the world of medium format black and white photography, film choice defines the final image character. BERGGER PANCRO 400 120 stands out as a modern yet classically inspired black and white film designed for photographers who demand expressive tonality, strong contrast control, and reliable performance across varied shooting conditions.

Manufactured in Europe by Bergger, a brand respected for its analog heritage and precision engineering, this ISO 400 panchromatic film delivers a unique balance of fine grain, rich shadow detail, and extended highlight latitude. Whether you are shooting street photography, portraits, landscapes, or documentary work, BERGGER PANCRO 400 120 offers flexibility and creative freedom that medium format photographers value deeply.

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Overview of BERGGER PANCRO 400 120

BERGGER PANCRO 400 120 is a high-speed black and white negative film designed specifically for medium format cameras. Unlike traditional cubic-grain films, it uses a modern emulsion design that provides both sharpness and a wide exposure tolerance.

This film is well known for its:

• Wide dynamic range
• Smooth tonal transitions
• Controlled grain structure
• Strong performance in mixed lighting

Its true ISO 400 speed makes it suitable for handheld shooting, low-light conditions, and fast-moving subjects without sacrificing image quality.

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Film Speed and Exposure Latitude

One of the biggest strengths of BERGGER PANCRO 400 120 is its impressive exposure latitude. While rated at ISO 400, the film responds well to exposure adjustments and can be rated slightly lower or higher depending on the developer and desired look.

Key exposure advantages include:

• Retains highlight detail even when overexposed
• Maintains usable shadow detail when slightly underexposed
• Ideal for contrasty scenes and unpredictable lighting

This forgiving nature makes the film suitable for both controlled studio environments and spontaneous outdoor shooting.

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Tonal Range and Image Character

BERGGER PANCRO 400 120 is admired for its distinctive tonal rendering. It produces:

• Deep, rich blacks without blocking
• Smooth mid-tones with natural transitions
• Clean highlights with excellent separation

The tonal curve is especially well suited for photographers who print in the darkroom or scan for digital workflows. Images retain depth and character, allowing for flexible post-processing without tonal breakdown.

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Grain Structure and Sharpness

Despite its ISO 400 rating, BERGGER PANCRO 400 120 maintains a relatively fine and well-controlled grain structure. Grain appears organic and pleasing, adding texture without overpowering the image.

This makes it an excellent choice for:

• Medium format enlargements
• Fine art prints
• Editorial and documentary photography

When paired with sharp lenses and optimal development, the film delivers excellent edge definition and micro-contrast.

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Compatibility with Developers

One of the practical benefits of BERGGER PANCRO 400 120 is its broad compatibility with common black and white film developers. It performs consistently across both solvent and high-acutance developers.

Popular developer options include:

• Kodak D-76 / ID-11
• Ilford HC
• Rodinal-style developers
• XTOL-compatible formulas

Different developers allow photographers to fine-tune contrast, grain, and sharpness based on personal preference and project requirements.

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Medium Format Advantages

Shooting BERGGER PANCRO 400 120 in medium format unlocks the inherent advantages of the 120 film format:

• Larger negative size
• Enhanced tonal gradation
• Greater detail retention
• Superior print quality

Whether used in 6×4.5, 6×6, 6×7, or 6×9 cameras, the film consistently delivers high-resolution results suitable for large prints and professional presentation.

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Ideal Photography Styles

BERGGER PANCRO 400 120 is a versatile film suited to many photographic genres:

Street & Documentary Photography

Its speed and latitude make it ideal for capturing decisive moments in changing light.

Portrait Photography

Smooth mid-tones and excellent skin tone rendering result in natural, expressive portraits.

Landscape Photography

Wide dynamic range preserves both shadow and highlight detail in high-contrast scenes.

Fine Art & Exhibition Prints

The film’s tonal depth and organic grain translate beautifully into darkroom prints or high-quality scans.

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Scanning and Darkroom Printing

BERGGER PANCRO 400 120 performs equally well in both digital and analog workflows.

Scanning

• High Dmax allows for excellent shadow recovery
• Smooth tonal transitions reduce banding
• Grain structure scans cleanly at high resolution

Darkroom Printing

• Works well with both RC and fiber-based papers
• Responds predictably to contrast control
• Excellent candidate for traditional silver gelatin prints

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Why Choose BERGGER PANCRO 400 120?

Photographers choose BERGGER PANCRO 400 120 for its balance between modern performance and classic black and white aesthetics.

Key reasons include:

• True ISO 400 speed
• Wide exposure latitude
• Rich tonal character
• Professional medium format results
• Trusted European manufacturing

It is especially appealing to photographers who want a single film stock that can handle diverse shooting conditions without compromise.

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Storage and Handling

For best results:

• Store unused film in a cool, dry place
• Refrigeration is recommended for long-term storage
• Allow film to reach room temperature before loading

Proper storage ensures consistent sensitivity and optimal image quality.

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Useful Links

• Black & White 120 Film Collection
• Medium Format Film Cameras
• Black & White Film Developers

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Learn More (Authoritative Sources)

• Bergger Official Website – Film Information
  https://www.bergger.com
• Guide to Developing Black & White Film (Ilford)
  https://www.ilfordphoto.com/developing-black-white-film

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Comparison with Other ISO 400 Films

While many ISO 400 films focus on either speed or fine grain, BERGGER PANCRO 400 120 strikes a balanced approach. It offers:

• More tonal depth than traditional cubic-grain films
• Better highlight control in high-contrast scenes
• A unique rendering style distinct from mass-market emulsions

This makes it a strong alternative for photographers seeking a more expressive look.

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Conclusion

BERGGER PANCRO 400 120 – Powerful High-Speed B&W Film is a compelling choice for medium format photographers who want flexibility, tonal richness, and dependable performance. Its wide exposure latitude, pleasing grain, and excellent developer compatibility make it suitable for a wide range of photographic styles.

Whether you are shooting on the street, in the studio, or in the landscape, BERGGER PANCRO 400 120 delivers images with depth, character, and timeless black and white appeal.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is BERGGER PANCRO 400 120 suitable for beginners?

Yes. Its forgiving exposure latitude makes it suitable for photographers at all skill levels.

2. Can this film be pushed or pulled?

Yes. It can be pushed or pulled depending on the developer, with usable results.

3. What cameras support 120 film?

Any medium format camera that accepts 120 film can use this film.

4. Is the grain very noticeable?

Grain is well controlled for an ISO 400 film and appears natural rather than harsh.

5. Does it work well for scanning?

Yes. The film scans very well, offering excellent tonal separation and shadow detail.

6. Is this film good for darkroom printing?

Absolutely. It responds well to contrast control and produces high-quality silver gelatin prints.