FOMA Cine Ortho 400 16mm – Premium Quality 30.5m B&W Film

Introduction:

The FOMA Cine Ortho 400 16mm Film – 30.5m Roll is a high-speed, panchromatic black and white film designed specifically for cinematographers, experimental filmmakers, and archival professionals. Known for its exceptional contrast, fine grain, and orthochromatic response, this film is ideal for creating visually compelling black and white footage with dramatic tonal separation and clarity. Whether you’re working on artistic projects, archival restoration, or traditional film cinematography, this roll offers 30.5 meters (100 feet) of high-quality 16mm film that performs reliably in a variety of lighting conditions.

Key Features of FOMA Cine Ortho 400 16mm

• Film Type: Orthochromatic black and white motion picture film
• Format: 16mm
• Length: 30.5 meters (100 feet)
• ISO Speed: 400
• Contrast: High with rich blacks and bright highlights
• Grain: Fine to moderate, ideal for cinematic texture
• Light Sensitivity: Not sensitive to red light (can be handled under red safelights)
• Development: Compatible with standard B&W film developers

Why Choose FOMA Cine Ortho 400 16mm Film?

 Designed for Cinematic Expression

FOMA Cine Ortho 400 16mm film is favored by independent filmmakers, cinematography students, and professionals who desire the nostalgic, powerful look of black and white motion picture footage. Its orthopanchromatic emulsion means that it renders blue and green light with clarity, while red tones appear darker—ideal for moody, dramatic scenes.

Perfect for Experimental and Art Films

Artists who explore experimental techniques such as solarization, contact printing, and double exposure find FOMA Cine Ortho 400 16mm to be incredibly responsive. The high contrast and clear base allow for creative flexibility in post-production and optical printing.

Darkroom-Friendly

Unlike standard panchromatic films, orthographic films can be handled under red safelights, allowing for easier manual processing in darkroom environments. This makes it particularly attractive to educational institutions and DIY film labs.

High Speed ISO 400

The ISO 400 rating makes this film suitable for low-light and natural light shooting, making it highly versatile. It’s also an excellent option for archival recording or studio lighting setups where control over exposure is critical.

Who Should Use This Film?

• Independent Filmmakers creating short films, documentaries, or narrative projects.
• Fine Art Photographers working with motion capture for exhibitions or installations.
• Cinematography Students learning the fundamentals of film handling, exposure, and processing.
• Archival Technicians reproducing historical footage in black and white.
• Experimental Film Artists exploring texture, contrast, and light in unconventional ways.

Applications & Use Cases

1. Classic Black & White Films

Perfect for those recreating the look of silent-era cinema or noir-style cinematography. Its contrast-rich profile and soft grain evoke an authentic vintage feel.

2. Documentary Film Work

FOMA Cine Ortho 400 is great for capturing high-detail black and white footage, even in outdoor or mixed lighting environments. The 16mm format makes it affordable for long-form shooting.

3. Scientific and Archival Recording

This film’s fine grain and accurate rendering of detail make it suitable for scientific recordings, surveillance, and archiving motion data in institutions or museums.

4. Art Installations & Projection

With a clear base and high-density black tones, it projects beautifully in analog installations, creating immersive, high-contrast visuals that captivate audiences.

Technical Performance

✅ Tonal Range

Despite being orthographic, FOMA Cine Ortho 400 16mm handles midtones with elegance. Shadows drop off smoothly, and highlights retain detail even under strong directional lighting.

✅ Sharpness & Resolution

When exposed properly and processed in a high-acutance developer like Rodinal or D-76, the film achieves impressive resolution and edge sharpness.

✅ Grain Structure

The moderate grain contributes to a pleasing filmic texture without overwhelming detail—ideal for motion picture use where digital smoothing is not desired.

Processing Recommendations

This film is compatible with standard B&W developers, including:

• FOMA R09 Rodinal – for strong edge sharpness and enhanced grain
• Kodak D-76 – for balanced tones and classic look
• Ilford ID-11 – for fine grain and even tonal development

Always test small batches before processing large amounts, especially for artistic or commercial use.

Storage & Handling

• Store unexposed film in a cool, dry place.
• Once opened, handle under red safelight only.
• Best developed soon after shooting to avoid latent image fading.
• If archiving, store processed film in acid-free archival sleeves in low-humidity environments.

FOMA: Trusted Legacy in Film

FOMA Bohemia, the Czech-based manufacturer, has been producing high-quality photographic materials since 1921. Their films are respected worldwide for consistency, tonal quality, and affordability. FOMA Cine Ortho 400 16mm Film continues this tradition by serving the niche market of analog motion capture with precision and care.

Recommended Internal Links

• Explore more Black & White Films for creative analog shooting
• Check out our full range of Color Films.
• Check out our all Chemical Storage Bottle (Darkroom Accessory)

Why Buy From Us?

• Authentic, fresh stock guaranteed
• Safe and secure packaging
• Fast, reliable delivery across India
• Expert support via WhatsApp or phone

Need Help? Contact Us!

Have questions about film handling, developing, or choosing the right product for your workflow? Our team is happy to help!
📱 WhatsApp / Call Now: 91-9810070275 / [Contact Us]
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is FOMA Cine Ortho 400 16mm Film used for?

FOMA Cine Ortho 400 16mm Film is widely used in independent filmmaking, archival recording, experimental film projects, and fine-art motion capture. Its high contrast and classic black-and-white cinematic look make it perfect for artistic, educational, and professional cinematography.

2. Can FOMA Cine Ortho 400 16mm be handled under safelight?

Yes. Since this is orthochromatic film, it is not sensitive to red light, allowing safe handling under a red safelight—ideal for darkrooms, film schools, and DIY processing labs.

3. What type of developers work best with FOMA Cine Ortho 400 16mm Film?

This film works well with standard B&W developers such as FOMA R09 Rodinal, Kodak D-76, and Ilford ID-11. Rodinal increases edge sharpness and grain, while D-76 and ID-11 deliver balanced tones and fine detail.

4. Does the FOMA Cine Ortho 400 16mm Film perform well in low light?

Yes. With its ISO 400 speed, this film performs reliably in low-light, natural light, and studio-controlled lighting situations. It offers strong shadow detail and rich blacks when properly exposed.

5. How long is the FOMA Cine Ortho 400 16mm Film roll?

Each roll contains 30.5 meters (100 feet) of high-quality 16mm motion picture film—suitable for short films, tests, experimental reels, or extended documentary shooting.

6. What makes orthographic film different from panchromatic film?

Orthographic films like FOMA Cine Ortho 400 are not sensitive to red light, causing reds to render darker in the final image. This creates a moody, high-contrast look, different from panchromatic films that capture the full visible spectrum.

7. Is FOMA Cine Ortho 400 suitable for archival and scientific purposes?

Absolutely. Its fine grain, high contrast, and clear base make it excellent for archiving, scientific recording, motion analysis, and museum preservation workflows.

8. How should I store and handle FOMA Cine Ortho 400 16mm Film?

Keep unexposed film in a cool, dry environment. Once opened, handle it under a red safelight, and process it soon after shooting. For long-term storage, keep the processed film in acid-free archival sleeves with low humidity.

Conclusion

The FOMA Cine Ortho 400 16mm Film – 30.5m Roll is a standout choice for analog filmmakers who demand both quality and flexibility. Its balance of speed, contrast, and classic black-and-white aesthetics makes it a must-have in any darkroom or motion film toolkit. Whether you’re shooting your next indie film, preserving the past, or experimenting with light and shadows—this film delivers powerful, professional-grade results.

FOMA Cine Ortho 400 16mm Film is a fine-grain, high-contrast black and white film ideal for cinematic projects.
Want to learn more about its characteristics and manufacturer specs? Visit the official Foma Bohemia page. Technical Data Sheet: FOMA Cine Ortho 400 16mm– Technical Data Sheet (PDF).