Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative – Premium 25 Sheets Quality Film

Introduction

In the world of large format photography, the Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative stands out as a trusted, high-performance black and white film. Manufactured by the well-established Foma Bohemia in the Czech Republic, this film offers photographers exceptional flexibility, excellent tonality, and the timeless beauty of traditional black and white imagery. With its ISO 400 speed, it adapts easily to a variety of lighting conditions while delivering consistently impressive results.

Whether you are an amateur exploring large format or a professional shooting for gallery prints, the Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative provides outstanding image quality with its rich tonality, classic grain, and exceptional sharpness.

Key Features of Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative

High-Speed ISO 400 Flexibility

The Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative film has a nominal sensitivity of ISO 400, making it a versatile choice for multiple photographic scenarios. It handles low-light conditions effectively, allows for faster shutter speeds, and offers sufficient flexibility for both outdoor and indoor shoots.

Excellent Exposure Latitude

One of the significant advantages of the Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative is its broad exposure latitude. You can comfortably overexpose by up to 2 stops or underexpose by 1 stop without significant loss of image quality. This makes it an excellent option for photographers who shoot in unpredictable lighting conditions.

Classic Grain Structure

The film exhibits a traditional, visible grain structure that enhances its black and white aesthetic. The grain remains smooth and pleasing even when enlarging prints, making the Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative ideal for fine art and exhibition prints.

Superior Tonal Range

The Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative offers a rich tonal range from deep blacks to luminous highlights. Skin tones appear natural, shadows hold excellent detail, and highlights maintain their brilliance without harsh clipping, even in high-contrast scenes.

Ideal Applications

Portrait Photography

For portrait photographers, the Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative provides flattering skin tones and beautifully smooth gradients, especially under soft lighting. The grain structure adds character without overwhelming fine facial details.

Landscape Photography

Large format landscape photographers will appreciate the film’s ability to capture intricate details, textures, and vast tonal scales, making the Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative a perfect companion for dramatic black and white landscapes.

Street and Documentary Work

With its ISO 400 sensitivity, the Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative handles handheld street photography, fast-moving subjects, and spontaneous scenes while maintaining sharpness and clarity.

Experimental & Creative Use

Many photographers enjoy experimenting with the Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative for its creative possibilities. Its unique response to pushing and pulling allows for a range of visual effects suitable for fine art and alternative processes.

Development Options

The Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative is compatible with a wide range of black and white developers, giving photographers full control over the final look of their images:

• Kodak D-76 / Ilford ID-11: Balanced contrast and fine grain

• Rodinal (Adox Adonal): Increased sharpness, enhanced grain for a vintage look

• HC-110: Smooth tonality with excellent highlight control

• Foma Fomadon R09: The manufacturer’s recommended developer for optimal results

For detailed development times and methods, you can refer to Foma Bohemia’s official datasheet.

Handling and Storage

• Store the Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative in a cool, dry environment to maintain emulsion quality.

• Handle sheets carefully under safelight conditions to avoid scratches.

• Load sheets into film holders in complete darkness to prevent light leaks or fogging.

Technical Specifications

Comparison with Other Films

The Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative is often compared with other black and white films like:

• Ilford HP5+ 400: Offers finer grain but comes at a higher cost.

• Kodak Tri-X 320/400: Renowned for its flexibility and tonality but significantly more expensive.

• Arista EDU Ultra 400: Essentially the same emulsion as Fomapan but sold under a different brand name in some markets.

For a detailed film comparison, visit our Film Comparison Guide.

Why Choose Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative?

• Affordable pricing without compromising on quality

• Consistent performance across different lighting conditions

• Excellent for beginners and professionals alike

• Unique aesthetic with rich blacks and glowing highlights

• Manufactured by one of the most trusted names in black and white film

The Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative combines reliability, creative flexibility, and affordability, making it a smart choice for photographers seeking high-quality large format film.

Customer Reviews

“I’ve used the Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative for my landscape work, and it never disappoints. The tonal range is beautiful, and the grain gives my prints a timeless feel.” — John M.

“As a student on a budget, the Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative allows me to shoot large format without worrying about costs. The image quality is surprisingly impressive for the price.” — Priya S.

Expert Resources

For additional expert insights on the Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative, check out:

• Blue Moon Camera’s Review of Fomapan Films

• Foma Bohemia Official Product Page 

Conclusion

The Fomapan 400 4×5 Inch B/W Negative continues to be a favorite choice for large format photographers worldwide. Its balance of speed, tonality, and affordability offers a compelling package for both creative and professional work. With a unique character that delivers beautiful results across a variety of subjects, this film is a valuable addition to any large format photographer’s toolkit.

For related products, check out our All Photographic paper Collection and our Film Developer Solutions.