Home | Articles | Analog Film
Fujifilm Neopan 400 Review: A Staple in Black & White Film
October 24, 2024
Did you know that despite the rise of digital photography, the demand for analog black-and-white film has been steadily increasing among photography enthusiasts?
One such film, Fujifilm Neopan 400, remains a favorite choice for both professionals and hobbyists, thanks to its classic aesthetic and versatile performance.
But what makes this black-and-white film so enduring in an age dominated by digital technology? Let’s have a closer look into the history, features, and legacy of Fujifilm Neopan 400.
01.
Fujifilm Neopan 400 History
Fujifilm Neopan 400 has a fascinating background tied to Fujifilm’s journey in the photography world:
- Foundation and Innovation: Established in 1934 as Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd., Fujifilm quickly gained a reputation for its innovative film technologies and became a leader in the industry.
- Neopan Series Launch: In 1952, the release of Neopan SS set the stage, boosting the company’s standing in medium-format black-and-white photography.
- Expanding Offerings: Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Fujifilm introduced a range of black-and-white and color films, appealing to photographers of all levels.
- Neopan 400 Introduction: Neopan 400 gained recognition for its fine grain and exceptional tonal quality, earning a spot as a favorite among enthusiasts and professionals alike.
- Commitment to Analog: Despite the digital boom, Fujifilm remained dedicated to analog photography. The revival of Neopan Acros II in 2018 reinforced this commitment.
- Ongoing Legacy: Today, Neopan 400 is still cherished by those seeking classic black-and-white aesthetics, reflecting Fujifilm’s lasting influence on photography.
Looking to add some Fujifilm-inspired color grading to your photos? These Fuji Lightroom presets will help you get that clean, cinematic feel. Get started by visiting Legendary Presets.
02.
Fujifilm Neopan 400 Characteristics
Fujifilm Neopan 400 is a popular black-and-white film loved for its tonal quality and flexibility in different lighting scenarios. Here’s a breakdown of what makes it stand out:
- Impressive Tonality: Known for its deep, rich shadows and well-detailed highlights when exposed correctly, Neopan 400 offers a dynamic range that adds depth to your images [1].
Grain and Sharpness
- Consistent Grain: The grain structure of Neopan 400 is even and consistent across various exposures. This consistency keeps the texture smooth and manageable, making it ideal for enlargements without losing quality.
- Sharpness: It delivers sharp, crisp lines and captures fine details effectively, giving your photos a clean and polished look.
Development Flexibility
- Processing Options: You can develop Neopan 400 using both traditional black-and-white chemistry and C41 processing, allowing you to experiment with different aesthetics.
- Exposure Sensitivity: Precise exposure settings are key to getting the best out of this film. Underexposed areas can become grainier, so careful handling of exposure can really elevate your results [2].
Overall Aesthetic
- Classic Appeal: Many photographers consider Neopan 400 a go-to for achieving a classic black-and-white look. It balances contrast and tonality, offering a timeless feel in photos, making it a top choice for both new and seasoned photographers
Summary Table for Fujifilm Neopan 400
| Feature | Details |
| Tonal Range | Deep shadows, detailed highlights |
| Grain Structure | Smooth and consistent grain |
| Sharpness | Crisp lines and fine details |
| Development | Compatible with black-and-white chemistry and C41 |
| Aesthetic | Classic black-and-white look, ideal for various photography styles |
03.
Technical Specifications
Fujifilm Neopan 400 is a flexible black-and-white film praised for its tonal range and fine grain. It’s a top choice for photographers in various settings, from studio portraits to documentary work. Let’s explore its key features:
- Versatility: Neopan 400 adapts well to different conditions, producing high-quality negatives in diverse lighting scenarios.
Development Process
- Chemical Choices: You can develop Neopan 400 using a variety of developers, such as Tetenal UltraFin Plus and Rodinal, which are popular among photographers. If you opt for Xtol, you’ll get long-scale negatives that print beautifully and handle highlights smoothly [3].
- Flexible Development Times: The exact developing time will vary depending on the developer you use and the final result you want.
ISO Rating and Exposure
- ISO 400 Performance: With an ISO rating of 400, Neopan 400 delivers great results in many lighting environments. Some photographers have even experimented with an exposure index (EI) of 320 for studio shoots without any loss in quality. Others have tried it at ISO 80, but that requires specific techniques to manage the highlights properly [9].
Grain and Sharpness
- Balanced Grain and Sharpness: This film strikes a balance between fine grain and sharpness, making it ideal for both high-resolution and standard-sized enlargements. The fine grain preserves clarity in large prints while keeping a pleasant aesthetic in smaller formats [4].
Compatibility
- Flexible Development Options: Neopan 400 works well with various developing methods, giving you the flexibility to customize your results. It’s often compared to other iconic films like Kodak Tri-X and Agfapan, but photographers appreciate its unique mix of grain and tonality, making it a standout choice for black-and-white photography [6].
Quick Reference for Neopan 400 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| ISO Rating | ISO 400, flexible EI from 80 to 320 depending on development |
| Grain and Sharpness | Fine grain, suitable for large and small prints |
| Development Options | Traditional black-and-white chemistry (Rodinal, Tetenal UltraFin Plus) or Xtol for long-scale negatives |
| Popular Comparisons | Often compared with Kodak Tri-X and Agfapan due to similar versatility |
Â
04.
Comparison with Other Films
When you put Fujifilm Neopan 400 side-by-side with other black-and-white films, you’ll notice its unique attributes. Let’s break down how it stacks up:
- Finer Grain: Compared to Kodak Tri-X 400, Neopan 400 offers a finer, softer grain. Tri-X, known for its more textured and pronounced grain, appeals to those who love a gritty, high-contrast look. Neopan 400, on the other hand, gives you subtle tones and smoother grain, making details more evident. [7]
- Balanced Tonality: While some film stocks might seem interchangeable at first glance, Neopan 400 stands out due to its balanced tonal range and softer grain.
Notable Comparisons
Kodak Tri-X 400
- Highlights: The gold standard in black-and-white films, with a signature grainy texture and bold contrast. It’s a top choice for photojournalists and documentary photographers looking for a raw, dramatic feel [10].
- Neopan Advantage: Neopan 400, with its smoother grain and forgiving contrast, is ideal if you want a softer, more nuanced monochrome look.
Ilford HP5+
- Highlights: A versatile, easy-to-use film, especially popular with beginners. HP5+ offers more pronounced grain and is generally a budget-friendly option.
- Neopan Advantage: Neopan 400 provides a smoother finish and better detail retention in highlights, making it a great upgrade if you’re transitioning from HP5+ [10].
JCH Street Pan ISO 400
- Highlights: Designed for street photography, this film delivers sharp, high-contrast images, even in tricky conditions.
- Neopan Advantage: While both films are great for urban shots, Neopan 400’s softer grain creates a different aesthetic, perfect for those who want a less gritty look.
Ilford DELTA 3200
- Highlights: A standout for low-light scenarios, as it can be pushed to high ISOs while still holding detail. The trade-off is noticeable grain.
- Neopan Advantage: Neopan 400 is better suited for maintaining clarity and fine details without excessive grain in well-lit conditions, making it a flexible option for a range of lighting environments.
Quick Reference for Film Comparisons
| Film | Grain | Contrast | Ideal Use | Neopan 400 Advantage |
| Kodak Tri-X 400 | Pronounced and textured | High | Photojournalism, Documentary | Smoother grain, more forgiving contrast |
| Ilford HP5+ | Noticeable and pronounced | Versatile | Beginner-friendly, Budget option | Refined grain, superior detail retention |
| JCH Street Pan | Fine, with sharpness | High | Street Photography | Soft grain, subtle aesthetic] |
| Ilford DELTA 3200 | Noticeable at high ISO | Low-light capability | Low-light conditions | Maintains clarity without excess grain |
Â
05.
Fujifilm Neopan 400 Usage and Applications
Fujifilm Neopan 400 is a go-to choice for photographers thanks to its versatility across different photography styles. Here’s a quick look at how it performs in various settings:
- Versatility: Neopan 400 works well for both indoor and outdoor photography, making it a reliable all-around film.
Portrait Photography
- Soft Tonal Quality: Neopan 400 shines in portrait work due to its ability to capture delicate skin tones. It’s especially effective in softer lighting, like window light, where natural light diffusion helps avoid harsh contrasts. This makes it a favorite for photographers who want to highlight the subtle details in their subjects [14].
Landscape Photography
- Detail and Sharpness: With its fine grain and sharpness, Neopan 400 captures intricate details in outdoor scenes. Whether it’s the texture of trees or the contrast of rocks against clouds, this film excels in different weather conditions, from bright sunlight to overcast skies [14].
Street Photography
- Responsive to Lighting: Street photographers love Neopan 400 for its adaptability to various lighting situations. Its sensitivity helps in low-light scenarios, like dusk or shaded areas, allowing photographers to capture the raw mood and atmosphere of urban scenes [15].
Quick Reference for Neopan 400 Applications
| Application | Strengths | Ideal Conditions |
| Portrait Photography | Soft tonal quality, delicate skin tone rendering | Softer lighting (e.g., near windows) |
| Landscape Photography | Fine grain, rich contrasts, sharp details | Varying weather conditions, outdoor scenes |
| Street Photography | High sensitivity, broad tonal range | Low-light, urban settings (dusk, shaded areas) |
Developing Techniques
- Choice of Developer: Neopan 400’s final look heavily depends on the developer used. For instance, Kodak HC 110 is a popular choice that enhances the film’s natural qualities and delivers consistent results. Whether you’re developing at home or going to a professional lab, the developing process will shape your final images.
By understanding these applications and techniques, you can better leverage Neopan 400 for your creative projects.
Discover Classic Black & White Film Filters
– Fuji Neopan Acros 100 Presets
– Kodak T-MAX 100 Presets
– Kodak T-MAX 400Â Presets
– Kodak T-MAX 3200Â Presets
06.
Fujifilm Neopan 400 Reviews and ReceptionÂ
Fujifilm Neopan 400 has received a mix of enthusiastic feedback from photographers, with many praising its technical and aesthetic appeal. Here’s what photographers love about it:
- Versatility: Photographers appreciate Neopan 400’s adaptability to various styles like street, portrait, and landscape photography. Its fine grain and sharpness shine even in tough lighting conditions.
User Feedback
- Positive Reviews: Photographer Owen R praised Neopan 400, noting, “Tri-X produces a beautiful classic black and white look. Quite dark in the shadows, strong contrast, excellent for cities and street work.” Meanwhile, Oliver Franklin shared his experience of pushing the film to ISO 6400, saying, “A lovely film to work with” [2].
- Forum Discussions: On photography forums, users often mention the film’s strong highlight retention and impressive shadow detail. One user noted, “I find this film holds highlights very well without blowing them out and still digging into the shadows.” Another added, “I have a print… and it definitely has a certain creaminess in the prints I make from it” [16].
Value and Affordability
- Affordable Quality: Neopan 400 is frequently recognized for its affordability. Photographer Marcus commented, “Surprisingly good results for such a cheap roll of film.” This makes it an appealing option for photographers who want quality without breaking the bank.
Summary of User Feedback
| Aspect | Feedback |
| Versatility | Suitable for various styles like street, portrait, and landscape photography |
| Highlight Retention | Holds highlights well without blowing them out |
| Affordability | Great results at a lower price point compared to other films |
| User Reviews | Praised for classic look, creamy prints, and adaptability to different conditions |
Â
07.
Influence and Legacy
Fujifilm has a deep-rooted history in shaping the world of photography, particularly in the black-and-white film sector. Established in 1934 as Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd., the company quickly became a pioneer in film manufacturing, leading advancements in film technology and development methods.
- Resilience and Adaptation: Over its 90-year journey, Fujifilm has shown remarkable resilience, especially during the shift to digital photography. Instead of abandoning analog, they continued to innovate, keeping traditional film alive and thriving.
- Neopan 400’s Legacy: The enduring success of Neopan 400 is a testament to Fujifilm’s dedication. Its fine grain, wide tonal range, and sharpness have made it a staple for both amateur and professional photographers seeking to capture the essence of black-and-white photography [8].
Continuing Commitment
- Support for the Analog Community: Fujifilm’s ongoing production of high-quality films reflects their dedication to the analog community. By maintaining a strong connection with film enthusiasts, they encourage a sustainable practice of film photography in a digital age.
- A Legacy for Future Generations: Fujifilm’s commitment emphasizes the importance of supporting manufacturers who prioritize analog film production. This approach ensures that films like Neopan 400 remain accessible to future photographers, preserving the art and legacy of traditional photography [17].
Summary of Fujifilm’s Influence and Legacy
| Aspect | Description |
| Established | 1934, as Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd. |
| Key Contributions | Pioneering advancements in black-and-white film technology |
| Neopan 400’s Impact | Fine grain, wide tonal range, and consistent quality admired by photographers |
| Commitment | Continuation of film production to support the analog photography community |
| Preserving Legacy | Ensuring access to legacy films like Neopan 400 for future photographers |
Further Readings
How to develop, scan, and print with no darkroom required
More analog Film Reviews
Kodak TRI-X 400 Review
Agfa Scala 200X Review
Fujifilm Pro 400H Review