I used this about fifteen rolls of this stuff about five years ago using a local devoloper whose "alchemy" I wish I knew because it had produced negatives with a very clean whites and blacks. Being that most films 'work' depending on development, I think it is safe to say this film can compete with tri-x, one of my favorite films.
cost (generally the cheapest "quality" film)

I have had difficulty rendering sharp shadowed details with this film

I am quite busy testing other films that I have found more promising for large sharp enlargements (namely delta 400 and agfa apx 400, my old standby was t-max 400). I have worked almost exclusively with 400 speed film in b&w for many years and have come to the conclusion that "alchemy" makes or breaks a film: for critical work it is more important to master a handful (or even one) of films, testing development, etc. My initial findings with this film for simplistic images (simple backgrounds, individual subjects) has been pleasing, I would not hesitate to try it again.

Customer Service

none needed

Similar Products Used:

nearly all 35mm 400 standard and tabular grain bw films

Incredibly fine grain, snappy contrast supplemented by superior tonal range, beautiful, consistent results!

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This is by far the best B&W film available on the market today. I have used it in multiple applications, from portraits to nature to fine art, and the more I use it, the more I love it! It is not terribly expensive and is available at most higher-end labs and camera supply stores. I think anyone looking for a superior b&w film should give Neopan a try--you won't be sorry.

Customer Service

None needed

Similar Products Used:

Kodak T-MAX and Tri-x, most Ilford films

Cheap.

Acceptable.

Cheap, cheap, cheap. Not easy to find. I think black and white photos is not all about grains, it more about feeling. If you feel right, then it is right. This 400 is that kind of film. I do sometimes buy brandless B&W film on purpose hoping to find something different and that never let me down me. If you use the right filter at the right situation, every B&W film is a good film.

Similar Products Used:

Delta 100, 400, HP5, FP4, T-max 100, 400, 3200, Tri-X 400

Unbelievable grain and extraordinary grain. Holds both shadows and highlights extremely well. Tonality is reminiscent of Tri-X but the grain is crisper.

There are some?

I was looking for a film to cover most of the bases, from formal studio portraiture to documentary work and preferably one that didn't require too much tweaking to cope with New Zealand's N-2 light. (Here T-Max 100 has to be given N-2 to cope with a bright day). And so it proved. Processed in Xtol stock for 8'25" @20 degrees, it yields exceptionally long-scale negatives which print like a dream. Effective EI through my F5 is 400. Shot in the studio through my RZ67 @320ISO it yields negatives that have an inner luminosity. Skintones are quite wonderful.Used outdoors the film copes with higher zones well, giving delicately graduated highlights without the softness of T-MAx.
Grain exhibits both acutance and small size.The best of both worlds!
This film is a real sleeper and grossly underpromoted.

Similar Products Used:

Tri-X, Agfapan 100, all the Ilford films,all the Kodak currently available