|
________________________________________________________________
Product Reviews:
B&W With the Convenience of 1 Hour Processing!, September 4, 2003
Reviewer: Paul Connors
Kodak's Black & White + is what is known as a chromogenic black and white
film. What this means, when compared to traditional (panchromatic) B&W
films is that it can be developed in C-41 (color processing). Given that
traditional black and white processing has grown quite expensive and that
many photo labs no longer possess the capability to process regular B&W,
this film provides exceptional convenience.
I think the other reviewers of this film here have probably lacked
experience with this film and its competitors from ILFORD of the UK and
Konica of Japan. Yes, there are color shift issues with this film. Much of
that depends on the quality of the C-41 processing and the willingness of
the technician to spend time with some exposure compensation.
Most color shifts with this film result from the use of color paper. If
photos taken with this film are developed using regular B&W paper, then
the user will receive true black and white prints. Using color paper often
times will result in a slight color shift toward sepia or blue/gray.
However, I find the shift toward sepia pleasing to the eye because it
lends the picture the air of an old time B&W print that has faded with
age. Sepia provides a classical look to monochromatic prints.
Because this film and its competitors use dyes rather than silver halide
crystals, it is capable of being developed by normal 1-hour labs using
C-41 processing. This is incredibly convenient and much less expensive
than using traditional black and white film and then having to wait for
its return if your lab lacks the facilities to do traditional black and
white printing.
This is a very fine grained film for its speed. It is also a medium to
medium-high contrast film. It delivers very sharp imagery and has served
as a very nice platform to re-introduce casual photographers to the
elegance and drama of black and white photography.
Yes, traditional black and white is still alive and well. But for less
cost and a lot more timeliness, this film offers very sharp imagery to
folks who would not normally consider black and white film.
Kodak markets Black and White+ as a consumer grade film. The Professional
emulsion of this film is called T400CN and offers the same convenience and
cost benefits. Kodak also offers a chromogenic B&W in professional grade
among its PORTRA family of films. That film is known as PORTRA 400 and is
often used for wedding and portrait work when people choose black and
white prints.
Don't underestimate this film. It offers a lot of advantages and the
flexibility to shift tonal variations based on the use of color OR black
and white paper.
For those considering this film, be aware that all chromogenic films, such
as the ones discussed here, as well as the ILFORD and KONICA offerings are
ONLY SOLD AS ISO 400 speed films. Despite that medium/fast speed, all are
very fine grained films and will provide incredibly sharp images.
I recommend this film and its professional family members.
________________________________________________________________
Great All Around B&W Photos., August 27, 2001
Reviewer: cathycathy "cathycathy"
I've used this film in both my fifteen dollar Vivitar point and shoot and
my three hundred dollar Canon SLR, and I've been impressed with the prints
that this film produces. I use 400 speed film for almost all my photos
unless I have a special need for anything else, and the three pack of 24
exposure rolls for thirteen dollars is a good deal generally, unless you
can find it on sale. I've found that it also produces especially good
portraits and close ups. All in all, this film's output is limited only to
the photographer and camera's ability and range.
________________________________________________________________
Great Film, June 1, 2004
Reviewer: Sally Ann Simmons "captainl4"
This film seems a lot better than Kodak Max 400 even though it is
basically the same thing (except for the fact that it's black and white).
I wouldn't recommend this for proffesionals, but it's great for the
average person.
________________________________________________________________
All right, April 18, 2004
Reviewer: Billy
I took my first pictures ever using this film and it came out looking all
right. I suppose it wasn't crystal clear, but that was probably my fault.
I also think it has problems with low light. Is that my fault? Probably.
Who knows, it was nice to get it developed at Target, though.
________________________________________________________________
Great B&W Film For A Novice, February 4, 2004
Reviewer: A customer
This film worked really well for me when I took my first photography
class. The price is right, and it performed well for the weekly asignments
given to us in class.
________________________________________________________________
Funny Color, May 8, 2003
Reviewer: "galileo430"
I shot a roll of this film to test how good it worked. When placed next to
a conventional process B&W photo. I drew 2 conclusions. The kodak B&W has
a finer grain, yet was magenta tinted, sometimes HEAVLY, to the point of
being pink. Also, the high contrast you get with conventional B&W was not
apparent. It looked like someone hit grayscale in photoshop.
If you want really good B&W from a C41 film, I'd try Kodak TMAX T400CN.
Back to Kodak Black & White 400 Speed 24 Exposure
35mm Film (3 Pack)
|
