So, I bought ten rolls of Black&white film on a Chinese website. Really new to me. Film mentions an ISO of 100-400 at 27degrees. Also D76 as a developer. I believe the the Chinese name is Lucky. If you have any information, please tell me. I feel completely ignorent.
No worries! It’s great that you’re diving into the world of film photography. Let’s break this down so you can feel more confident about your purchase and how to use it.
1. The Film: Lucky SHD 100/400
- Lucky is a Chinese film brand, and SHD 100/400 is one of their black-and-white films. It’s a relatively affordable film, often compared to other classic black-and-white films like Kodak Tri-X or Ilford HP5.
- The ISO range of 100-400 means the film is versatile. You can shoot it at ISO 100 for finer grain and better shadow detail, or at ISO 400 for faster shutter speeds in low-light conditions. The film is designed to handle this range well.
- The mention of 27 degrees refers to the recommended development temperature (27°C or 80.6°F). This is a bit warmer than the standard 20°C (68°F) used for many developers, so keep that in mind when developing.
2. Developer: D76
- D76 is a classic black-and-white film developer made by Kodak. It’s a versatile developer that works well with a wide range of films, including Lucky SHD 100/400.
- D76 produces a good balance of sharpness and grain, making it a popular choice for many film photographers.
- If you’re developing at home, you’ll need to mix the D76 powder with water (follow the instructions on the package) and use it at the recommended temperature (27°C for this film).
3. Shooting Tips
- ISO Choice: If you’re shooting in bright daylight, stick to ISO 100 for finer grain. If you’re indoors or in low light, push it to ISO 400.
- Metering: Use a light meter (or a camera with a built-in meter) to ensure proper exposure. If you’re unsure, slightly overexposing black-and-white film is better than underexposing it.
- Contrast: Black-and-white film thrives on contrast. Look for scenes with strong light and shadow to make your images pop.
4. Developing Tips
- Temperature: Since the film recommends 27°C, you’ll need to adjust your development time accordingly. Check the film’s datasheet (if available) or look up development times for Lucky SHD 100/400 in D76 at 27°C.
- Agitation: Agitate the tank gently and consistently during development to ensure even results.
- Stop Bath and Fixer: After developing, use a stop bath (or water) and fixer to complete the process. Then rinse the film thoroughly and let it dry in a dust-free environment.
5. Resources
- If you’re new to developing film, there are plenty of tutorials online that walk you through the process step by step.
- You can also check forums like Photrio or Reddit’s r/analog community for specific advice on Lucky SHD 100/400 and D76.
6. Don’t Stress!
- Film photography is all about experimentation and learning. Even if your first few rolls aren’t perfect, you’ll improve with practice. Enjoy the process!
If you have more questions or need help with specific steps, feel free to ask. Happy shooting! 📸