In 2022, we announced our 400Dynamic Film Maker Campaign with the goal of bringing a new 400 speed, daylight-balanced color film to the photo community in 35mm, 120 Medium Format, and with the stretch goal of 4x5 Large Format. Thanks to the amazing FILM MAKERS that supported the campaign, we were able to successfully create this film in all 3 formats.

400D 4x5 was first only available to supporters of the campaign, but we are now excited to be able to release CineStill's first commercially available 4x5 sheet film. This film continues CineStill’s ongoing tradition of cinematic film emulsions made for still photographers — and brings a brand new color film option to 4x5 photographers worldwide, allowing them to maximize their creativity and produce remarkable images that express who they are as artists.

CineStill 400Dynamic is a fine-grain, daylight-balanced color negative film that delivers a soft color palette with natural saturation and rich, warm skin tones. The film has a wide dynamic range with a base sensitivity of ISO 400, but can be rated from 200 to 800 (without push processing) and pushed up to 3-stops. This makes the film highly versatile, usable both indoors or in the studio, under virtually any lighting conditions.

RECOMMENDED ACCEPTABLE EXPOSURE FOR PUSH PROCESSING:

No push - EI 200-800
1 stop push - EI 400-1000
2 stop push - EI 800-1600
3 stop push - EI 1000-2000

Storage: Store unexposed film in a refrigerator at 13°C (55°F) or lower in the original sealed package. To avoid moisture condensation on film that has been refrigerated, allow the film to warm up to room temperature before opening the package. Process film as soon as possible after exposure. Protect processed film from light and store it in a cool, dry place. 400D was specifically designed for still photography to be processed in C-41 chemistry by any photo lab or at home.

Handling: Users will note that the film's base is thinner (~5-mil thick acetate base) than most other 4x5 films (~7-mil thick polyester base). Care should be taken when loading into film holders and developing tanks. If film holders/septums aren’t adjusted tight enough (not keeping the film flat), double-sided tape can be placed in the center of the holders/septums to keep the film flat, especially when working with razor-thin DOF. You can also use a blank or previously processed sheet behind the base of the 400D sheet to provide extra rigidity in holders or processing tanks.

We’ve tested a variety of at-home and commercial 4x5 color processing options, including hanger-type dip-and-dunk processors, the JOBO 2509N reels, the Stearman Press SP-445 tank system, and tray processing — all of which worked well with 400D 4x5. Thanks to some recent backer feedback and some additional testing, we have found that the Mod54 reels for the Paterson 3-reel tanks may present some compatibility issues.

Expiration: Film is a perishable good. For best results, expose and process the film within the stated expiration date. Exposed film should be processed promptly in C-41 chemistry to preserve latent image latitude and color fidelity. The first productions of this film had a 2 year expiration date at release. Over the past few years, we've conducted thorough testing, allowing us to extend the expiration date for all future production batches of 400D from 2 years to 3 years.

Download 400D 4x5 Handling Tips PDF

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