description Rollei Retro 400S Overview
Rollei Retro 400S is an ISO 400 black-and-white negative film with extended spectral sensitivity and a clear polyester base. It is commonly associated with Agfa-Gevaert Aviphot Pan 400, an aerial-photography emulsion, and its super-panchromatic response extends farther into the red region than conventional panchromatic films. It is intended for photographers seeking a versatile fast film, pronounced contrast, and infrared-like effects when used with suitable filters.
help Rollei Retro 400S FAQ
What is Rollei Retro 400S?
It is an ISO 400 black-and-white negative film with a clear polyester base and superpanchromatic sensitivity extending well into the red. It is widely associated with Agfa-Gevaert's Aviphot Pan 400, an aerial-reconnaissance emulsion.
Can Rollei Retro 400S be used for infrared-style photography?
Yes — its superpanchromatic response reaches roughly into the near-infrared around 750 nm, so pairing it with a deep red or IR-passing filter produces dramatic IR-like effects with dark foliage and dark skies. It is not a dedicated infrared film, but it behaves beyond the range of ordinary panchromatic stocks.
Why does the polyester base of Retro 400S cause problems in the darkroom?
The clear, sturdy polyester base curls strongly and is hard to cut with conventional film scissors, and its transparency can confuse some autofocus scanners or cause flare-related artifacts. Loaders and printers need to be more careful with it than with standard acetate-based films.
How should I develop Rollei Retro 400S?
It develops in standard black-and-white chemistry such as Rodinal or stock XTOL, and it performs well at its box speed of ISO 400. Because it is derived from an aerial emulsion, generous agitation is sometimes used to control its pronounced grain.
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