Film Review: Bergger Pancro 400
Welcome to the first of many film review blog posts! We’ve committed ourselves to trying and sharing the results of many different film stocks, both old and new, that photographers around the world use everyday. Some you’ll be familiar with, and some might be new to you (and us)! We’re thrilled to share our results with the Negative Supply community!
Our first film we tested was BERGGER Pancro 400.
BERGGER Pancro 400 Tech Details
Pancro 400 is a two emulsion film , composed with silver bromide and silver iodide. They differ by the size of their grain. These properties allow a wide exposure latitude. Crystals are precipitated by a double-jet process guided under the control of a computer. The two emulsions are panchromatic, and are stabilized by high tech systems. BERGGER Pancro400 in 135 is coated on a 135 microns acetate base and includes DX Coding. It is designed with an undercoated anti-halation layer which clarifies during processing, and a anti-curling layer. Bergger Pancro was first released in 2016, the film was introduced in large format size 4x5, 5x7, 8x10, during the same year at Photokina they announced that they would be releasing the film in 35mm and 120.
Formats available now?
Bergger Pancro 400 is offered worldwide in 35mm, 120, 4x5, 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, and 16x20 inch film! We’d like to tip our hats to the incredible team behind this film - offering such wide support for large format (and ultra large format photographers) in 2020 is nearly unheard of.
Leica M3 and 50mm Summicron DR, Pancro 400 rated at 320, scanned with Film Carrier MK1 © Brennan McKissick
Mamiya 7, Pancro 400 rated 400, scanned with Film Carrier 120 © Alan Escalante
Mamiya 7 with 80mm lens, Pancro 400 shot at 250 and developed at 400, scanned with Film Carrier 120 © AJ Holmes
Mamiya RZ67 II with 110mm lens, red 25a filter, Pancro 400 rated at 1000 and developed at 1600, scanned with Film Carrier 120 ©AJ Holmes
Canon AE-1 Program and Pentax 645, Pancro 400 rated at 400. Scanned with Film Carrier MK1 and Film Carrier 120 ©Chris Bartolucci
AJ’s thoughts on Pancro 400
“Pancro 400 is an astonishing film that lens based artists can use to effectively tell their story, regardless of the look or feeling the artist is attempting to obtain or elicit. Responding well to both pull and push processing, offering a wide tonal range, and boasting a unique medium level film grain, this is yet another wonderful option in the world of 400 speed panchromatic black and white films.”
Chris’ thoughts on Pancro 400:
"I’m not always a fan of grainy films right off the bat. However, I really enjoy Pancros larger grain structure. It gives is a very classic look and is a fun alternative to other black and white film stocks. I would shoot it again!”
Alan’s thoughts on Pancro
“Berger Pancro 400 is one of the most interesting black and white films I’ve ever used. I love the grain structure of the film. it’s much less fine than anything from kodak or Ilford. Before using it here at work I never considered shooting Pancro 400. Now I’m going to be shooting it a lot more often.”
Brennan’s thoughts on Pancro 400:
“I think Pancro 400 really sets itself apart from modern films from the bigger manufacturers because of the way it looks. Where Kodak and Ilford have moved towards films that are sharper with more contrast, less grain and more dynamic range, Bergger has created a film that’s got a way more classic look to it. It’s got lots of big grain, a slightly flatter profile and glowier highlights. It’s nice to have a black and white option that has a more classic look.”
Interested in purchasing Pancro 400 to try for yourself? Find an analog dealer near you today at this link: Find a Dealer