Fomapan 400 Review – A Flexible Film with a Traditional Edge
Fast black and white films are often judged by how far they can be pushed. Fomapan 400 takes a slightly different approach. It offers speed and flexibility, yes — but it still feels rooted in a more traditional way of seeing.
This is not a slick, ultra-modern ISO 400 film designed to disappear into the background. Fomapan 400 has presence. It has grain, character, and a look that feels distinctly old-school. Used thoughtfully, it can be expressive and atmospheric; rushed or mistreated, it will happily show its teeth.
QUICK VERDICT – FOMAPAN 400 AT A GLANCE
Fomapan 400 is a traditional, characterful black and white film that prioritises texture and mood over cleanliness.
It offers usable speed, pronounced grain, and strong tonal separation, making it well suited to documentary, street, and low-light photography where atmosphere matters more than perfection.
Best for: Street, documentary, low light, expressive photography
Less suited to: Clean, fine-grain landscapes or heavy pushing beyond comfort
Overall: Characterful, affordable, unapologetically traditional
This review is based on shooting Fomapan 400 in 35mm, in mixed UK lighting — overcast days, late afternoons, and changing conditions — with no special treatment beyond standard lab development.
FOMAPAN 400 – TECHNICAL DETAILS
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Film Name | Fomapan 400 Action |
| Film Type | Black & White Negative |
| ISO Rating | ISO 400 / 27° |
| Manufacturer | Foma Bohemia (Czech Republic) |
| Film Speed Range | ISO 200 – 1600 (with development changes) |
| Grain Structure | Pronounced, traditional grain |
| Contrast | Medium to high |
| Tonal Range | Good, with strong midtone separation |
| Exposure Latitude | Approx. +1 EV / −2 EV |
| Formats Available | 35mm (135), 120 roll film |
| Push / Pull Capability | Yes |
| Best Suited For | Street, documentary, low light |
| Development | Standard black & white developers |
| Typical UK Price | Approx. £5–£6 per roll (35mm) |
FIRST IMPRESSIONS IN USE
Fomapan 400 immediately announces itself.
Grain is visible from the first frame, even at box speed. This isn’t a flaw — it’s part of the film’s identity. The look is gritty, textured, and unmistakably filmic, particularly in flat or overcast light.
The tonality leans slightly punchier than Fomapan 100 or 200, with stronger midtone contrast and a more assertive rendering of texture. It suits scenes with movement, people, and atmosphere far better than quiet, high-detail landscapes.
GRAIN, TONALITY & CONTRAST
This is where Fomapan 400 divides opinion — and where it finds its fans.
Grain: Pronounced and unapologetic. Coarser than HP5 at box speed, with a distinctly traditional texture.
Tonal range: Good, though highlights need attention. Expose carefully and the film holds together well.
Contrast: Naturally higher than the slower Fomapans, giving images bite and presence.
Used in the right scenes, the grain adds mood rather than distraction. In the wrong ones, it can overwhelm fine detail.
EXPOSURE LATITUDE & FORGIVENESS
Fomapan 400 is reasonably forgiving, but it benefits from being slightly overexposed.
Rated at ISO 400, it delivers consistent results. Overexpose by half a stop and you’ll gain smoother shadows. Underexposure quickly increases grain and contrast, which may or may not suit your style.
It’s more tolerant than Fomapan 100, but less forgiving than HP5 when pushed aggressively.
WHAT DOES FOMAPAN 400 SUIT BEST?
Fomapan 400 works particularly well for:
- Street photography – grain and contrast suit movement and mood
- Documentary work – especially in mixed or poor light
- Low-light scenes – where speed matters more than cleanliness
It’s less suited to slow, fine-detail landscapes, where Fomapan 100 or 200 feel more at home.
FORMAT, AVAILABILITY & COST
Fomapan 400 is widely available in 35mm and 120, with excellent UK availability.
Price remains one of its biggest strengths — typically £6–£7 per roll — making it ideal for photographers who want to shoot freely without worrying about cost.
You won’t mistake it for a premium film, but you also won’t feel short-changed.
EXPLORE THE FOMAPAN TRIO
If you enjoy Fomapan 100, the Fomapan Trio is a great way to try all three classic speeds — 100, 200, and 400 — in one bundle. Perfect for landscapes, street, and documentary work, it lets you experiment with grain, contrast, and tonality across different lighting conditions.
DEVELOPMENT, SCANNING & POST-PROCESSING
Development was handled by a professional lab for this roll, though Fomapan 400 is straightforward to process at home.
Scanning requires a little care. Grain can become heavy if sharpening is pushed too far. Gentle contrast control and restrained noise reduction produce the best results.
This film benefits from a lighter touch in post.
HOW IT FEELS COMPARED TO HP5
Where Ilford HP5 is flexible, smooth, and forgiving, Fomapan 400 is grittier and more opinionated.
- HP5 adapts easily to almost anything
- Fomapan 400 brings its own look, whether you ask for it or not
Neither is better — but Fomapan 400 is far more assertive.
FINAL THOUGHTS – IS FOMAPAN 400 ANY GOOD?
Yes — if you embrace what it is.
Fomapan 400 is a traditional, character-driven black and white film that values texture, mood, and atmosphere over polish. It won’t disappear into the background, and it won’t flatter every scene — but used intentionally, it can be deeply expressive.
It’s affordable, distinctive, and unapologetically old-school.
FOMAPAN 400 – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Fomapan 400 good for beginners?
Yes, though it benefits from careful exposure. Its affordability makes it ideal for learning.
Can Fomapan 400 be pushed?
Yes. It can be pushed to ISO 800 or 1600 with increased grain and contrast.
Does Fomapan 400 scan well?
Yes, though grain management is key. It responds best to gentle processing.
Is it available in medium format?
Yes — both 35mm and 120 are available.
UK FILM PHOTOGRAPHY – PRACTICAL NOTES
Is Fomapan 400 easy to buy in the UK?
Very much so. Most UK film retailers stock it.
Is it suitable for UK light?
Yes. It handles overcast and low-contrast conditions particularly well.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
If you enjoy expressive, textured black and white photography — and you’re not afraid of visible grain — Fomapan 400 is well worth your time.
It’s a film with opinions, personality, and a strong sense of tradition. Shoot it with intention, and it will reward you with images full of mood and character. You can also read my other Fomapan reviews.
If you’re trying to understand how these films differ in real-world use, I’ve put together the Fomapan Trio — a simple way to shoot all three as a learning project.