Kodak announces BW400CN discontinued ...

This is very disappointing news. Another of my mainstays disappears to be replacied with an Ilford product.

The only full time Kodak product I am left with now is TMX. Perhaps it is time to start experimenting with Delta 100.
 
I always use classic BW films and almost never any of the chromogenic BW films (BW400CN or XP2) but this was a special film regarding almost invisible grain and fine tones. Sad to see it go, hopefully I can find some rolls still.
 
Just bought a ton (from my perspective) of XP2, 40 rolls.

For a special application, I hope Ilford appreciates it. ;-(

Randy
 
While I prefer XP2 because it's easier to print in the darkroom, I agree with all who mentioned that BW400CN has that creamy quality and -- when exposed properly, which is not hard for this film -- virtually no grain.

If Kodak can't manufacture it, they should sell the formula to those who can and willing. Ferrania, maybe?
 
I don't know what disappeared first, the consumer demand, or the processing, but if you can't even find the stuff in the stores then no wonder sales were dropping. I think the suppliers are screwing with the industry, as my local lab is always crying about their distributor doesn't have this or that film anymore. It disappeared from the grocery chain months ago, and as soon as the drug stores quit developing film, they quit selling it too.

I'm going to cherish my last few rolls of it, as I don't have the budget to go out and buy a few bricks. Maybe only use it in the half-frame models.

PF
 
never real shot any CN400. started with a bunch of B&W, then read about c41 B&W one day and picked up a few rolls of XP2S.

this may sound like heresy, but it's one of the films that consistently gets me to think "damn, that's a great shot" when looking over the negative scans.

i love tri-X, but i think that XP2S just gives a bit more pop (probably because i shoot it at EI200 and pretty regularly overexpose it generously).

it just seems to reliably give me results i'm quite taken with without going out of my way to adjust my shooting style.

for sure i hope Tri-X never goes away (it would be like the corvette and the 911 going out of production the same year). maybe i should pick up a roll or two of CN400 and see if it jives? but on the other hand, i don't think i should risk my heart by falling in love with a film whose production is already over...






edit: i'm weak-willed. swung by the film shop on the way home and picked up 5 rolls of BW400CN for like $35.... now, time to shoot something
 
BW400CN roll film (120) was discontinued several years ago so this announcement didn't come unexpectedly. It's also noteworthy that this is not the old US Kodak we are dealing with but Kodak Alaris which is based in UK like Ilford.
 
Not a film that I have ever used, but still sad news. Ilford will be the only choice now, though they are committed to serving the needs of the stills photographer and not a contracting motion picture industry.
 
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