CineStill launch 400D
CineStill 400D is a new colour negative film announced in March 2022. The film was sold through a successful preorder campaign on their website. CineStill confirmed they are making 400D in 35mm, 120, large format, and hopefully also 220.
400D is a brand new film
CineStill say that 400D is a new film they have been developing for years with their manufacturing partners around the world.
400D is a little different to other films sold by CineStill. The FAQ on their website say that it is not a repackaged motion picture stock without rem-jet – 400D is specifically designed for still photography.
“This new film is based on advanced technology found in motion picture emulsions, and at the same time delivers features exclusive to still photography materials in both unexposed and processed states.”
CineStill
Shooting CineStill 400D at box speed
For my first video about CineStill 400D, I shot a roll at box speed (ISO 400) in my Fujifilm Klasse S. Watch the video to see lots of sample images or scroll further below.
CineStill 400D’s colour palette
CineStill 400D has a pleasing colour palette with rich vibrant colours, with a slightly softer look than films such as Kodal Gold and Ektar. The film has a very good dynamic range and is a relatively fine grain film. Some have said the colours and look of the film is reminiscent of Kodak Vision3 250D.
Even when shot at ISO 1600 and pushed 2 stops it still looks impressive – especially in comparison to now ageing stocks of Fujifilm’s Natura and Superia 1600 film.
Dynamic range
The D in 400D stands for dynamic. Cinestill claim that 400D has “pretty amazing exposure latitude”. It can be exposed at EI 200 to EI 800 with normal processing, and be push processed up to EI 3200.
Expect Halation with 400D
CineStill films such as 800T are well-known for their halation. I was not expecting to see as much halation on 400D as I did. In the car image below it’s quite subtle – you can see halation on the wheel and the brighter parts of the car.
In the image of my kids walking down to the beach in direct sun, the whole of my son’s back is covered in a red glow.
400D is begging to be pushed
CineStill are practically begging you to push this film. On the canister there are little check boxes for you to label how many stops you’ve pushed the film, 1 stop, 2 stops and 3stops.
So far I’ve shot one roll at box speed and one roll at ISO 1600. Some of my images shot at box speed looked overexposed – I will be shooting more rolls soon just to see if that was a one off.
CineStill 400D pushed 2 stops
In my second video about CineStill 400D I put an ISO 1600 sticker on the 35mm canister and loaded it in my Fujifilm Natura Black F1.9. I then asked my lab to push the film 2 stops. The results look fantastic with surprisingly little grain.
CineStill 400D is an excellent choice for low light shooters
In my third 400D video I explain why I think 400D is a better choice for night shooters than ageing stocks of Fujifilm’s Natura.
CineStill 400D sample images
There are over 40 CineStill 400D sample images in the videos on my Matt Loves Cameras YouTube channel – I have posted a selection of these below.
Where can I buy CineStill 400D?
Check the CineStill website or your local film retailer for stocks.
How much is CineStill 400D?
CineStill sold rolls of 400D in 35mm and 120 format for $14.99 USD during the launch campaign.
