Bergger is a French manufacturer with a long history in photographic materials, known for producing high-quality black and white films. Currently, their main film offering is Bergger Pancro 400, available in 35mm and 120 roll film.
Bergger Pancro 400
- ISO: 400
- Type: Panchromatic Black and White Negative Film
- Emulsion: Features a unique dual-layer emulsion composed of silver bromide and silver iodide crystals of different grain sizes. This dual emulsion is a key characteristic of Pancro 400, contributing to its wide exposure latitude and tonal range.
- Grain: Generally described as fine to moderate for a 400 ISO film. Some users find it slightly more noticeable than some modern 400-speed films but appreciate its classic, pleasing grain structure. The grain can be more apparent in 35mm format compared to 120 or large format.
- Sharpness: Offers good sharpness and detail rendition, especially in medium and large formats. In 35mm, the sharpness is still respectable, although the grain might slightly impact the perception of extreme sharpness.
- Contrast: Typically exhibits medium to low contrast, which is often cited as a significant advantage. This lower contrast allows for excellent detail retrieval in both highlights and shadows, making it very versatile for various lighting conditions and amenable to different development techniques and printing/scanning adjustments.
- Tonality: Known for its exceptional tonal range and smooth gradations, often described as “silvery” or having a classic look. The film excels at capturing subtle grey tones and nuances.
- Exposure Latitude: One of the standout features of Bergger Pancro 400 is its wide exposure latitude. It is reported to handle underexposure and overexposure well (some suggest usable from EI 100 to 1600 with development adjustments), making it forgiving and suitable for older cameras with potentially less accurate metering.
- Reciprocity Failure: Specific data on reciprocity failure for Pancro 400 is less commonly detailed, but as with most black and white films, long exposures will likely require some compensation.
- Base: Coated on a clear PET (polyester) base, which is known for its stability and resistance to tearing. It features an undercoated anti-halation layer that clarifies during processing, contributing to high resolution and sharpness. It also has an anti-curling layer, although some users have noted that the film can still exhibit some curl.
- Developing: Compatible with a wide range of black and white developers. Many users report excellent results with classic developers like D-76 and HC-110, as well as finer-grain developers. Development times vary depending on the developer and desired contrast. Some recommend rating the film slightly lower than box speed (e.g., ISO 200-320) for optimal shadow detail, especially when using certain developers.
- Scanning/Printing: Scans very well, capturing the film’s wide tonal range and detail. The negatives tend to be relatively flat due to the lower contrast, providing a good base for digital manipulation to achieve the desired look. Prints beautifully in the darkroom, offering a rich tonal scale and good response to contrast control with paper grades.
- Formats: Available in 35mm, 120 roll film, and various sheet film sizes (4×5, 5×7, 8×10, etc.), making it a versatile choice for different camera systems.
- Overall Impression: Bergger Pancro 400 is highly regarded for its exceptional tonality, wide exposure latitude, and classic rendering. It’s a favorite among photographers who appreciate a film that offers flexibility in exposure and development, providing a rich, detailed negative suitable for both scanning and traditional darkroom printing. While the grain might be slightly more noticeable than some modern films, it’s generally considered pleasing and part of its character. Its availability in various formats further enhances its appeal.
In Conclusion:
Bergger primarily stands out with its Pancro 400, a versatile, well-regarded, reliable and high-performing black and white film known for its exceptional tonality and wide exposure latitude.