About the film
Svema Foto 400 is a black-and-white negative film from Shostka, Ukraine — 135, 36 exposures, rated ISO 400 (GOST 400, DIN 27). Best before September 1999, in the blue box.
What to expect
A quarter of a century past its date, the emulsion picks up base fog: contrast drops, shadows turn grey and grain becomes more visible. Fast films age faster than slow ones, so it needs more extra exposure. How much depends on how the film was stored all these years.
Who it suits
Anyone who wants to shoot genuine late-90s Shostka film, experiments, and cameras you don't mind spending a roll on.
One practical note
Expose generously to cut through the fog: roughly ISO 50–100 instead of box speed. Develop in ordinary black-and-white chemistry; a little benzotriazole in the developer helps against fog.
Specifications
- Type: black-and-white negative
- Format: 135, 36 exposures
- Speed: ISO 400 (box speed)
- Best before: 09/1999
- Processing: black-and-white
