Lucky C400.
A New Film From China
400 Speed
Most new color films being produced today are clocking in at 200 or under. Which is surprising given the popularity of films like 800T that perform well in lowlight or the frenzied interest in expired Superia 1600. To see a new 400 speed film gives hope to the idea that faster film is on the way and the vibey gas station neon signs will soon fall victim to another wave of photographers.
Quirks
Like all film C400 presents a unique perspective of reality, heavy shades of green and magenta. Unlike other experimental films of the time though the underlying quality allows for enough latitude to edit the photo the way you want it to look.
Edits
The Original Image
A Few Edits Later
Now it should be known I am not a talented photo editor and ultimately it is a matter of taste but I think with these few quick tweaks the image is a bit closer aligned to my preferred visual style while not compromising quality.
Kodak Ultramax 400
The Comparison
All of this is well and good but Lucky C400 does not exist in a vacuum. The market is full of affordable color film options but there appears to be one true competitor in the 400 ASA range and that is of course Kodak Ultramax.
The following images were taken on the 2 stocks moment’s apart with the same lens as to reduce as many variables as possible. If it isn’t evident from the lack of leveling no edits have been made to either image (outside of inverting the negative) and the varity of scenes hopefully provides some clarity as to the strengths and weaknesses of a new film like C400 in relation to an established film such as Ultramax.
Lucky C400
Kodak Ultramax 400
Final Thoughts
Lucky C400 is a fun film, I am inclined to give it the benefit of the doubt because as experimental as it looks it remains usable. However due to som sourcing concerns the price point has shifted to compete more directly with some of the more “high end” color negative films on offer. Economically it now exists among the likes of Portra and Ektar but I believe the quality still maintains around an Ultramax level making it a pretty hard sell.
There is a lot to enjoy and learn from this experience and given the opportunity I would be happy to try and shoot it again but at this price and in this economy I would hesitate to recommend it.
