Developing Adventures – Pushing Fomapan 400 to 800

For my next Developing Adventure I am pushing Fomapan Action 400 film because it is super cheap at only $4 a roll on B&H and a Facebook user recommended it as well.

I pushed this first roll to ISO 800 and processed it in Ilford’s Ilfotec DDX dilution 1+9 for 18 minutes agitating the first minute and then 10 seconds every minute after. In my opinion, I think this film is similar to Agfa APX 400 film that I recently pushed.

My Results with Pushing Fomapan

Now, even though there are obviously better films out there to push, I don’t hate my results.

While they do have a lot of contrast, and very inky blacks like Fuji Acros II, the grain in these images at 800 is barely noticeable.

Also, if you meter for the shadows, you will get a great range of tones, and detail.

Highlights are not starting to get blown the way they have with other films for me. Frank (below) still retains detail in his fur, which is something I have had problems with on other stocks.

The Cons

Outside shots do start to get more grain. I find this with most of the films I am pushing if I shoot outside in daylight. If you don’t like a lot of grain, then this may be a downside for you.

Blacks are very black without any detail in the shadows if you aren’t careful with the way you meter.

Final Thoughts

I like this film. The price point is very persuasive for me. I have already shot a roll at 1600, so stay tuned for those results. If you haven’t already, please sign up to get my articles in your inbox as I post them.

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Until next time, stay motivated and keep shooting.