Bergger Pancro 400 Film

I have not yet used this film, but people compare it to Tri-X 400 and Neopan 400. I have heard people rate it at slower speeds then 400. Some do it at 320, some at 200, some even at 160 ISO. What speed are you finding the best with this film? And do you still develop it at 400 ISO times? Ive read at 400 ISO, developing time can be 17 minutes for some developers. I have also read they recommend to prewash this film for 1 minute before developing.

 

Any comments on the above or of this film in general? I will be getting some in 5x7 format.

I’ve used it at 400 ISO. Developed in Amolco AM74 with a AGFA Rondinax 35U.

Diluted 1 + 9 developing time 9,5 min 20C. In a daylight developing tank you have to continually rotate the film.

 

Maybe you find more info at: Massive Dev Chart Film Development, Film Developing Database

I am a bit late to the forum, but hope this helps. Mid 2018 I got caught up in the buzz about this Berger400 film and purchased two 36x rolls for testing. My "standard" chemistry at the time was Obsidian Aqua, a DIY cathecol staining developer. Selected subject was two Farmers Market's, a week apart. Bright, clear skies (a Puget Sound miracle for sure !), with the same subjects under large, white tents.

First roll was a bust to say the least. Bracketed at 400, 320 and 250 asa, only the 250 yielded scannable negs at my "standard" developing time of 14min. The 2nd roll was shot entirely at 250 asa and the development moved out to 17min. The negatives were almost close (density) to my "other" films used but the Bergger material had greater contrast and a very pronounced grain structure. Considering the price premium at the time, no further work has been done with this material. One criteria I use is that film must have the same emulsion types for both 35 & 120 formats.

Picture is with the same camera, but about 6 months apart. Aloha, Bill

Edited January 8, 2020 by Bill Bowes

I've tried this film and yes it is grainer than Tri-x. Now if I wanted a really gritty look to a street scene I'd probably chose this film.