Kodak TMAX / EKTAPAN 400 - Film Review

Kodak T-Max 400 (also known as Ektapan 400) is one of the most versatile black and white films available today. Built on Kodak’s T-Grain technology, it offers a strong balance of fine grain, sharp detail, and a clean, modern look while maintaining the flexibility of a faster ISO film.

T-Max 400 delivers slightly higher contrast than T-Max 100, along with bold, well-defined tones and a smooth tonal range. Grain is more noticeable than its 100 speed counterpart, but still very fine for a 400 ISO film, giving images a refined, detailed appearance without losing that classic black and white character.

What sets T-Max 400 apart is its versatility. With two extra stops of light over T-Max 100, it performs well in both bright daylight and lower light conditions, making it a reliable choice across a wide range of shooting scenarios. Whether you’re shooting portraits, street photography, landscapes, or everyday moments, it adapts easily without sacrificing image quality.

Like most black and white films, we recommend metering for the mid-tones or shadows to maintain detail and avoid underexposure. T-Max 400 has excellent exposure latitude and responds very well to pushing and pulling, giving photographers flexibility depending on lighting conditions or the look they’re going for.

Compared to Kodak Tri-X 400, T-Max 400 offers a more refined and modern rendering. Tri-X is known for its classic, more pronounced grain and punchier contrast, while T-Max 400 produces a cleaner image with smoother highlights and more controlled shadows. Choosing between the two often comes down to whether you prefer a more traditional or more polished black and white look.

At The Darkroom Lab, T-Max 400 is a go-to for photographers who want a highly adaptable film with fine grain, strong tones, and consistent results across different lighting conditions.

If you’re looking for a black and white film that combines versatility, fine grain, and a clean, modern aesthetic, Kodak T-Max 400 is an excellent choice.

Buy this film online – 35mm | 120