Rollei Retro 400S Is a Film for Making Loud, Brash, Dramatic Statements

Key Points:

• Rollei Retro 400S is a high-speed black and white negative film described as “superpanchromatic,” with sensitivity extending into the near-infrared spectrum, making it suitable for dramatic, high-contrast photography.
• The film is distributed by Maco Direct under the Rollei brand but is likely produced by Agfa Gavaert in Belgium, possibly based on their Aviphot 400S aerial surveillance film, though exact manufacturing details remain uncertain.
• Retro 400S features an ultra-clear PET polyester base, which allows for flat drying, scanner-friendly results, and the possibility of reversal processing to create black and white slides; it also reportedly has archival properties lasting up to 500 years under ideal conditions.
• The film is fully capable of infrared photography, especially when used with an R72 filter that blocks visible light, producing distinctive infrared effects such as snowy white vegetation and dark skies, with an approximate six-stop exposure compensation.
• Retro 400S performs well in long exposures, including infrared long exposure photography, though it exhibits reciprocity failure requiring exposure adjustments beyond 10 seconds; it is versatile for both dramatic natural light and experimental infrared work.