Rollei RPX 400
Characteristics
- Grain: medium
- Contrast: medium
- Latitude: wide
- Formats available: 35mm, 120
Rollei RPX 400 is Maco/Rollei's fast B&W film at ISO 400 — the cubic-grain alternative to Tri-X and HP5 Plus from the German Maco production. RPX 400 is positioned as a value-priced fast B&W option, slightly less expensive than mainstream Ilford/Kodak alternatives while delivering competitive quality for routine work.
Key features
- ISO 400 rated; medium-coarse cubic grain (similar to HP5+)
- Polyester base — dimensionally stable; handles slightly differently than acetate
- Wide latitude (±1½ stops)
- Lower cost than Ilford HP5+ or Kodak Tri-X
- Available in 35mm and 120 in current production (no 4×5 sheet)
- Manufactured by Maco in Germany under the Rollei brand
Workflow
- Box-speed development: D-76 1:1 at 11 min, HC-110 Dil B at 6:30, Microphen stock at 7:30
- Push to EI 800 cleanly; EI 1600 with moderate grain
- Pull to EI 200 in dilute developer
- Standard fix and wash
Practical notes
- RPX 400 is the value-priced fast B&W alternative — saves over Ilford/Kodak premium pricing
- Polyester base is more dimensionally stable than acetate — useful for archival negatives
- Tonal character is neutral-cool — closer to Ilford HP5+ than to Kodak Tri-X
- Cold storage extends shelf life
Related films
- Ilford HP5 Plus 400 — premium Ilford alternative
- Kodak Tri-X 400 — premium Kodak alternative
- Rollei RPX 25 — slow Rollei sibling
- Rollei Infrared 400 — IR-sensitive Rollei sibling at same speed
- Fomapan 400 — alternative value-priced fast B&W