Santa RAE 1000 Black and White Negative Film 135

Santa RAE 1000 Black and White Negative Film 135

Analog Film Review

Santa RAE 1000 Black and White Negative Film 135

Santa-RAE-1000-black-and-white-film-reivew-negative-analog-photography-bnw-mono-grain-contrast-noise-high-speed-look-Bellini-Xtol-B&W-dynamic-range
Santa RAE 1000
Santa-RAE-1000-black-and-white-film-reivew-negative-analog-photography-bnw-high-speed-look-Bellini-Xtol-tiffen-black-pro-mist-summilux-35mm-1.4-asph-fle-hong-kong-night-moment-walking-up
Santa RAE 1000, Leica Summilux 35mm f1.4 ASPH FLE (with Tiffen Pro Black Mist 1/8), Hong Kong

My Mixed Results with the New Santa RAE 1000 Film

The Santa RAE 1000 is a new high-speed black and white negative film that was released in 2019. Marketed as an ISO 1000 film, made from Russia Surveillance film, it features an extremely thin film base and is aimed at low-light and nighttime photography. I have recently shot and developed two rolls of this film and wanted to share my thoughts on this new emulsion.

Santa-RAE-1000-black-and-white-film-reivew-negative-analog-photography-bnw-mono-grain-contrast-noise-high-speed-look-Bellini-Xtol-tiffen-black-pro-mist-summilux-35mm-1.4-asph-fle-hong-kong-night
Santa RAE 1000, Leica Summilux 35mm f1.4 ASPH FLE (with Tiffen Pro Black Mist 1/8), Hong Kong

On the spec side, the Santa RAE 1000 film is rated at ISO 1000. It has an ultra-thin film base, even thinner than the Rollei or other art films. The thin base allows for higher resolution and clarity, even at high ISOs. However, the thinness also makes it more prone to damage. I developed my rolls in Bellini Eco Film developer, Xtol (8 mins, 20°C) and found the film requires strong lighting and struggles in very low light. The dynamic range seems limited, especially in the shadows.

Santa-RAE-1000-black-and-white-film-reivew-negative-analog-photography-bnw-mono-grain-contrast-noise-high-speed-look-Bellini-Xtol-B&W-dynamic-range-thin-layer-base-plastic
Thin film base
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Packaging

In terms of my results, my feelings on this film are mixed. When shot in well-lit nighttime scenes or indoor spaces with strong lighting, it produced sharp results with a gritty, high-contrast look. However, in very low light, the results were quite grainy, muddy and lacking in detail. The grain is more pleasing than Delta 3200 but shadow details are similarly muddy. This seems more like a 400-speed film that has been pushed to ISO 1000.

Santa-RAE-1000-black-and-white-film-reivew-negative-analog-bnw-mono-grain-contrast-noise-high-speed-look-Bellini-Xtol-135-leica-noctilux-50mm-f1.2-asph-1.2-e49-reissue-hong-kong-night-transiton
Santa RAE 1000, Leica Noctilux 50mm f1.2 ASPH Reissue E49, Hong Kong
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Santa RAE 1000, Leica Noctilux 50mm f1.2 ASPH Reissue E49, Hong Kong
Santa-RAE-1000-black-and-white-film-reivew-negative-analog-photography-bnw-mono-grain-contrast-noise-high-speed-Bellini-Xtol--135-leica-noctilux-50mm-f1.2-asph-1.2-e49-reissue-hong-kong-night-taxi-bridge
Santa RAE 1000, Leica Noctilux 50mm f1.2 ASPH Reissue E49, Hong Kong

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Overall, the Santa RAE 1000 film is an interesting creative option for high-speed, gritty black and white photography, but with significant limitations. For well-lit night shots or high-contrast scenes, it can produce unique results.

Santa-RAE-1000-black-and-white-film-reivew-negative-analog-photography-bnw-mono-grain-contrast-noise-high-speed-look-Bellini-Xtol-leica-noctilux-50mm-f1.2-asph-1.2-e49-reissue-hong-kong-plantjai-bokeh
Santa RAE 1000, Leica Noctilux 50mm f1.2 ASPH Reissue E49, Hong Kong
Santa-RAE-1000-black-and-white-film-reivew-negative-analog-photography-bnw-noise-high-speed-look-Bellini-Xtol-leica-noctilux-50mm-f1.2-asph-1.2-e49-reissue-hong-kong-plantjai-philodendron
Santa RAE 1000, Leica Noctilux 50mm f1.2 ASPH Reissue E49, Hong Kong

However, for more reliable low-light images, a traditional high-ISO B&W film may be a better choice. I hope to shoot and develop more rolls to determine ideal shooting conditions. Nevertheless, an ISO 1000 B&W film is a welcome addition, and I look forward to comparing it directly to Kodak Tri-X and Ilford HP5 Plus at ISO1000. Well, my favourite high speed black and white film is still the Tmax P3200.

Santa-RAE-1000-black-and-white-film-reivew-negative-analog-contrast-noise-high-speed-look-Bellini-Xtol-leica-noctilux-50mm-f1.2-asph-1.2-e49-reissue-hong-kong-plantjai-mcdowell-philodendron-plants
Santa RAE 1000, Leica Noctilux 50mm f1.2 ASPH Reissue E49, Hong Kong
Santa-RAE-1000-black-and-white-film-reivew-negative-analog-photography-bnw-mono-grain-contrast-noise-high-speed-look-Bellini-Xtol-leica-noctilux-50mm-f1.2-asph-1.2-e49-reissue-hong-kong-night
Santa RAE 1000, Leica Noctilux 50mm f1.2 ASPH Reissue E49, Hong Kong
Santa-RAE-1000-black-and-white-film-reivew-negative-analog-photography-bnw-mono-grain-contrast-noise-high-speed-look-Bellini-Xtol-tiffen-black-pro-mist-summilux-35mm-1.4-asph-fle-hong-kong-night-flare-glow
Santa RAE 1000, Leica Summilux 35mm f1.4 ASPH FLE (with Tiffen Pro Black Mist 1/8), Hong Kong
Santa-RAE-1000-black-and-white-film-reivew-negative-analog-photography-bnw-mono-grain-contrast-noise-high-speed-look-Bellini-Xtol-tiffen-black-pro-mist-summilux-35mm-1.4-asph-fle-hong-kong-night-street
Santa RAE 1000, Leica Summilux 35mm f1.4 ASPH FLE (with Tiffen Pro Black Mist 1/8), Hong Kong
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3 Comments

      • Yes, sure. I know those who ordered 35mm film`s big roll of about 30 meters, but I don’t wind film rolls myself. In Russia, this Tasma`s film sold by stores and people personally – pack it in rolls.

        People ordered by writing to official contacts “directly to the factory.” I just don’t know if they will technically be able to ship abroad (in these turbulent times). Might be worth emailing for clarification.

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