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
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Good day! This is probably a repackaged aero film Tasma Type 42L (ISO 1000)
https://tasma.ru/products/aerofotoplenki/aerofotoplenka-tip-42l/
Unfortunately, this page is not available in English, but can buy a perforated version for 35mm cameras from the factory.
“It is allowed to produce perforated and non-perforated aerial film of other sizes at the request of the consumer.”
Thanks Mark. Let me include in this post. Do you have any experience with this shop?
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.