Before I get to the film let me get the camera and lens out of the way. On a visit to my local camera shop years ago, I was gifted a film camera only a Pentax head could love… and conveniently I am a Pentax head. The Pentax SF10. For this film test, I wanted to add a bit of absurdity to the proceedings largely inspired by a recent great lens “What camera?” combination. I would like to introduce you to the 77mm f/1.8 Limited and Pentax SF10.
Similar to that post mentioned above this combination works far better than it has any business doing. And I like it. Now on to the film.
Agfa APX 400.
I tried it simply because I had not used it before and I was curious. I purposely did not read any reviews and just shot the box speed. Went my usual B&W development route, Cinestill df96. This film is not listed in the df96 documentation so I used the same instructions I used for Ilford HP5. And success.
All 36 exposures below, including one missed focus shot courtesy my impatience by way of user error.
Let’s get that missed focus photo out of the way. Not the fault of the camera or lens.
All me. Happened to be the first test shot as well. But things would get better from there.
So what do I think about the film?
I like it. Not as contrasty as my personal favorite Black and White, Rollei RPX 400 but what would be the point if it were like that film. It has a look all its own that I like just fine. A very nice “softer” look that does not offend. I like the grain. Also nice that I was able to develop it successfully at home. I will definitely be using it again. Though I would likely lean towards sharper lenses to squeeze as much detail out of the film as possible.
Well, that about wraps it up. Happy shooting.
-ELW
Eric L. Woods 
2 Replies to “Scanner Files: Trying a new film. Agfa APX 400 w/ Pentax Limited 77mm f/1.8 hanging off the front of a freebie SF10.”
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