CineStill Unveils the BwXX 120 Cinema Film
CineStill Film has announced the release of the BwXX 120, a classic black and white negative emulsion – which has historically been reserved only for cinematographers since 1959 – in 120 medium format for the first time. The film is a Kodak motion picture stock that exhibits similar characteristics to Eastman Double-X film stock 5222/7222, which has been used in iconic movies.
CineStill BwXX is a variable speed, classic panchromatic black and white negative film for both outdoor and indoor/studio use. Akin to the legendary Kodak Plus-X emulsion, it is an excellent choice for all those looking for a classic film stock with top-level performance and versatility in a variety of conditions. It has a variable base sensitivity of ISO 250 under daylight (5500K) and ISO 200 under tungsten (3200K) lighting conditions and can be rated up to ISO 1600 with the appropriate processing compensation. Ideal for low light situations, this film delivers rich blacks and a wide range of tonal steps, while also providing very high sharpness, crisp micro-contrast, and a fine grain structure.
This film stock has been left relatively unchanged since its initial release in 1959 for use in the motion picture industry. Some of the iconic and modern movies filmed on the classic Eastman Double-X film stock 5222 / 7222 include:
The Lighthouse (2019), Raging Bull (1980), Schindler’s List (1993), Stranger Than Paradise (1984), Malcolm & Marie (2021), Memento (2000), Kafka (1991), Casino Royale (2006), I’m Not There (2007), Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003), Manhattan (1979), Cinderella Man (2005), Aferim! (2015), Frantz (2016), American Horror Story (2011-2017), as well as many many more.
“It is thanks to your dedication and the support of the analog community around the world that we are able to make such an exciting new film stock available for creating with — furthering our mission to bring motion picture film to still photographers everywhere,” says the company.
Here some sample pictures:
A developing times chart for BwXX can be found on the CineStill website for those who wish to learn more about different chemical processes that can be used at home or at a lab to achieve greater precision and image control.
The BwXX 120 film stock is available for sale on the CineStill website for $12 per roll and will shortly be introduced at film retailers globally.
More info on CineStill’s website.
