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Leica MONOPAN 50 35mm Black and White Film
Product Code: L0124149S
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An ultra-fine grain ISO 50 emulsion with exceptional resolving power and extended spectral sensitivity for highly detailed monochrome photography.
Key Features
- 36 exposures in standard 35mm format
- ISO 50/18° sensitivity with ultra-fine grain
- Resolution up to 280 lp/mm at 1000:1 object contrast
- Super-panchromatic sensitivity extending to 780nm
- Anti-halation layer with 0.1mm carrier
- Suitable for infrared photography and colour filter effects
- Compatible with conventional black-and-white developers
Summary
Extremely fine grain and high resolving power make this black and white camera film particularly well suited to detailed scans and larger prints. Sensitivity extends to 780nm, opening up creative possibilities with deep-red and suitable near-infrared filters. Yellow, orange and green filters can also be used to alter tonal relationships and contrast in monochrome images.
The slow ISO 50 rating has another creative advantage, allowing wider apertures to be used in bright conditions without reaching for an ND filter as readily. Landscapes, architecture, city scenes and travel are natural subjects, although the combination of fine detail and aperture flexibility also lends itself to more considered portraiture. Manufactured in Germany, the 36-exposure roll can be processed with conventional black-and-white developers.
Read our MONOPAN 50 launch article for more about its origins, characteristics and place in the centenary celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it work in a non-Leica 35mm camera?
Yes. The standard 135 cartridge fits compatible 35mm film cameras from other manufacturers. However, the cartridge is not DX-coded, so cameras that rely entirely on automatic film-speed detection may not meter correctly. Check whether yours allows manual ISO selection or exposure compensation before loading.
Can I have it developed at a normal photo lab?
Yes, provided the lab offers traditional black-and-white processing rather than only C-41 colour development. Because of the extended infrared sensitivity, it's also worth checking whether their processing equipment uses infrared sensors that could fog the negatives. A lab experienced with specialist monochrome films is preferable.
Which developers and processing times should I use?
Leica publishes development recommendations for ADOX ATOMAL, FX-39, HR-DEV, Ilford DD-X and Kodak XTOL. Times vary according to the developer, dilution and temperature, so use the appropriate combination from the official technical sheet rather than a generic processing time.
Do I need to load the film in complete darkness?
No. Load and unload it in subdued light, away from direct sunlight, as Leica recommends. Its extended sensitivity makes careful handling particularly important. Once you've finished shooting, rewind the roll fully before opening the camera back.
What happens when I use exposures lasting several seconds?
Long exposures require additional light because of reciprocity failure, where the emulsion becomes less responsive over time. Leica recommends adding half a stop at four seconds, two-thirds of a stop at eight seconds and one stop at 15 seconds. A tripod and a cable release are useful for keeping the camera steady.
Can I use a very dark infrared filter?
Yes, but results depend on the filter's transmission. Sensitivity extends to 780nm, so filters that pass light within that range can produce near-infrared effects. Filters that transmit mainly longer wavelengths may give very little exposure. Metering and exposure adjustments may be necessary, especially with dense filtration.
Specifications
|
Film Type |
Black and White Negative |
|
Format |
35mm (135) |
|
Exposures |
36 |
|
Sensitivity |
ISO 50/18° |
|
Spectral Sensitivity |
Super-panchromatic, up to 780nm |
|
Resolution |
Up to 280 lp/mm at 1000:1 contrast |
|
Grain |
Ultra-fine |
|
Carrier Thickness |
0.1mm |
|
Film Structure |
Anti-halation layer between emulsion and carrier |
|
Processing |
Conventional black-and-white developers |
|
Country of Manufacture |
Germany |
|
Leica Product Code |
14717 |
What's in the Box
- Leica MONOPAN 50 Black and White Film, 36 exposures
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Condition guide
Our used products are subject to wear and tear in comparison to brand new products. This also applies to accessories that are supplied with the camera including batteries which may have a lower optimum performance level/life expectancy.
- Like New – The equipment is in a condition as if you have just bought it from the manufacturer. The item is still considered to be ‘Like New’ even without the original packaging and accessories. The product has been fully tested and is in perfect working order. Lenses are optically clear. There may be light dust present that will not effect the imagery.
- Excellent – The equipment should be close to being ‘Like New’ but there may be some small cosmetic blemishes that lower its grade. The product has been fully tested and is in perfect excellent order.
- Cameras – Should have no marks on the LCD screen
- Lenses – Should have no marks on the elements and optically clear. There may be light dust present that will not effect the imagery.
- Very Good – The equipment may have some slight cosmetic wear to the paintwork and cosmetic blemishes with only light signs of use and the product has been fully tested and is in great working order.
- Cameras – The LCD screen may have small signs of wear that does not affect its display
- Lenses – The mount of the lens will start to show signs of wear
- Good – The equipment is showing more obvious signs of cosmetic wear and blemishes, but the product has been fully tested and is in great working order.
- Cameras – LCD screen may have scratches or wear that is starting to affect the display.
- Lenses – May have slight dust inside that does not affect images. The mount shows signs of use.
- Well Used – The equipment will show significant signs of wear. The paintwork will be coming away in large areas exposing the metal work, but the product has been fully tested and is in great working order.
- Cameras – LCD screen is heavily worn either by de-lamination or has scratches to it. Rubber grips are starting to come away from the body.
- Lenses – The lens has dust inside that may affect images. The rubber zoom/focus ring is coming away from the barrel of the lens.
*All of our used items are listed with the accessories that are included. If they are not listed, then they will not be supplied at the point of purchase.
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