Versatile, Elegant, Expressive: First Impressions with the Berlin Kino 400 35 mm

More analogue lovers and shooters are talking about the Berlin Kino 400 35 mm unique black-and-white aesthetic. This time, we have Jacob Chung, Khalil Kwok, and Marie Yako talk about their first impressions and inklings of the emulsion, along with the photographs they produced. Here's what they have to say about the film's cinematic formula, and why it helps amplify fine art photography.

Models: Wen Long (HK), Rebecca Moroney, Alessandra Fochesato (GER), Wong Wing Yan (HK); Photos: Jacob Chung (HK), Marie Yako (GER), and Khalil Kwok (HK)

Panchromatic Day and Night by Jacob Chung

London-based Lomographer Jacob Chung, a.k.a. jacobschung, has a knack for versatility in his photography. When trying out the Berlin Kino 400 35 mm, Jacob had it planned to have the photo shoot with model Wen Long with the themes of time difference, solitude, outsiders, and home, as Jacob still gets nostalgic about his home in Hong Kong. Using his Canon AE-1 and f/1.4 50 mm lens, they strolled around the streets of London -- day and night. Jacob was highly impressed with the Berlin Kino 400 35 mm ability to maintain brilliance and detail no matter the lighting condition.

“It [the Berlin Kino 400 35 mm] is out of expectation! I was really excited when I knew it was a black and white cine film and since there wasn’t a lot of samples, this film was quite mysterious to me. The result was surprisingly good! As I have shot as the daylight fades. The light sources are mostly street lights. Even after being pushed for 2 levels, the quality of the film is still good!”
Model: Wen Long (HK); Photos: Jacob Chung (HK)

Marie Yako: Like The Silver Screen

Analogue photographer and documentarian Marie Yako usually shoots in colour, but when colour fails to find the calm she seeks, she turns to black-and-white. For Marie, there's more intensity and straight-forwardness in shooting grayscale. Through her experience with portraits and the documentary genre, Marie tested the Berlin Kino 400 35 mm with friends Rebecca Monorey and Alessandra Fochesato for a Nouvelle Vague-inspired photo shoot. The shots turned out to be exactly like old French films from the 1960s thanks to the emulsion's mood-setting characteristics.

“I want more of it! The grain is beautiful and the tones are actually very wide and clear, and everything turns out like a Godard or Antonioni movie still, it’s a dream. The film seems also very malleable so it would be fun to explore and try something completely different with it.”
Models: Rebecca Moroney, Alessandra Fochesato (GER) Photos: Marie Yako (GER)

Khalil Kwok's Portraits in Grisaille

Colours are what make it easier for us to distinguish objects and details. So, when shooting in black and white, university student and photographer Khalil Kwok has a certain approach. When taking pictures in monochrome, Khalil first looks into the lights and contrast. With the absence of colour, it's light that stands out. Using the Berlin Kino 400 35 mm, Khalil and his model Elmo Wong experimented with the effects of light and shadow using foliage and sunlight. The results turned out as very textured yet effervescent portraits thanks to the incredible tonal range of the Berlin Kino 400 35 mm.

“I love the film! I have been trying out a lot of different black and white film and they did not fit me well. The grain and contrast of the Berlin Kino 400 film are perfect for me, just like a film that could reflect my mood!”
Model: Wong Wing Yan (HK); Photos: Khalil Kwok (HK)

Lomography's new Berlin Kino 400 35 mm is ready to change the game of monochromatic photography. Experience black-and-white like never before by getting your own rolls in the Online Shop and gallery stores worldwide.

2018-12-06 #gear

Mentioned Product

Lomography Berlin Kino 400 ISO

Lomography Berlin Kino 400 ISO

Capture life’s most elusive moments in everlasting monochrome charm with this rare black and white cine film.

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