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Black and white film has a way of stripping a picture down to what matters: light, shape and expression. If you want to try it, there is one roll almost everyone starts with. Kodak Tri-X 400 is the classic, a fast, forgiving film with a gritty, honest look that suits street photography, portraits and everyday life. Here is what it is, why people love it and where to buy a roll.
What it is
Kodak Professional Tri-X 400 is a black and white negative film rated at ISO 400. Kodak calls it the world's best selling black and white film and sums up its look in three words: always strikingly honest. The edge print on the film reads KODAK 400TX.
In its technical data sheet, Kodak describes Tri-X as a high speed panchromatic film that is a good choice for dimly lit subjects or fast action, for subjects that need good depth of field and fast shutter speeds, and for extending the range of flash pictures.
Formats
Tri-X 400 comes in 135, the standard 35mm cartridge, in 24 and 36 exposure lengths, and in 120 roll film for medium format cameras. Kodak also sells it in 100 foot rolls for bulk loading, and as a Single Use Camera with 27 exposures. For large format cameras, the sheet version is Tri-X 320, a slightly different film that Kodak says features excellent tone gradation and brilliant highlights. Not sure which roll your camera takes? See our guide to 35mm vs 120 film.
Why it is cool
It is forgiving. Kodak lists wide exposure latitude among the film's key features, which means rich tonality holds up even when your exposure is a little over or under. That makes it a great film for learning.
It handles low light. Kodak recommends Tri-X 400 for push processing, where you rate the film at a higher speed and extend development to compensate. Kodak gives it a maximum pushability to EI 1600. That opens up concerts, night streets and dim interiors without a flash.
It looks the part. Kodak describes a classic grain structure for low light and action, along with fine grain, high sharpness and high resolving power. In practice, it gives you visible character without falling apart, the look most people picture when they think of black and white film.
Developing
Tri-X is a traditional black and white film, so you can develop it at home or send it to a lab that handles black and white. Kodak's data sheet includes development times for its own developers, including D-76, XTOL and HC-110, at several temperatures. If you are new to home developing, Kodak's tables are a great place to start.
Storage
Kodak says to store unexposed Tri-X at 24°C (75°F) or lower, and to keep film, exposed or unexposed, in a cool, dry place. Protect processed negatives from strong light.
Tips for your first rolls
For a first roll, shoot Tri-X at box speed and have it developed normally. That gives you a baseline to compare against when you start pushing. Look for strong light and shadow, texture and faces, since without color the picture rests on tone and shape. Try a few frames of the same scene at different exposures to see how the film handles them. And note what you shot and how, so you can learn from each contact sheet.
Who should buy it
Tri-X suits street photographers, documentary shooters, anyone who wants to try black and white for the first time and anyone shooting in tricky light. It works in everything from a simple point and shoot to a medium format camera. Need a camera? Start with our list of film cameras you can still buy new or our picks for the best compact cameras.
Want color instead? Our look at Kodak Portra 400 covers the color film to start with.
Where to buy
Tri-X is sold by camera stores and photo retailers in 35mm and 120. Kodak's site includes a where to buy tool for finding a stockist.
For more gear we love, browse our buying guides.
