Lucky Film SHD 100 & 400: Affordable and Unique Black & White Film

Film photography continues to captivate photographers with its rich textures and distinct aesthetics. Unlike digital photography, where images can be manipulated extensively, film offers an organic and unfiltered quality that enhances the creative process. Each film stock comes with its own characteristics, influencing the final look through contrast, grain, and tonal depth.

One lesser-known yet fascinating brand in the film photography world is Lucky Film, a Chinese company that has been producing black & white film for decades. Lucky Film stocks, particularly SHD 100 and SHD 400, are popular among enthusiasts looking for an affordable yet unique alternative to mainstream black & white films. These films offer beautiful tonal gradation, moderate contrast, and a distinct grain structure, making them an excellent choice for experimental and traditional photographers alike.

How Does Lucky SHD 100 & 400 Perform?

Lucky SHD 100 & 400 are both excellent choices for photographers seeking budget-friendly, black & white film with a unique character.

📷 SHD 100 Outcome: Fine grain, smooth tonal range, and balanced contrast
🎯 Best for: Landscape, portrait, and street photography

📷 SHD 400 Outcome: More pronounced grain, higher contrast, and strong shadow details
🎯 Best for: Low-light conditions, documentary, and expressive black & white photography

SHD 100 delivers a clean and classic look with subtle grain, making it ideal for capturing fine details and smooth transitions. On the other hand, SHD 400 offers a grittier feel with more pronounced grain and enhanced shadow depth, perfect for dramatic compositions and high-contrast scenes. Both films handle highlights well, though SHD 400 provides greater flexibility in challenging lighting conditions.

Tonal & Grain Characteristics

Blacks: Deep and well-defined, creating a striking contrast with highlights.
Whites: Smooth and natural, without excessive harshness.
Midtones: SHD 100 excels in smooth transitions, while SHD 400 delivers punchier tones.
Grain: SHD 100 has a fine and subtle grain structure, whereas SHD 400 produces a classic, pronounced grain that adds texture to the image.

Lucky SHD 100 & 400 are great choices for those looking to experiment with affordable black & white film. Their moderate exposure latitude allows for some flexibility in shooting, but they shine best when metered carefully. Though Lucky films may not be as widely available as other brands, their distinct look and budget-friendly pricing make them worth trying for photographers eager to explore different black & white aesthetics.

"Lucky SHD 100 & 400 offer a well-balanced contrast, fine grain structure, and excellent adaptability for post-processing, making them a versatile choice for black & white photography."

- Pei Han

Film of the Month (FOTM): Discover Something New

Trying out different films is one of the most exciting aspects of shooting on film. With our Film of the Month (FOTM) program, we highlight a different film each month, encouraging photographers to step outside their comfort zones and explore new textures, tones, and creative possibilities.

This Month’s Featured Film: Lucky SHD 100 & 400

A budget-friendly and unique black & white film with classic tonal depth—perfect for capturing both timeless and artistic moments!

Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing tips, sample shots, and insights into how these films perform in various settings. Have you used Lucky SHD 100 or 400 before? Share your experiences and shots with us—we’d love to see your work and hear your thoughts