ANALOGUE: Lucky SHD400

MONDAY JANUARY 19, 2026

Things started off bad. I got to location, popped open my film canister and the leader on a freshly bought roll of Lucky 400 was nowhere to be found. Instant mood killer. I stood there watching my friends shoot what we planned for Saturday. Not long after, Anne pulled out her Lucky black and white roll, same issue. Missing leader. Two rolls, same problem. I sent my Lucky 200 to Darkroom8 and asked nicely to pull the leader out of the 400 while they were at it.

CHARACTERISTICS

Punchy low-light contrast

Classic greyscale tones

Tight fine grain

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Once it finally got into a camera, Lucky 400 was better than expected. I shot it at +2/3 exposure compensation and it behaves like a proper everyday black and white film. In flat or lower light, contrast climbs, blacks deepen and you get that punchy look. Under sun, it settles into a more classic greyscale rendering, with enough midtone separation for skin and street scenes to feel natural. Tonality is pleasant and highlights don’t fall apart. Grain is not distracting despite being a 400 speed film while sharpness holds up nicely especially when exposure is on point.

Considering the price, it’s the kind of roll you can shoot often. Just don’t get caught with a missing leader.

Shot on Canon 3000V paired to a Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 STM