Leica announces Monopan 50 B&W 35mm film stock

Leica has announced the release of a new, super-panchromatic film with a very fine grain. This film is notable for its sensitivity to a wider range of light wavelengths compared to typical film types.

It's interesting that Leica has launched a 50 ISO film rather than a 400 ISO option. Leicas are traditionally renowned for documentary and street photography, which often takes place in challenging or low-light conditions, where a higher ISO would usually be more suitable.

The main advantage of 50 ISO film is its incredibly fine grain. Interestingly, many photographers actually find the graininess of film to be one of its inherent charms.

Other 50 ISO films are still available, including the classic, super-vibrant Fujifilm Velvia 50 (a colour E6 film, typically costing around $33-$43 for a 36-exposure roll) and Ilford Pan F Plus 50 (a black and white negative film, usually priced around $15-$20). 

Leica traditionally hasn't manufactured it's own film and there is online conjecture that this film is actually Adox HR-50 – which is also produced in Germany.

Key Features of Leica Monopan 50

• Super-Panchromatic Sensitivity: Responds to light up to 780nm, offering a broad tonal range and excellent results with infrared filters.

• Ultra-High Resolution: Delivers impressive sharpness with 280 lp/mm and a very fine, smooth grain structure.

• Slow Speed (ISO 50/18°): Ideal for bright daylight, especially when paired with fast lenses like Leica Noctilux-M and Summilux-M lines.

• Exceptional for Enlargements & Scanning: Its high sharpness and low grain make it perfect for detailed darkroom enlargements and high-resolution scanning.

• Anti-Halation Layer: Prevents light blooming and halation, ensuring clean images with strong edge contrast.

The film will be available from late August for $99 for a pack of 5 x 36 exposure rolls. 

You can pre-order the film on the Leica AU website.

Or you can read more about the fiim on the Leica website here.