CineStill’s 400Dynamic movie, which it launched in a crowdfunding campaign in March, has raised almost $680,000. The stock is now available in 220 format.

CineStill’s 400Dynamic (400D), is a fine grain film. It is described as a soft-colored, saturated-toned film with rich, warm tones. The film can be adjusted from 200 to 800 and up to 3,200. It has a broad dynamic range, ISO 400 as its base sensitivity. CineStill states that this film is versatile and can be used in any lighting conditions. It can also be used outdoors or in the studio.

“400D in 35mm, 120 medium format and 4×5 large format have been fully funded due to the overwhelming response and support from analog community,” says the company, citing more than 10,000 people who pledged their support for the new film stock.

CineStill added 220 format to its 400D options to thank its backers. This allows photographers to use the new film with all cameras that use 220.

CineStill’s success represents a vote for confidence in film, which has been subject to a lot of negative news lately. A week after CineStill launched its campaign, Fujifilm announced it would increase film prices up to 60%. Then, a few weeks later, Fujifilm warned that 120 slide films would not be easy to find. Street Candy, a film brand, closed its doors permanently due to the rising costs of production.

CineStill’s popularity is a welcome breath of fresh air for those who enjoy the analog format.

The Demand for 220 Films is Validated

CineStill’s 400Dynamic crowdfunding campaign was not held on any typical crowdfunding site like IndieGoGoGo or Kickstarter, but was instead published on the company’s own website. The company stated that it was planning to increase the number of stretch goals as the campaign progressed. This is to gauge the demand for different formats, including 220.

“We have been working together with partners around the world to find solutions that are both feasible and cost-effective. We have found a way forward, but there are still many risks when trying to bring this format back. The company explained that we need to know how many people want 220 film and why they are willing to help us.

The company can justify the time and resources required to make 220 available again using the crowdfunding format.

CineStill is passionate about making film accessible. Cinestill has been exploring ways to make this format more available to photographers. Cinestill explains that 220 film was first introduced in 1960 and is only available through expired film stock and very few black-and-white film manufacturers in recent times.

It is 120mm in width, but 144 cm long. This allows photographers to get twice as many exposures per roll. It is ideal for commercial, documentary and wedding photographers.

CineStill expects to complete testing and begin manufacturing the format in the fourth quarter 2022, if it is successful in obtaining backing. It also anticipates fulfillment by December. CineStill will offer backers of these 220 Tiers double the 120 rolls if there is no demand or development obstacles.

The 400D in 220 will be made available in small quantities if there is a genuine demand.