Kodak's legendary black-and-white negative motion picture film stock (5222) with a nominal sensitivity of 250 ISO – known for its rich tonal range, distinctive grain structure, and cinematic look, used continuously since 1959 in major productions from Raging Bull to The Lighthouse.
What is Kodak Double-X?
Kodak Double-X (5222) is a legendary black and white negative cinema film with a sensitivity of 250 ISO. In production since 1959, it is known for its rich tonal range, characteristic grain, and classic cinematic look.
Technical Data
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | B&W Negative |
| Product Code | 5222 (35mm), 7222 (16mm) |
| Sensitivity | 250 ISO (Daylight) |
| Base | ESTAR (Polyester) |
Sensitivity
| Condition | ISO |
|---|---|
| Daylight | 250 |
| Tungsten 3200K | 200 |
| Push | Up to 800+ possible |
| Pull | Down to 100 possible |
Characteristics
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Tonal Range | Rich and nuanced |
| Grain | Medium, cinematic |
| Contrast | Controllable |
| Sharpness | High |
Grain Structure
| Property | Rating |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Structure | Organic |
| Consistency | Uniform |
| Look | Classic cinematic |
Tone Reproduction
| Range | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Shadows | Detail-rich |
| Midtones | Balanced |
| Highlights | Soft roll-off |
| Dynamic Range | ~11 stops |
Development
| Process | Standard |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | D-96 or D-97 |
| Alternative | HC-110, Xtol |
| Temperature | 68°F / 20°C |
| Time | Process dependent |
Push/Pull Processing
| Processing | Result |
|---|---|
| Normal | Optimal quality |
| Push +1 | Increased contrast/grain |
| Push +2 | Significantly more grain |
| Pull -1 | Softer contrast |
Modern Usage
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Feature Films | High-end productions |
| Music Videos | Vintage look |
| Commercials | Premium feel |
| Art Projects | Experimental |
Available Formats
| Format | Availability |
|---|---|
| 35mm | 5222 – 400ft, 1000ft |
| 16mm | 7222 – 100ft, 400ft |
| Super 16 | On request |
| 65mm | Not available |
Storage
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Unexposed | -18°C optimal |
| Short-term | Cool, dry |
| Acclimatization | Before use |
| Exposed | Develop promptly |
Exposure Tips
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Exterior Day | Native 250 ISO |
| Interior | Push or more light |
| Lowlight | Push +1 or +2 |
| Contrast | Overexpose/Underdevelop |
Filtering
| Filter | Effect |
|---|---|
| Red (25) | Dramatic sky |
| Orange (21) | Less dramatic |
| Yellow (8) | Natural |
| Green (11) | Skin tones |
Comparison with Digital
| Aspect | Double-X | Digital B&W |
|---|---|---|
| Grain | Organic | Artificial |
| Highlight Roll-off | Smooth | Abrupt |
| Shadow Detail | Characteristic | Neutral |
| Feeling | Cinematic | Clean |
Alternatives
| Stock | Description |
|---|---|
| Tri-X | Still film legend |
| Orwo UN54 | European alternative |
| Ilford HP5 | Still film |
| Digital B&W | Post-conversion |
Labs for Development
| Lab | Region |
|---|---|
| Kodak Film Lab NY | USA |
| Kodak Film Lab LA | USA |
| Andec | Berlin |
| Cinelab | London |
Cost
| Item | Factor |
|---|---|
| Film Stock | Per foot |
| Development | Per roll |
| Scanning | By resolution |
| Total | Significantly more than digital |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Testing | Familiarize with stock |
| Overexposing | Secure shadow detail |
| Lab relationship | Consistent results |
| Handling | Careful, no light exposure |
Today
Kodak Double-X 5222 remains the gold standard for black and white cinema film. With over 60 years of production history, from cinematic masterpieces to modern projects like "The Lighthouse" – Double-X delivers a distinctive, timeless look that is difficult to achieve digitally.