Ferrania Ortho 50

An orthochromatic black and white film from the revived Ferrania. It is blind to red light, which darkens reds and lightens blues. A different way of seeing.

How it behaves

Skin tones go darker and skies go dramatic. Blue subjects render bright and reds render dark, with high contrast and practically invisible grain. It is slow at 50, so it wants bright light only. It can be handled under a deep-red darkroom safelight. Red filters are ineffective on it. Yellow and green filters shape its tonal rendering instead. It is newly made at the revived Ferrania factory in Italy, not rebranded stock.

Questions people ask

Why do reds go dark on Ferrania Ortho 50?

It is orthochromatic and red-insensitive. Reds record dark, blues record bright, and contrast runs high.

Can you handle Ferrania Ortho 50 under a safelight?

Yes. Its red insensitivity means it can be handled under deep-red darkroom safelight.

Is Ferrania Ortho 50 good for landscapes?

Yes. It suits high-contrast landscapes with dramatic dark skies, and studio or flash portraits with a vintage look.