My first roll of Kodak Tri-X 400 was shot in a mix of places: a polo match on a crisp afternoon, wandering the streets of London, and a quiet visit to my mum’s. I wanted to see how this classic black and white film would handle such different light and settings, and how it would respond in the Konica camera I had recently bought in Sweden.
Tri-X 400 has a long reputation. Photographers have trusted it for decades because of its versatility, speed, and characteristic grain. It is bold but still forgiving, which makes it ideal for someone learning how to read light and shadow on the fly. Shooting it made me feel like I was joining a long tradition, and that in itself was inspiring.
Shooting Tri-X reminded me of my first black and white experiments with Agfa 400 in the garden. That first roll taught me to look at light and shadow, and with Tri-X I felt ready to try it in more varied and challenging settings.
The polo match was an exercise in motion and timing. The grain of the film gave energy to the galloping horses and the sudden bursts of sunlight on the field. Shadows and highlights played off each other in a way that felt alive, and the contrast between a white horse and the dark turf seemed more dramatic than I had expected. Even with all the movement, Tri-X handled the unpredictability well, leaving me with images that were vivid without feeling forced.
In London, the film showed another side. Streets, buildings, and fleeting moments of everyday life were captured with a quiet detail. Cobblestones, reflections in shop windows, and the curve of a wrought-iron gate all felt more significant than they might have in colour. Tri-X encourages you to slow down even when the world is moving fast because the textures and tones reward careful observation.
At my mum’s, the film revealed subtleties in softer light. Faces, fabrics, and small household details all took on a gentle depth. The fine grain preserved intimacy and warmth, making even ordinary moments feel thoughtfully framed. I found myself appreciating small contrasts, such as a vase against a window, the curve of a chair, and sunlight spilling across a tabletop.
Kodak Tri-X 400 has a confident character. It is not timid, but it is not harsh either. It teaches you to pay attention to light and composition, to notice shadows and textures, and to be patient with the frame. After this roll, I felt more confident carrying it with me, knowing it can handle a range of situations and still reward careful observation.
This experience reminded me that black and white film has a way of seeing the world differently. Tri-X 400 captures movement, stillness, and the quiet rhythms of life with equal grace. It’s a film that invites exploration, and makes me keen to see what it will reveal on future rolls. It also makes me realise that actually the Konica, whilst a good camera is not doing these films justice and it might be time to look for something better on eBay.