CDX Black and White Film: Test, Rendering, and Review of an Alternative Film

CDX black and white film is one of those alternative stocks that spark the curiosity of analog photographers. Less known than major market references such as Cinestill Double-X, it reflects a current trend: offering affordable, experimental films or emulsions sourced from reconditioned stock.

In this article, we take a closer look at CDX black and white film—its characteristics, rendering, use cases, and who it’s for.

What is CDX Black and White Film?

Carmencita Film Lab was founded in 2012 in Valencia, Spain, by photographers for photographers. They created their own version of the famous 5222 emulsion, also known as Kodak Double-X. This film was originally designed for filmmakers shooting in black and white in the 1960s, and the emulsion appears to have remained largely unchanged since then. If you’ve seen Schindler’s List, Raging Bull, or The Lighthouse, you’ve already seen Double-X!

CDX film is marketed as a more affordable black and white option, often sourced from industrial or reconditioned stock. 

General Characteristics

• 🎞️ Black and white negative film
• 📸 Sensitivity around ISO 250
• 🧪 Standard black and white processing
• 💰 Affordable price point

Rendering and Aesthetic

The main appeal of CDX film lies in its distinctive rendering.

Grain

• Often pronounced grain
• Raw, organic look
• Ideal for vintage or experimental aesthetics

Contrast

• Contrast varies depending on exposure and development
• Can produce deep blacks or softer tonal transitions

Exposure Latitude

Designed for general production use—outdoors, in studio settings, in low light, and wherever greater depth of field is needed without increasing lighting.

Like many black and white films, it offers generous latitude, allowing recovery from certain exposure errors—a classic advantage of monochrome film.

When to Use CDX Film?

Experimental Photography

Perfect for :

• Double exposuresles expositions
• Urban textures
• Artistic projects
• Creative exploration

Street Photography

Its grain and contrast can enhance documentary atmosphere.

Budget Projects

An excellent option for shooting freely without worrying about wasting more expensive film.

Exposure Tips

To get the best results from CDX film :

• Rate it at its nominal sensitivity (often between ISO 200–400)
• Slightly overexpose for better shadow detail
• Avoid extremely high-contrast scenes if you want to preserve tonal nuance

Who Is CDX Film For?

CDX black and white film is especially suited to:

• Experimental photographers
• Photography students
• Lo-fi aesthetic enthusiasts
• Creators seeking a unique rendering
• Budget-conscious photographers

Conclusion: A Film Made for Experimentation

The CDX black and white film offers a freer, rawer, and sometimes unpredictable approach to analog photography.

🎞️ If you enjoy experimenting and moving beyond conventional renderings, CDX deserves a place in your camera bag.

Buy CDX film dans in our online Eshop