Correct film speed for Digibase CR200?

Nzoomed · May 7, 2016

Does anyone know why Rollei Digibase CN200 is marked as ISO200, when the datasheet for AGFA X400 is actually an ISO 400 film? See datasheet here:

https://www.agfa.com/sp/global/en/binaries/AVIPHOT COLOR X400_tcm611-42589.pdf

As many know, its the same film, repackaged under a different brand by Maco.

Ive got a bulk roll of the stuff and want to make sure im shooting at the correct speed.

MattKing · May 7, 2016

I have a feeling that the technical information included in that link doesn't make proper use of "ISO". You will note that that link gives two different ISO values (400 and 640) for the same film.

I expect that referring to EI would be a better choice.

Note that the Aviphot Colour X400 (not AGFA X400) is designed for aerial photography. The requirements for aerial work are quite particular, and probable emphasize thin, detailed and sharp negatives over other concerns.

For regular pictorial work, you want different characteristics.

I don't know, but it wouldn't surprise me if the lack of the orange mask may affect the ISO rating for a colour negative film.

Nzoomed · May 8, 2016

MattKing said:
I have a feeling that the technical information included in that link doesn't make proper use of "ISO". You will note that that link gives two different ISO values (400 and 640) for the same film.

I expect that referring to EI would be a better choice.

Note that the Aviphot Colour X400 (not AGFA X400) is designed for aerial photography. The requirements for aerial work are quite particular, and probable emphasize thin, detailed and sharp negatives over other concerns.

For regular pictorial work, you want different characteristics.

I don't know, but it wouldn't surprise me if the lack of the orange mask may affect the ISO rating for a colour negative film.

Not sure about the lack of the orange mask as a factor, but you could be right in regards to its aerial photography uses.

Mind you Digibase CN200 is shot at its original film speed of ISO 200, but perhaps its different for reversal film?

Henning Serger · May 8, 2016

Nzoomed said:
Does anyone know why Rollei Digibase CN200 is marked as ISO200, when the datasheet for AGFA X400 is actually an ISO 400 film? See datasheet here:

https://www.agfa.com/sp/global/en/binaries/AVIPHOT COLOR X400_tcm611-42589.pdf

As many know, its the same film, repackaged under a different brand by Maco.

Ive got a bulk roll of the stuff and want to make sure im shooting at the correct speed.

It's quite simple:
At the time Maco introduced this film I have asked them. They told me that they've made comparison tests with ISO 400/27° and 200/24° and simply liked the ISO 200/24° results a bit more, because of slightly finer grain and better shadow detail.
That's it.
If you prefer the ISO 400/27° results, just use it at that sensivity.

Best regards,
Henning

Nzoomed · May 8, 2016

Henning Serger said:
It's quite simple:
At the time Maco introduced this film I have asked them. They told me that they've made comparison tests with ISO 400/27° and 200/24° and simply liked the ISO 200/24° results a bit more, because of slightly finer grain and better shadow detail.
That's it.
If you prefer the ISO 400/27° results, just use it at that sensivity.

Best regards,
Henning

OK sweet, interesting that it works well at a lower speed anyway, as typically i would expect that a higher speed film would overexpose at half its speed.

At least i know its quite tolerant to this anyway, slower speeds usually mean finer grain, so i understand why they have labelled it as such.

MattKing · May 8, 2016

Henning Serger said:
At the time Maco introduced this film I have asked them. They told me that they've made comparison tests with ISO 400/27° and 200/24° and simply liked the ISO 200/24° results a bit more, because of slightly finer grain and better shadow detail.
That's it.

All of which tells me that those aren't ISO numbers - they are Exposure Index numbers.

If so, Maco should not be using "ISO" in its materials.

Punker · May 13, 2016

I was unaware of this information. I just thought it was a super-grainy ISO 200 film. I might have to shoot a roll at 400 and see what I get. I do like the tonal characteristics of the film. Just not all that grain, though I know that's exactly what I'll get more of at 400. Hmm...

Nzoomed · May 13, 2016

Punker said:
I was unaware of this information. I just thought it was a super-grainy ISO 200 film. I might have to shoot a roll at 400 and see what I get. I do like the tonal characteristics of the film. Just not all that grain, though I know that's exactly what I'll get more of at 400. Hmm...

I wouldn't call it a super grainy film at all, its got much less grain than digibase CR200, which perhaps you are thinking of?

Punker · May 16, 2016

Oy. Maybe I have my CRs and CNs mixed up.

Correct film speed for Digibase CR200?

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Correct film speed for Digibase CR200?

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