Kodak Portra and polarizer

Laci Toth · Oct 8, 2021

Hi everyone,

I’ve decided to shoot a few rolls of Portra 160 and maybe Ektar, but I’m not sure about the Ektar yet as I like the pastel like look of Portra.
I’m thinking about using a polarizing filter on some of the shots. What’s you opinion about this? I mean how you liked the colours after placing the filter on and so on... is it worth to do that?
I’ve never ever took any colour photos during autumn and would like to give it a go and shoot macro and super macro of the colourful leaves.

BrianShaw · Oct 8, 2021

For autumn color... I'd just shoot the Ektar. Should be dazzling!

AZD · Oct 8, 2021

Agree... in fact that's what I did this past weekend. The fall colors this year have been way better than expected. Enough to convince me to buy my first roll of color film in 15 years (Ektar 100).

That makes it about 2006 when I last shot 35mm color. Just a few years prior I had finally purchased a polarizer. The quality of my prints immediately improved. Even with cheap consumer film the colors popped in a way they never had before. I have one print of an old ranch building in combined sun and storm, and another of an old mine shack among the fall leaves, that I still love today. Made me wish I had always used a polarizer.

The penalty is a ~2 stop increase in exposure. Well worth it, and 400 speed films in bright light will put you in an aperture/shutter sweet spot anyway.

Some polarizers are more effective than others. I have a cheapo 52mm that works a little better than a "nicer" 49mm. By that I mean it can remove almost 100% of a reflection from shiny surfaces. You may not always need or want that though.

Results will vary depending on light direction and amount of diffusion. In overcast or shade you might not see much difference, while blue skies, especially at high elevation, can look surreal.

Laci Toth · Oct 9, 2021

BrianShaw said:
For autumn color... I'd just shoot the Ektar. Should be dazzling!

Thanks for you response! Since then I’ve decided to go for the Ektar but it’s just not available here at any stores!
So I bought two Portra and give them a go with and without a polarising filter.

Laci Toth · Oct 9, 2021

AZD said:
Agree... in fact that's what I did this past weekend. The fall colors this year have been way better than expected. Enough to convince me to buy my first roll of color film in 15 years (Ektar 100).

That makes it about 2006 when I last shot 35mm color. Just a few years prior I had finally purchased a polarizer. The quality of my prints immediately improved. Even with cheap consumer film the colors popped in a way they never had before. I have one print of an old ranch building in combined sun and storm, and another of an old mine shack among the fall leaves, that I still love today. Made me wish I had always used a polarizer.

The penalty is a ~2 stop increase in exposure. Well worth it, and 400 speed films in bright light will put you in an aperture/shutter sweet spot anyway.

Some polarizers are more effective than others. I have a cheapo 52mm that works a little better than a "nicer" 49mm. By that I mean it can remove almost 100% of a reflection from shiny surfaces. You may not always need or want that though.

Results will vary depending on light direction and amount of diffusion. In overcast or shade you might not see much difference, while blue skies, especially at high elevation, can look surreal.

Thanks for your reply!
As I wanted to go with the Ektar and it’s currently gone I’ll drop a pol filter and give it a go.

Alan Edward Klein · Oct 9, 2021

I like polarizing but don't overdo it. Back off from full polarization which often gives a fake look by stripping all the reflections off the leaves in particular.

Laci Toth · Oct 9, 2021

Alan Edward Klein said:
I like polarizing but don't overdo it. Back off from full polarization which often gives a fake look by stripping all the reflections off the leaves in particular.

Oh yeah, I know what you mean, I neither don’t like it. I do use polarizers only when it’s really an advantage, rather no than yes, but as I shoot black and white I thought I ask first how others do when shooting colour, so I gather up some info before I start my first colour roll.

AZD · Oct 9, 2021

Yes, that is a very good point. Any effect can be overdone, usually with regret. As I was scanning the world with my camera a few days ago (what else do you do when you're sitting on the porch in the sun?) I found I could get the greenest, most incredible grass... except the black parts of my black and white dog looked like black holes. Pretty much pure black. Backing off the polarizer a bit restored enough reflection to bring back texture and detail in his fur. The point being that while you're busy being impressed by amazing color, you may also be stripping necessary highlights from the picture.

Anyhow, give it a go. Porta, Ektar, Gold 200, whatever. Doesn't matter. It'll all look good if the subject is right.

BrianShaw · Oct 9, 2021

^^^^^^^^^

Alan Edward Klein · Oct 9, 2021

Here's an example of me overdoing polarizer.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/alanklein2000/5345028154/in/album-72157625671136053/

Sirius Glass · Oct 9, 2021

Polarizers are good for bring out the clouds from the sky, but do not over do it. Also polarizers are not so great on wide angle or very wide angle lenses.

MartinCrabtree · Oct 9, 2021

Alan Edward Klein said:
Here's an example of me overdoing polarizer.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/alanklein2000/5345028154/in/album-72157625671136053/

Although it looks flat I still like it.

Kodak Portra and polarizer

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency