Moving on from Fuji Pro 160S ...

[theDarkHorse]

So it's been a while since I've bought 35mm colour film, and in the intervening time period B&H has finally run out of its stock of Pro 160S. Many of my favourite photos are on 160S, I'm not quite sure what it is but I think it has to do with how colourful images look while not being over-saturated or over-contrasty. I also *think* it's got something to do with the Fuji rendition of blues and greens compared to my memories of Kodak Portra 160VC, which I used a couple of rolls of but never particularly liked.

I need a replacement film. And there isn't that much to choose from now.

Should I try some new Kodak Portra 160 and/or 400? Ektar? Stick to Superia? Order 100 rolls of 160S from eBay?

The key thing I'm looking for is which film has the closest colour rendition to 160S.

Currently, I do scan in my film and do slight adjustments digitally, but the less I have to do the better. (Of course, if I no real choice, I'll pick any film, scan and post-process to get the colours I want, but that's only if there's no other practical way.)

For reference, this sort of colour is what I like about 160S.

 

[clayne]

I didn't know 160s had ever been discontinued?

 

[theDarkHorse]

I didn't know 160s had ever been discontinued?

It was discontinued mid-2010 from memory - all the 35mm Pro C-41 films were, except for 400H, which I hate.

 

[stavrosk]

Cant really think of a close equivalent.
Its too magenta nad green.
No film from Kodak is that way.
I think pro800z is magenta.

 

[tomalophicon]

What the? It's gone? It's still on the Fuji site here!

 

[theDarkHorse]

It's true, 160NS is the replacement for 160S - unfortunately it's not in 35mm format anymore. I should've been more specific. I do have a Mamiya RB67 so I can run some 120 film through, but my main camera is still the little Bessa.

 

[benjiboy]

135 size Fuji 160 S is discontinued , 120 160S has been re-issued as Fuji Pro 160 NS http://www.fujifilm.com/products/professional_films/color_negativefilms/pro_160ns/ .
Kodak Portra 160 is a first class film I don't think you would be disappointed with , I suggest you try it.

 

[stavrosk]

Portra 160 is much more neutral.

 

[Marc B.]

At USD $3.90-$5.00 a roll, here are two suppliers. Stock the freezer!

Adorama, $4.99 per roll:
Dead Link Removed


Photo Warehouse, $3.89 per roll - 10 roll pack:
[url]http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055Q5LR6/ref=sc_pgp__m_A3BTAOUA04G6XS_1?ie=UTF8&m=A3BTAOUA04G6XS&n=&s=&v=glance
[/URL]

 

[wblynch]

Fujicolor 200 is probably real close.

 

[tomalophicon]

That's really disappointing.

 

[Diapositivo]

Should I try some new Kodak Portra 160 and/or 400? Ektar? Stick to Superia? Order 100 rolls of 160S from eBay?

Buy 300 rolls from eBay and freeze them (you can buy pizza fresh). When you find a film you like, just stock it.

If the film really is discontinued, you'll have many years of what you like.

If the film is not really going to be discontinued, you'll have many years of what you like in any case.

The case may be that if many lovers act like you, the product will be "rationalized" (less formats) but kept alive. You'll have many years of what you like in every case, once again.

No reason not to hoard what you like. Frigidaire space is not that expensive.

Fabrizio

We are lucky people, we can stock years of preferred supplies with minimal expense, minimal hassle, and insignificant quality degradation. Wine lovers, tea lovers, cuisine passionates don't have this privilege. We have.

 

[keithwms]

I would suggest trying Reala. Or move to medium format where the film selections are greater! <-- never thought I'd be saying that

 

[polyglot]

While not identical, I find that Reala is much closer to Pro160S than any of the Portras. Or you could just shoot more 120

I also very much prefer Pro160S over Portra160.

 

[theDarkHorse]

I would suggest trying Reala. Or move to medium format where the film selections are greater! <-- never thought I'd be saying that

That's what I thought too when I read that until I realised it's actually true. Reala is also 120 only nowadays. I've just put my Mamiya set into CLA, but when I get it back that might be the way to go.

I think I might still buy some stock from eBay and freeze it, just in case.

 

[perkeleellinen]

This notification suggests 160S as a replacement for Reala, so I suppose Reala can be a replacement for 160S. Personally, I think Reala has more punch than 160S. If that notification turns out correct Reala may be no more and I wonder how long 160S can continue in only one format. I considered buying a medium format camera so I could keep on shooting Reala, in the event I just froze some 35mm film - enough to last two summers. If Reala is now dead in 120 I'm glad I didn't drop money on a new medium format kit.

 

[clayne]

Lots of great film in medium format besides Reala. Don't limit yourself just because of that. You'll be missing out.

 

[perkeleellinen]

Yes, of course, and equally lots of great film in 35mm. I never print bigger than 10"x8" so 120 is overkill for me.

 

[clayne]

You're missing out, trust me. Buy a cheap TLR.

(I primarily shoot 135 btw)