The Vision3 films I've developed (in C-41, which may be the reason) have even denser masks.
These orange masks are quite dense, I have seen D=1.0 in some C-41 film data sheets. It would not surprise me at all, that advanced scanners are optimized for this, i.e. more light sensitive in the blue channel, but at the same time less able to handle strong blue light.
The film does indeed lack an orange mask. But it has a dye filter layer.
Orwo NC500 "datasheet":
View attachment 329610
Maybe film lacks the orange mask, but the spec sheet does have it
color separation, yes - a coupler mask, not necessarily.
These are scans of 16mm motion picture film in E-6. There is a slight orange cast but it can be easily corrected for in post, or perhaps with some 81 filter.
CR seems to think the emulsion is or is based on an Agfachrome stock.
Negative process for reference:
I would say Orwo is light years behind of what Kodak Vision 3 delivers or any color emulsion of the last 30 years.
So at best, there will be Kodak and there may be some Lomo-like runners-up.
This might just sum it up quite aptly.That seems to be the sad reality in color. Kodak for film, Fuji for paper
Here are a few takeaways from my test with the material. This will concern the NC 500 emulsion. The NC 400 emulsion will be discussed in another post at a later date.
The tests were conducted with material cut down from long rolls with BH 1866 perforation, not with 135-36 finished material.
I've been fortunate enough to have been able to (technically) test a few stages of the emulsion over the last months and must say, that they have come a long way. Making a color film from scratch is not an easy task - some would have called it impossible. Yet, Orwo and the engineers and emulsioneers at Innoviscoat managed to come up with a new color emulsion - in record time. I suggest to take a moment to appreciate this.
Many here and elsewhere have been very sceptical and sometimes even demeaning. If you have a problem with the brand, or those associated with it, please refrain from commenting - marketing and distribution of the product is not subject of my short review here. I want to talk about the emulsion.
Film Speed:
Even though the Film is called NC 500, the sensitometrically determined film speed of the emulsion, processed in a monitored ECN-2 process is close to 320. Under practical conditions, I suggest the film be exposed at E.I. 250.
Granularity:
Compared to 5219 and 5207, Orwo NC500 is noticeably grainier. This, however, isn't necessarily a bug, but more a feature. The film is not a Vision3 emulsion, and does not even come close. But it does not have to, in my opinion. Compared to any available modern emulsion, the NC 500 has a distinct grain structure / dye distribution pattern that resembles early chromogenic emulsions. Some will like the look, others will not. That's a matter of personal taste.
Sharpness:
Sharpness and especially acutance could be improved upon, but again, in this regard as well the film is distinctly not a Vision3 film.
Antihalation:
Since the film has no remjet backing, one might assume halations could be an issue. However, I am pleased to say that the integral anti halation layer present in the emulsion works very well in surpressing both reflection and diffusion halations.
Color Reproduction:
Color Saturation is overall on the lower end of the spectrum. Especially the yellow dye forming layer fails to form sufficient dye density, which results in muted blues, especially apparent in a blue sky. Overall color reproduction is acceptable.
Conclusion
Someone who only shoots on 5203 / 50D will probably not enjoy NC 500. If you like to try a new look that is distinctly not as clean as Vision3, or any other Kodak / Fuji Stock for that matter, but more in line of color negative films found in the late 1960s and early 1970s, this might be a good way to explore that route.
Here are a few example shots taken last weekend in the mountains:
Some interesting comments "horrible image structure" "waste of money" ? I wonder if same people were saying same thing about the Lomo crap color films out there.
?! Lomo has exactly two "crap" colour films (Lomochrome Turquoise and Purple) and one in the "Orwo" category (LomoChrome Metropolis) out there. Ironically, all of the crap colour films are coated in the same factory as Orwo's new colour films.
The rest are light years ahead of current Orwo colour films (even Redscale which is just normal film put into the cassette the wrong way so that it gets exposed through the base).
@Hassasin please, no foul language. It's unnecessary and in fact undesirable on this forum. Thanks.
Lomo has always been in the spin business: make anything (read: however it comes out), then spin as unique and sell it to the masses as boutique product (and get some celebrities on board to reason the need for following). Not far from this tree falls "New Polaroid", or the Impossible Project, which remains ... impossible, as it turns out. Surely, not everyone would agree.
Yes, the b.. and the c.. words. F..words are also undesirable.
But, that's exactly what Orwo is doing with NC500. It brings absolutely nothing that could come remotely close to current cine films. Even the price is much higher. So, as we already said, Orwo NC500's only thing is that it's... unique. Technically inferior, more expensive, creative marketing - that's Lomography for you.
Don't get me wrong. I wish them all the success. I even bought NC500 on the very first day of pre-orders.
Should not be a problem to have banned words automatically eradicated.
I suppose BS is also not allowed? it's really laughable, but that's OK.
I never considered B word on same level as F word anyways, but people get offended by invisible matters these anyways, so be it.
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