Printing Kodak Portra?

Not to beat a dead horse, but the one time I did have problems with blown highlights in my scans (and as a result, the prints) was when I took Portra 160NC to a pro lab...

Don't usually have that problem at Target. But I don't shoot very much color, so my sample size is literally like 8 data points.

It wasn't in the negs, because when I scanned a couple of them at home, they were fine.

Does the new Portra film have more contrast than the old ones? If so, maybe the lab mistakenly used the curves for the old Portra on the new film and got too much contrast.

Just a thought.

Possible. To be honest, it cost $15-20 for negs, prints, and scans. Not that I have a problem with the cost, but not only were the scans not the best, but the negs were scratched and dirty - Target is usually cleaner, and for $3-4 for dev and scans, I'll just stick with them for what little C-41 I do.

George:

The OP was slightly confusing.

The question about blown highlights does seem to be connected with a Fuji minilab, but of course that minilab does three things - it processes the film, it scans the negatives, and then prints from the scans.

You "parsed" the post one way. Others "parsed" it another way.

Vive le difference!

All the best.

Matt

I love Portra NC, but VC, ugh the stuff is hot... that said, if its cloudy or overcast out, VC is the way to go... but NC is so much friendlier... About printing, ive been using Portra since they (Mr Eastman, et. al) tossed my beloved my VPSIII into the waste bin of history.... Porta seems to be a challenge to most every printer ive encountered... Even the semi-pro labs dont always get a good print (im pretty picky)... but ive definately seen huge differences in print quality between Wal-Mart operated and "lab" operated frontiers and other digital printers.. I opt to have the "labs" print my portra, the economy class just cant do it right...

Now if i could just find someone who knows how to use an optical Noritsu... We'd be havin some mighty fine lookin Portra Proofs.... Anyone?

MattKing said:

George:

The OP was slightly confusing.

The question about blown highlights does seem to be connected with a Fuji minilab, but of course that minilab does three things - it processes the film, it scans the negatives, and then prints from the scans.

You "parsed" the post one way. Others "parsed" it another way.

Vive le difference!

All the best.

Matt

Click to expand...

Agreed, Counselor.

Parsing is part of what keeps us employed!