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Question about Kodak Gold 200

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As others have said, too many variables to make a blanket statement, but my experience with the current Gold 200 (edge marking 200-8) and the previous generation (200-7) is that they have quite a nicely balanced, slightly warm color palette, with contrast and saturation somewhere between Ektar and Portra. I'm shooting less color film these days, but I've been really pleased with what I've seen from the current Gold 200.

That said, I've seen very different results from all color films when shot through different lenses - so different that you'd never guess they were the same emulsion unless you were told. Without knowing what sort of lens you're using (coated/uncoated, classic/modern, hood/no hood, etc.) it's difficult to know where to start.

I use Canon EF 28-105 f/4 L lens
 
I have always been biased towards Kodak colors and Kodak Gold has always been a safe bet - good balance of color and contrast. Gold 200 is grainier than Gold 100 which is grainier than Ektar 100 but quite manageable even for larger print sizes.

xlarge.jpg
 
Color Shifting Neg film

That said, I've seen very different results from all color films when shot through different lenses - so different that you'd never guess they were the same emulsion unless you were told. Without knowing what sort of lens you're using (coated/uncoated, classic/modern, hood/no hood, etc.) it's difficult to know where to start.[/QUOTE]

A point I had almost forgotten in the years since I last shot color neg. If you're shooting multiple lenses and using UV/Skylight filters as lens protector/covers, make sure every filter is from the same manufacturer and of the same value or remove them before shooting (its also nice to have all lenses from the same manufacturer but that's often beyond the budget). Early on I created some rolls with crazy shifts from frame to frame and lens to lens. Very hard on the automated mini-lab which tries to make every frame color balance the same. Time consuming and a real PITA for the semi-custom hand printer as well.
 
I was on the design team for the first Kodacolor Gold 400. Our job, with the Gold films was to design in higher saturation by means of interimage effects, meaning purer and brighter colors. The goal was also higher contrast (about 0.7 as opposed to the pro films of 0.6).

...

PE

I've used a fair amount of Gold 200, especially when I ran short of Portra in the field. My experience exactly matches what PE says were the design goals for Gold 400. Gold 200 is considerably more saturated than Portra 160, and it has somewhat higher contrast. Overall, it is still an excellent color negative film.
 
Back in the 70s we sold three brands agfa, Kodak and fuji in approximate order of colour saturation.

Each country's makers made film for the expectations of the market they were trying to serve. I would not doubt that the Gold was intended to be more saturated than the previous generation. And I would also not be surprised if it comes off as Muted compared to Superia.

I will say that Kodak often had the more accurate colour rendition.
 
That a good point. Gold200 looks best through Nikkor lens.

Now I know why I wasn't enjoying Gold 200 to the max -- i should have been using NIKKOR lenses!!
 
I love Gold 200.
Costs 1/4 of Portra here in Japan and the results are great.

Film prices in Japan of imported film (Kodak and Ilford) are just insane.

I'm going to Japan this weekend and I'll be bringing my own film except for my Fuji needs. Film is 50% cheaper in China!
 
Damn. Sorry. Spoke too soon. They just raised it to 1060!!


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Yep, all imported films are very expensive in Japan. It's got to be a hard time to shoot film if you are a Kodak/Ilford user.

Fuji REALLY should not have dropped Neopan 400.
 
Gold 200 would be great if you could find it anywhere.
 
Gold 200 would be great if you could find it anywhere.

Precisely correct. Once it was in every corner drug store, and now it is getting very difficult to find. A year or so ago I mail ordered some but they substituted a "similar" product claiming it to be same as Gold 200. It wasn't.
 
Now I have a Gold from end of 90ies saying "Gold" on the canister. Keep you updated :smile:
 
Here you go...

I suppose. Not that I have any problem whatsoever with B&H, but if you don't live near the place you can't just run in and grab some.

Maybe that makes it more special, IDK.

My dinosauristic qualities must be coming through but it seems to me that Kodak might have more success with their fine products (and I mean that) if you could actually find them somewhere in front of you. On the other hand, the only local general retail outlet we have is Wally-World. I can't say I really remember the last time I walked in there and actually found what I wanted unless it was groceries, pet food or underwear. Maybe it's just USA retail practices in general.

Please, back to the program already in progress.
 
yes... twice. It took me a while to learn that old saying: fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.
 
Gold 200 would be great if you could find it anywhere.

I have noticed that in the past couple of years, Walgreens only sells Fuji film and Kodak disposable cameras (no film rolls). I have also noticed other drug stores only selling Fuji. CVS will have Kodak max/gold 400 but not 200 and the price for a 3 roll pack is the same for a 4 roll pack of Fuji. Rite Aid is just severely overpriced Fuji, usually outdated (at least at my local one). Just 4 years ago I could buy plenty of gold 200, 400, 800 and B&W400cn as well as Fuji. Walmart only has Fuji. It is as if Kodak does not want to sell consumer film. I can and do buy Kodak online but sometimes I am out and about and need a couple rolls due to no access to my at home stash.
 
The Gold 200 was out of stock everywhere for a while, but it seems to be back now. I've gotten it recently from Freestyle and B&H, both fresh and apparently quite recent production, judging by the expiration date. The three-pack of 24-exposure rolls seems the best deal.
 
The Gold 200 was out of stock everywhere for a while, but it seems to be back now. I've gotten it recently from Freestyle and B&H, both fresh and apparently quite recent production, judging by the expiration date. The three-pack of 24-exposure rolls seems the best deal.

Out of curiosity, does the box make any reference to Kodak Alaris, or does it still refer to Eastman Kodak or one of its subsidiaries (like Kodak Karl)?
 
Well that's some good news to hear.
The Gold 200 was out of stock everywhere for a while, but it seems to be back now. I've gotten it recently from Freestyle and B&H, both fresh and apparently quite recent production, judging by the expiration date. The three-pack of 24-exposure rolls seems the best deal.
 
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