While I don't disagree that Provia is a fantastic film... I mean, I LOVE Provia SO much. You're missing a couple of things and reaching for a couple more.
As for costs, the slide film costs more -- especially in 135, where it's $5 a roll more expensive,
I have to disagree. I am using about 150 to 250 rolls of film p.a. And lots of it being colour film. As I am not a rich person, I must have an eye on costs. And that is why I am using much more colour reversal film than colour negative film. The overall costs per shot (for the final, finished picture) are lower for me with reversal film, both in 135 and 120 format (in 120 the difference is bigger).
That is based on prices here in Germany / Europe (but prices e.g. at B&H for Fujichromes are even less than here).
but even in 120 where my last box cost me $50ish and Portra 160 cost me $44.
Here in Germany it is just the other way round: Provia 100F 120 is significantly cheaper than Portra 160, Ektar, Portra 400 and 800.
The developing costs more,
Not necessarily. And even if, the difference is often negligible. Not only with home processing (which is very easy and cheap), but also with some professional labs. Here in Germany the leading prof. lab is charging less for E6 compared to C41. For example in the US AgX-Imaging is charging only 8$ for E6 processing. A very competive price to C41 of other prof. labs. In lots of countries there are prof. labs who offer E6 at very reasonable prices. Mostly the long established, very experienced labs.
and I still have to scan because I have no way of projecting 6x8 slides, nor will anyone ever see them. Kind of a shame as they are pretty incredible in a way that the computer doesn't quite replicate. I like just looking at the slide itself, which is weird, but it's not like I can get others to do so. Thankfully it scans very easily, and I have gotten some great lab prints from Velvia and Provia shots. But that's just the way it is. For me, the price is 5%-15% more for slides, even including time.
For projection of 6x8 transparencies, just do yourself a favour and buy a Jensen medium format projector: It can be used for slides up to 6x9cm, and the quality is absolutely outstanding!! Pictures just like from another world!!
Pictures on computer monitors are looking like total crap in comparison to slide projection with excellent slide projectors. Extremely low resolution, no real half tones, totally flat (no "3-D" pop like in slide projection), inferior colour brillance.
Fo showing others your 6x8 slides besides projection: I am regularly organising film photographer meetings. And I always have a Kaiser slimlite lighttable with me (
https://kaiser-fototechnik.de/de/produkte/index.php?s=381 ). They are very light and compact, and have in-built rechargeable battery. Light quality is excellent. And I have one of my outstanding Schneider-Kreuznach slide loupes with me.The other photographers are always very excited and amazed by the quality, and the easy use for viewing.
Likewise, when shooting, the negative films have significantly more dynamic range.
Dynamic range is not a problem at all if you are using the right technique, and having good equipment. I am often using reversal film in high-contrast situations.
For example in landscape photography using a polarizing filter, neutral gradual filters and / or pulling Provia gives me more than enough additional DR to get excellent results.
And for asthethic reasons we should be aware of the fact that too much DR is often reducing the quality of a picture, as it becomes too flat and lifeless. Deep(er) shadows and brillant highlights quite often add "power" and impact to a picture.
I do also quite a lot of portrait and fashion photography outdoors. And have to deal with harsh light. No problem at all with reversal film using diffusors and reflectors, and my modern film cameras (like the F6) with fill-in flash. Which gives outstanding natural results in high-contrast situations when you reduce the fill-in power additionally by about 1.7 to 2 stops (for Provia, a bit less for Velvia).
The problem is today that most photographers - including those using film for decades - simply don't know the incredible possibilities modern film camera and flash technology offers. You can expand your creative possibilities so much. And it is so easy. But 99% of film photographers simply don't know it. I permanently see that in the workshops I offer.
Best regards,
Henning