Wedding film choice

When I used to work as a wedding photographer over 20 years ago I used Kodak Vericolour II and worked with a Rolleicord and Mamiya C220. I finally regained my sanity and stopped doing weddings.

However I have had a relapse and have agreed to photograph a friend's wedding. Cunningly I have offered to do the photos as a wedding present. A simple set of bridals and guests (tastefully mounted). I find that commercial transactions tend to sour friendships if things go wrong. At least this way we have agreed that If things do go awry then there is no harm done.

I intend to use a mamiya 645 with a range of lenses from 45mm to 210. I think using it hand held will give me more freedom. This means that a fairly fast film (of the order of 400) is called for. When I was but a lad 400 ASA films were very grainy. No doubt times have changed. My recent colour film experience is limited to Fuji Superia 100. Lovely film for orchids but a little too saturated for wedding work.

Could anyone give me some suggestions for a suitable film for this occasion. If the weather is not too bright I may well use Superia 400 for that extra bit of bite

It really depends onthe lab you use. Back when I was crazy too, (2 years ago) I shot Kodak Portra film. I didn't choose it, the lab I used at the time, Candid 2000. was set up for it. They were so good at printing it, I swear they could do it in their sleep.

Best advice would be to ask the lab you plan on using what they print best. If you are sending out to a pro wedding lab, they will most likely tell you either Portra or Fuji NPH. Both look great when printed by people who know what they are doing.

In my opinion, the 400 speed films of today are less grainy than the 100 speed films of 20 years ago.

When my youngest daughter got married, about a year ago, I had a local photography student (*VERY* talented) use one of my Hasselblads - with OTF ProFlash - to photograph everything ... including me. The film was my "usual" - Agfacolor Optima 400.
I processed everything myself ... and I think the processing is probably more important than the film itself. If I have anything processed off shore - I'll use one of the finest commercial labs - anywhere, IMO - but even then, the one-shot chemistry I use will "blow their doors off".
The choice of film is as rational as any other choice in photography ... which, to me, is not very.
For what it is worth ... Agfacolor is *MY* choice - everywhere - and I have tried just about every film obtainable.

Kodak 400 NC or Fuji NPH depending on taste. the Fuji is more saturated but low contrast. My choice would be the Kodak. If its a dull day, you might consider Kodak Portra 400 UC. Saturated, but with excellent skintones.

You really should test. I note that everyone's who responded so far has recommended a low contrast color film. good advise. ignore the Superia for a wedding.
Take care,
Tom

Hi

I use the Kodak VC on overcast days and the NC on sunny days, works fine.Outside I use 160 ASA and inside 400 ASA!
I have done about 100 weddings so far!

The lab I use runs a Fuji frontier. As such it makes sense to use Fuji products in it. I've had good success with NPH, NPS and NPC.. Heck, I even ran some Press 1600 as a test and was quite amazed at what I got out of it..

Cheers,
Ian

Thanks to all those who gave advice. This will make choosing a film much easier.