What Film

thuggins · Nov 18, 2016

I've decided to break out some of my old cameras (unmetered), to see what they can do. I could use an external meter, but for simplicity would like to not have to bother. As I've shot pretty much all slides for 20 years I'm curious to know what color negative film folks are using. I have used Reala and like it. In my younger days I shot Kodak Gold but in retrospect it was not very nice.

bdial · Nov 18, 2016

Kodak Portra is nice.
Ektar is a good choice if you like more saturated color, I think of it as a color negative version of Kodachrome.

removed account4 · Nov 18, 2016

HUGE fan of fuji superia

mynewcolour · Nov 19, 2016

thuggins said:
I'm curious to know what color negative film folks are using.

Most of them.

I use most of;
fujifilm c200 / agfavista 200 & 400
fujifilm superia 400, 800, 1600
kodak gold 200
kodak portra 400
kodak ektar
lomography 400

My favourites were probably fujifilm reala and pro 160/400 but stocks are low or prices are silly.

Kodak is pricey right now in the UK.

Paul Howell · Nov 19, 2016

For metered cameras shooting Sunny 11 or 16 I would use Kodak Gold and Fuji color 200 or 400, much more forgiving than Porta or Ektar.

Theo Sulphate · Nov 19, 2016

Used to shoot Kodak Gold - my new favorite is Ektar.

Peltigera · Nov 19, 2016

Given the price here, Agfa Vista+, 200ASA

thuggins · Nov 23, 2016

Thanks for the suggestions. That Agfa film looks like a great deal; I couldn't believe the price. I would have never thought of it, but will have to give it a try.

flavio81 · Nov 23, 2016

thuggins said:
I've decided to break out some of my old cameras (unmetered), to see what they can do. I could use an external meter, but for simplicity would like to not have to bother. As I've shot pretty much all slides for 20 years I'm curious to know what color negative film folks are using. I have used Reala and like it. In my younger days I shot Kodak Gold but in retrospect it was not very nice.

Portra for the most natural color response
Ektar 100 for finest grain and high sharpness
Agfa Vista 200 = Fuji 200 for great value (fine film)
Fuji Natura 1600 = Superia 1600 for fastest speed

faurefan · Nov 23, 2016

I'm not a huge fan of Superia, but Fuji C200 is an amazing deal. Incredible consumer film.

If you want to spring for the ridiculous prices, I've really been enjoying Fuji Pro 400H lately.

I'll echo the comments on Ektar 100 if you want saturated color and eye-popping sharpness - just keep in mind it has very little latitude. Treat it like slide film and get the exposure right when you shoot.

Finally, I prefer Portra 160 to 400.

Huss · Nov 24, 2016

thuggins said:
Thanks for the suggestions. That Agfa film looks like a great deal; I couldn't believe the price. I would have never thought of it, but will have to give it a try.

I use it all the time, and it is great (I also use pretty much all the other films mentioned here too). Incredible value for money.

Shot with a Nikkormat FT2, Nikkor GN 45 2.8, Fuji C200 (same as Agfa Vista 200)

cooltouch · Dec 2, 2016

My favorite negative film emulsion -- by a considerable amount -- is Kodak Portra. I've only used 160, but 400 appears to be great stuff as well. Ektar comes in second, but it's a PITA to scan because colors don't scan true.

Bronica ETRSi, 75mm f/2.8, Kodak Portra 160

For slide film, well there isn't much of a selection any more, is there. Back when film was still prevalent, that's all I ever shot was slide film. Mostly Kodachrome and Fujichrome 100. My most recent experiences were with Provia 100 and Velvia 50. Both were outstanding. I really miss Kodak Elite Chrome. Wish Kodak would have kept it. Hell, I wish Kodak would have kept Kodachrome, far as that goes. But these days I'm happy with the two Fuji emulsions. I just hope Fuji continues to produce it.

Canon F-1, FD 50mm f/1.4 SSC, Fuji Velvia 50

perkeleellinen · Dec 2, 2016

thuggins said:
I have used Reala and like it.

The best substitute for sadly missed Reala is Superia 200. You gain speed and it's a little cheaper. The even cheaper C200 (Vista 200) has more punch. If you're printing optically Superia 200 will get you very near Reala. If you scan then I'm sure Vista can be toned down to become more Reala-like.

Hubigpielover · Dec 28, 2016

For fun color there is

Rollei Fire Bird

https://flic.kr/p/QsYBcH

Adox Color Implosion

https://flic.kr/p/Qqg1sN

Edit: trying to figure out how to add photos that show up.

Sirius Glass · Dec 29, 2016

Kodak Portra 400 most of the time. I have a stash of Kodak Portra Vivid Color [35mm, 120, 4"x5"] and Kodak Portra Ultra Color [35mm, 120] for special subjects.

macfred · Dec 29, 2016

- Kodak Portra 160 (most of the time)
- Kodak Portra 400
- Kodak Ektar 100

Halford · Dec 29, 2016

I think if you don't like Kodak Gold, you will probably like Portra more than Ektar. Also I'm not sure where you are in the world -- its availability is patchy (but pretty straightforward here in Europe) -- but Fuji 160NS has lovely subtle colour renditions.

cooltouch · Dec 29, 2016

I learned years ago that if I reduced the box speed of regular old Kodacolor by about 1/3 stop I got greatly improved saturation and even finer appearing grain. The result was very close to slide film. Portra and Ektar don't seem to improve by the same corresponding amount, though.

Agulliver · Dec 29, 2016

I am a fan of Fuji Superia.

However, the Agfa Vista (= Fuji C200) is quite OK especially if you don't mind it's saturated look. Grain is good and you can get surprisingly pleasing images from it. £1 if you are in the UK.

film_man · Dec 29, 2016

Portra 400 is very versatile, particularly if you don't want to meter very accurately. Rate it 200 and fire away, it will work like a 100-800 film without any compensation and even 1600 will do ok-ish.

I shoot Portra 160 when the light is good, 400 when I need the flexibility and when I know I will be sloppy with metering. Ideally I'd shoot Portra 800 all the time as I love it but it is so expensive I just can't justify it. Ektar is also good when the light is good but that needs more accurate metering and it is quite punchy with the colours so not for everything.

TheFlyingCamera · Dec 29, 2016

I sunny-16 Kodak Ektar 100 all the time, and it comes out just fine from my Rolleiflex.

Ces1um · Dec 29, 2016

jnanian said:
HUGE fan of fuji superia

me too. totally agree.

RichardJack · Dec 30, 2016

I agree with those who have said Portra 400 (new). I like TMAX 400 (TMY new) for B&W. But, I'm shooting 6x6 & 6x7 where I want the extra speed to keep my shutter speeds high for handholding. For 35mm the slower versions might be better, but everything that I read lately say the TMY and Portra to be the sharpest films. I use to swear by Ektar 100 and Ektar 25.
I can't comment about chromes because I haven't shot them in years. I'm in the US and have always been partial to Kodak.
Happy New Year!
Rick

What Film

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