Which film pushes better?

f/16 · Sep 22, 2011

I want to stock up on either Velvia 100 or E100VS. If I'm in a situation that requires faster film, I want to be able to shoot at 400 and have the lab push 2 stops. Would pushing be a better option or should I just get a few rolls of Provia 400? Which would give more saturated colors?

hpulley · Sep 22, 2011

I'd carry some Provia 400X instead.

timparkin · Sep 23, 2011

f/16 said:
I want to stock up on either Velvia 100 or E100VS. If I'm in a situation that requires faster film, I want to be able to shoot at 400 and have the lab push 2 stops. Would pushing be a better option or should I just get a few rolls of Provia 400? Which would give more saturated colors?

I would imagine E100VS would push better. My experience with Provia/Astia is that it pushes well up to two stops. I would be surprised if you can push Velvia a whole stop without colour degradation.

Selidor · Sep 23, 2011

I'd carry some Provia 400X instead.

This. Provia 400X is really quite underrated. Pushes well to 1600 too, if you need it to.

f/16 · Sep 24, 2011

Thanks for the advice. I'm a little unsure about Provia 400. I shot a couple of rolls of Provia 100 in 120 format, and the colors were not as strong as I was hoping for. Kinda reminded me of Kodachrome. But I'll try different ways-P400 and E100VS pushed 2 stops and see which one I like better.

keithwms · Sep 24, 2011

Provia 400x pushes spectacularly.

Please bear in mind that 400x has nothing, nothing to do with provia 100F or the other older provia, neither of which impresses me (mostly due to the tendency to go blue if the light is even slightly off 5000K). Provia 400x is some sort of newfangled miracle film, sent by the gods. I am not joking. Absolutely amazing stuff, you have to try it. I recall seeing some pushed very credibly to 3200 on rangefinderforum.

Rudeofus · Sep 24, 2011

Yes, Provia 400x is amazing film which pushes nicely at least up to ISO 1600. I would still like to point out that is is not nearly as nicely saturated as E100VS and that contrary to what Keith wrote, Provia 400X responds to bluish light with terrible colors, especially regarding skin tones.

So my recommendation would be Provia 400X and a 81B filter for your faster lenses and forget about high saturation images in dim environments. While it may be possible to push ISO 100 film to ISO 400, you'll certainly love the ISO 1600 from Provia 400X which you will never get with ISO 100 film. 2 extra stop will turn out to be not all that much of a difference, but 4 extra stops certainly is a big difference.

Athiril · Sep 25, 2011

400X is an amazing E-6 film for pushing. It doesn't hold a candle to colour neg though. IMO it is terrible overall for that. It's okay-ish for low-contrast scenes with even lighting. But think about what situations you will use 1600 in.

In any case sounds like OP just want 400 speed though, not 1600.

Here's an example of 400X @ 1600.

union clubbing #2 - jake by mugley, on Flickr

a place in the sun by mugley, on Flickr

Athiril · Sep 25, 2011

f/16 said:
I want to stock up on either Velvia 100 or E100VS. If I'm in a situation that requires faster film, I want to be able to shoot at 400 and have the lab push 2 stops. Would pushing be a better option or should I just get a few rolls of Provia 400? Which would give more saturated colors?

E100VS pushed 2 stops would probably be best saturation. They will all be better at box speed for details though - both shadow and highlight details, and colour balance.

Is there a reason you need the extra 2 stops of speed on such a film like Velvia or E100VS? I thought you would be shooting nature or landscapes with such things and using a tripod?

Roger Cole · Sep 26, 2011

f/16 said:
Thanks for the advice. I'm a little unsure about Provia 400. I shot a couple of rolls of Provia 100 in 120 format, and the colors were not as strong as I was hoping for. Kinda reminded me of Kodachrome. But I'll try different ways-P400 and E100VS pushed 2 stops and see which one I like better.

You say that like it's a bad thing. :confused:

EDIT: Lots of other semi-ranting commentary snipped. I have unpopular tastes as modern color goes.

I agree a "born at 400" film is preferable to pushing, and that means Provia 400 now in slide film.

f/16 · Sep 28, 2011

Athiril said:
E100VS pushed 2 stops would probably be best saturation. They will all be better at box speed for details though - both shadow and highlight details, and colour balance.

Is there a reason you need the extra 2 stops of speed on such a film like Velvia or E100VS? I thought you would be shooting nature or landscapes with such things and using a tripod?

I will be shooting landscapes. But with ISO 400 a tripod is not needed as much.

f/16 · Sep 28, 2011

Roger Cole said:
You say that like it's a bad thing. :confused:

It's not a BAD thing, just not what I want.

Athiril · Sep 30, 2011

f/16 said:
I will be shooting landscapes. But with ISO 400 a tripod is not needed as much.

Ektar 100 pushed 2 stops will be the best pushed saturated film you can get. It won't fall apart like E-6 does.

Otherwise, you have 400X for E-6 for 400 speed and that's it.

If you don't mind C-41 and don't need a slide that you intend on projecting in person, then Portra 800 has high saturation and low contrast to capture high contrast landscapes without losing anything. Though Portra 400 is much better for 35mm, saturation a bit lower, and contrast higher, but has no problem with high contrast scenes.

I'm not sure if Sensia 400 is still around?

Which film pushes better?

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