Which medium speed MF film?

[f/16]

I got the Pentax 645 a couple of days ago-wow! I loaded up with Provia 100-that's the only color transperancy film I have at the moment. What about a 400 speed for slides? That speed can be a little grainy in 35mm, but should not be an issue with 645??? Am I correct? The 2 extra stops would be nice and I'd be less tripod dependent. Which 400 film do you prefer?

 

[rawhead]

For slide, there's really just one that's available; Provia 400X. It's great, and can withstand 2x push.

 

[f/16]

Thanks rawhead. When you say 2x push, you mean 2 stops-1600 right? And I have one more question-what do you put the film in when you unload it from the camera? It's not like 35mm-roll back into the cassette and put in canister that came with it.

 

[rawhead]

As the film goes through the camera, it gets re-spooled onto a different spool. The paper backing will be there too, and you just need to, as you take the spool out, seal it with a tape that is attached to the backing paper. Search 120 film on Youtube and I'm sure there's a million videos showing you exactly how to do this

 

[MattKing]

Thanks rawhead. When you say 2x push, you mean 2 stops-1600 right? And I have one more question-what do you put the film in when you unload it from the camera? It's not like 35mm-roll back into the cassette and put in canister that came with it.

The spooled up exposed 120 film is quite well protected by the paper backing and adhesive tape, but if you are concerned there are a couple of ways of providing further protection to it.

This classified thread shows one solution - if you can find them for sale somewhere:
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

EDIT: Freestyle photo has them: http://www.freestylephoto.biz/8203814-Maco-120-Economy-Roll-Film-Container

Some films (ADOX?) are sold with cannisters that you can re-use.

Apparently you can also use Mini M&M tubes (eat the candy first).

 

[f/16]

Great. Tomorrow I'll be getting some M&Ms

 

[hpulley]

Don't worry really, just lick/peel & stick and provided that the film is wound tightly around the spool as it should, the backing paper alone protects it. Like you the first time I used a film that wasn't contained (35mm can, 126/110 cartridge) I was shocked that nothing but a band of paper protected my film but that's all it takes really. The 120 film containers are big and bulky and don't really offer much extra protection but if you feel like using them or just want some M&Ms, go right ahead!

As mentioned above, Provia 400X is the only 400-speed chrome film left. I used to shoot the 400F version and Ektachrome 400 on occasion and generally preferred the Fuji at that speed though I used E200 normally. Now I mostly shoot C-41 for color work where Portra 400 is excellent, such small grain unless you push it to 1600 that you hardly need to use Portra 160 in medium format unless you make really huge enlargements.

 

[MattKing]

I have some of the black 120 film containers and I like using them. They make it easier to systematize keeping the exposed and unexposed film separate, and make it safe and practical to use ordinary pockets to transport exposed colour film to the lab.

I don't think that they are always necessary, but I do think that they are convenient.

 

[Pupfish]

Back in the day, ISO 100 was pretty fast! Definitely considered "medium-speed" fast.
I happen to like Astia 100F a whole lot. It isn't as contrasty as Provia to begin with, so it takes a one or two stop push better. I've also had Provia that's had a too-blue color cross in the shadows.
If you're going to do anything in the darkroom with your images, RA4 is a whole lot easier to print with a full range of tones and less expensive than Ilfochrome so print films are great. No large penalty in grain these days over chromes. Fujicolor Pro 160s is great stuff, as is Kodak Portra and Ektar.