Jump to content

Which Color Reversal Film?


RPS

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

During the summer of 2008, there was a "Which B&W film" thread here in the Film Forum. As someone returning to film photography in a serious way after an absence of many years, I found that thread both interesting and very helpful.

 

With the announced demise of Kodachrome, I thought it might be interesting to explore which color reversal film(s) the members of this forum favour ... and why.

 

I searched the forum to see if this topic had been raised before, but did not find a similar thread ... if there is one, moderators please either remove this thread or merge it into the earlier thread of a similar nature.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Oops, I've always used the term "transparency" for slides. It's been so long since I heard the term "reversal" that I mistook it to meant negative film. Silly me!

 

I'll shoot mostly Velvia. I might give Ektachrome another chance, but I don't expect to like it any better than when I abandoned it in favor of Kodachrome 30 years ago.

 

Ektar is amazing film with a palate similar to that of Kodachrome. It works better for night photography than any other film I've used thanks to its lack of reciprocity failure. I anticipate shooting lots of it, even though I've never had much fondness for color negative films.

Link to post
Share on other sites

If we are talking negative film - anything BUT Ektar...

 

 

 

:D

 

Probably a good thing, too!

 

:D:D:D

 

I like the Fuji slide films: Velvia for landscapes and sports because of the great colors, Astia for people (great skin tones)

Link to post
Share on other sites

You guys are giving me a chuckle.

 

Before starting this thread, I spent a fair amount of time deciding whether to call it "Which Color Slide Film?" or "Which Color Transparency Film?" before deciding on "Which Color Reversal Film?". I even looked up Kodachrome on Wikipedia to verify the term typically used to describe that particular film.

 

My logic for this decision came from my perception that "hey, there's a lot of really sophisticated photographers on this forum ... they'll probably prefer that I use the more technical term."

 

Who knew I would cause so much confusion!

 

:o

Link to post
Share on other sites

No confusion here, I used to shoot a lot of Kodachrome - in preference to colour negative - but have moved more towards negative film, mostly for convenience. I do prefer slide/transparencey/reversal film however.

 

Ektachrome or Agfa were my next best alternatives, obviously Agfa is no longer available. I always thought Fuji was a bit too 'cold' looking but I've not tried the latest films. I was thinking of buying up some Kodachrome and making the most of it while it lasts, but maybe I'd be better off experimenting with some of the alternatives. That said I've got a freezer load of colour neg to get through!

Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm at a crossroads, of sorts. I'm a Kodachrome user. Shot a smattering of other films here and there, but nothing I like as well as the aforementioned. I don't know what I'll switch to when my stock's gone. I prefer reversal, but I suppose if I have to go to negative I will.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I'll show you the result I got from it, Allan, then you'll see why it can stay on the shelf in the shop.

 

I think I remember you posting it a few months ago, but go ahead for anyone else who missed it. I do remember vividly the shots someone (not you) posted where the colors were gone all orange and weird. That was ugly, for sure.

 

Not sure what labs on this side the pond are doing differently, but as you know I've been very happy with the Ektar. It's most definitely all down to the processing.

Link to post
Share on other sites

After spending a few hours projecting some of my slides it become apparent to me that Kodak series

of transpararency film was the winner.

 

I don't know if it's the strong light down here but on the screen it's gorgeous,

 

Summer...100G.

100GX is slightly warmer probably better for the cooler seasons.

And if you really want to be blown away by it's punch and sharpness try 100VS great for dull days

unlike Kodachrome.

 

I also like Fuji's films Velvia,Provia and Astia and if I am desperate I will use Sensia.

 

Good luck with your choice.

 

Ken.

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 11 months later...

With the apparent demise of Astia (http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/film-forum/125995-astia-blink-its-gone.html) I thought I would bump this thread to see whether the passage of a year might produce a different take on this question ... it would be good to learn what others think before I stock up on film for my summer vacation.

 

Yes ... I realize Astia still can be purchased, but if it's going to be gone eventually, I thought I might start getting familiar with some of the other options.

Edited by RPS
Added a comment
Link to post
Share on other sites

With the apparent demise of Astia (http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/film-forum/125995-astia-blink-its-gone.html) I thought I would bump this thread to see whether the passage of a year might produce a different take on this question ... it would be good to learn what others think before I stock up on film for my summer vacation.

 

Yes ... I realize Astia still can be purchased, but if it's going to be gone eventually, I thought I might start getting familiar with some of the other options.

 

Three months ago I started using Portra NC, and I'm more than happy with it, on both 35mm and 120. I always shoot 400 and it's incredibly clear and sharp. Gives gorgeous skin tones as well, so if you're doing street with lot's of people then I highly recommend this.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...