miklosphoto Posted December 24, 2010 Share #21 Posted December 24, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) I am in the minority of what is probably me only, but this film has left me flat. I'm sure it is pretty damned good, but it is not on my list of things to do in 2011. I really liked 400VC. I understood what it would do with my lenses and in what light. Now it has lower saturation and according to K, the same contrast as "old" NC. The "old" NC was nice, look at Bill's photos to see what it does. Now I'm told by K since everyone scans just PP the film. I can really say I love Adobe Acrobat and that I will never sit in front of an Adobe Suite and process scans. If K thinks that they can compete with digital by making film more like it, it really is the end of the company. In future retrospect, some will note the passing of 35mm NC/VC in about a year. Sometimes you don't need tea leaves. I have a few dozen rolls of film, and some 400VC labeled "NEW" in 120 that will probably never be replaced by any product. To call this film Portra is a just marketing. Two great films have been replaced by another (?). So for me, this film marks the beginning of an end of a 40 year hobby that started with an 8mm el cheapo movie camera in the late 60s. I'm not a pro, I don't need to move on, I'm not interested in digital, an ephemeral best is a ploy. As for me, I love 400NC so much that when I heard the news about discontinuing it, I quickly loaded my freezer with it. It is not that I don't trust Kodak but I just think that what is working why should they break. Too bad, maybe in a year or two when I run out of my 400NC stock, I try the new 400. For now, I keep enjoying the 400NC. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted December 24, 2010 Posted December 24, 2010 Hi miklosphoto, Take a look here Portra 400 - Changed the game for colour neg film. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Guest joewehry Posted December 24, 2010 Share #22 Posted December 24, 2010 The Analog Photography Podcast on iTunes has an interesting discussion with Scott DiSabato from Kodak regarding the Portra 400 introduction. If I recall the podcast correctly, the difference in contrast and saturation between the Portra VC and NC was only about 5-10%, so in some ways, the updated Portra 400 only makes sense. My own experience with it is that it does scan very well, and my personal preference is for the look of the Portra 400, as I tended to up the saturation on the NC and tone it down a bit on the VC, so the middle ground suits me fine. I appreciate that may not be true for other photographers with their optical or scanning workflow. I'm thrilled Kodak continues to update film. Keep it coming. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacarape Posted December 24, 2010 Share #23 Posted December 24, 2010 I feel very similar to you Miklos. The new 400 is a solution to a problem I don't have. Ok, maybe I'm just depressed about what seems to be the death of a long time hobby. Cost and convenience just isn't there anymore for me. I should be celebrating Kodaks' launch of Ektar, and a "better" 400. However if Kodak launched a new E-6 at ISO 50 (better yet ISO 25) I'd be thrilled! One of the reasons I liked K64 was for it's speed, it enabled me to use my awesome 1,4 lenses wide open in more situations. And if exposure was nailed using a slide film, there is no PP for me. Oh well, thanks for letting me cry on the Internet's shoulder. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest malland Posted December 29, 2010 Share #24 Posted December 29, 2010 ...However if Kodak launched a new E-6 at ISO 50 (better yet ISO 25) I'd be thrilled! One of the reasons I liked K64 was for it's speed, it enabled me to use my awesome 1,4 lenses wide open in more situations. And if exposure was nailed using a slide film, there is no PP for me...When the film market was huge the film manufacturer's could accommodate many specialized needs, such as this one. My need is the opposite: I've just got a Hasselblad 903-SWC, which has a f/4.5 lens that much of the time in the, say, 2-5 meter focus range I would want to shoot at least at f/5.6 or f/8 because I have to estimate the focus, the camera not having a rangefinder, An ISO 400 film that can be pushed to 1600 or more would be ideal for me, although, at this stage, I don't know whether I'll use this camera for color. In any case, I have a couple rolls of Portra 400 that I'm going to try out. —Mitch/Paris Paris au rythme de Basquiat (WIP) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
plasticman Posted December 29, 2010 Share #25 Posted December 29, 2010 The new 400 is AMAZING!! I quickly scanned some 120 shots and the grain is as fine as Portra160! And the color rendition is much closer now to Portra160NC than the rather harsher tonality and a tendency to flat colors with the old 400NC. Kodak can still make GREAT film! I'm absolutely bowled-over and so excited by the potential of this film for locations like Sweden where we have to make do with so little light for half the year. I bought a 5-pack of 35mm yesterday - now I wish I'd bought at least a twice as much and more 120 while I was there. One great Kodak film dies as I write this, but another great film is born! LONG LIVE FILM!!! PS: After writing this I suddenly had my doubts that the scanned images I was looking at really were 400, and that I'd foolishly mixed-up the 160 and 400 films. In an anxious cold sweat I held-up the negs to the light - and sure enough: 400 film that can easily be mistaken for 160!! WOW this stuff is SOOOO COOOOOOOL! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrozenInTime Posted December 29, 2010 Share #26 Posted December 29, 2010 I've been a Fuji NPH/Pro400H fan. It now seem that Kodak have finally caught up - and added a bit more pushability which is good for all of us with the demise of NPZ/800Z. some side by side reviews here Kodak New Portra 400 Review Part 2: Skin Tones Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stealth3kpl Posted December 29, 2010 Share #27 Posted December 29, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) I've been a Fuji NPH/Pro400H fan.It now seem that Kodak have finally caught up - and added a bit more pushability which is good for all of us with the demise of NPZ/800Z. some side by side reviews here Kodak New Portra 400 Review Part 2: Skin Tones This is very interesting. He seems to have shot 2EV under and 2EV over box speed but developed for box speed with amazing results. Pete Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest malland Posted December 30, 2010 Share #28 Posted December 30, 2010 The new 400 is AMAZING!! I quickly scanned some 120 shots and the grain is as fine as Portra160! And the color rendition is much closer now to Portra160NC than the rather harsher tonality and a tendency to flat colors with the old 400NC.Kodak can still make GREAT film! I'm absolutely bowled-over and so excited by the potential of this film for locations like Sweden where we have to make do with so little light for half the year. I bought a 5-pack of 35mm yesterday - now I wish I'd bought at least a twice as much and more 120 while I was there. One great Kodak film dies as I write this, but another great film is born! LONG LIVE FILM!!! PS: After writing this I suddenly had my doubts that the scanned images I was looking at really were 400, and that I'd foolishly mixed-up the 160 and 400 films. In an anxious cold sweat I held-up the negs to the light - and sure enough: 400 film that can easily be mistaken for 160!! WOW this stuff is SOOOO COOOOOOOL! That's what I have heard about this film, not the doom and gloom of some of the (apparently) luddite postings earlier in this thread, which seem to believe a conspiracy theory with regard to Kodak's motives in issuing this new film. —Mitch/Paris Bangkok Hysteria©: Book Project Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tgray Posted December 31, 2010 Share #29 Posted December 31, 2010 This is very interesting. He seems to have shot 2EV under and 2EV over box speed but developed for box speed with amazing results.Pete A lot of Kodak pro films have the same latitude. I'm sure the consumer films and Fuji films are similar. Most of these films can handle -1 to +2 with no problem. Some give you -2 without looking too bad, and many look decent even at +3 or +4 stops. I've done this with the whole Portra line and Ektar (its on my flickr) and the latitude is about what Kodak publishes: -1 or -2 to +2 or +3. People always quote 'shooting multiple ISOs on the same roll' for BW400CN as if it's some unique capability of the film. It's not in my experience, especially if scanning. Most C-41 neg does this. Try it out sometime. Heck, you can even do it with traditional B&W film. It's easy to adjust your contrast if scanning. A bit more difficult in the darkroom since your range is limited, but its still doable. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stealth3kpl Posted December 31, 2010 Share #30 Posted December 31, 2010 What really surprised me was that no push/pulling was allowed for in processing. His results look as though they were shot at native iso and processed accordingly. Is it generally advisable to advise the processor to compensate for your push/pulling or just say nothing? By the way, I've preordered some from AG Photographic, Birmingham. Pete Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stealth3kpl Posted December 31, 2010 Share #31 Posted December 31, 2010 Read the comments section here: Jonathan Canlas Photography: KODAK Portra 400 - Miami South Beach FL - Pushed to 3200 very amusing. Pete Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Albertson Posted January 1, 2011 Share #32 Posted January 1, 2011 I'd like to see that, too, but it's not likely to happen. Kodak's film R&D money is in movie stock (color negative), and Portra 400 is a very good derivative of that investment. I don't believe they're doing anything similar with the E-6 process. I like E100G as a replacement for K64, but opinions vary. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
leicapages Posted January 1, 2011 Share #33 Posted January 1, 2011 Kodak was handing out free samples (35mm or 120 roll film) at Photokina 2010. I got a few rolls of Portra 400 and must still try them out. However, from the spec sheet it seems as if the new film, while having less grain and probably thus producing a sharper impression, will have less color saturation in comparison to the Portra 400 VC. This would be a pity. I am currently using a mix of Portra 160 VC and 400 VC (ISO depending on the conditions) and can mix these films as they render colors the same way. That would no longer be the case with the new Portra 400 I understand. In my view, the new Portra 400 seems more a revamped 400 NC than a replacement for the 400 VC. Time to stock up 400 VC I guess... Maybe this is also a prelude to the demise of the Portra 160 NC and VC and their replacement by a "new" Portra 160? Would be curious if somebody can compare the color rendition of the Portra 160 VC to the new Portra 400. Pascal Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
plasticman Posted January 1, 2011 Share #34 Posted January 1, 2011 In my view, the new Portra 400 seems more a revamped 400 NC than a replacement for the 400 VC...Maybe this is also a prelude to the demise of the Portra 160 NC and VC and their replacement by a "new" Portra 160? The new Portra400 has much richer and more natural color than the old 400NC, together with unbelievably finer grain and infinitely better gradation between light and dark areas. Skin-tones are rich and natural. The new film is a vast improvement in every respect imho. I can't say how it compares to 400VC, as I never tried it. Maybe you could actually try the film, then your glass-half-empty view would have some legs to stand on? As for the so-called 'demise' of 160NC and VC to make way for a new 160 - if this happens I might be slightly sorry to see a favorite film disappear, but if it means a new improved film in other respects, I'll just keep on shooting it, and be happy that Kodak is innovating and releasing great new films for our enjoyment. On another note, I was so impressed by the comparison film in another link (Fuji PRO400H) that I popped into my local dealer to buy some, and they said that up until now they haven't stocked Fuji Pro film but the demand for pro films generally had increased so much recently, they were gonna start stocking it in the new year. Happy New Film Year! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacarape Posted January 1, 2011 Share #35 Posted January 1, 2011 Ola Pascal, I also think the writing is on the wall for the 160 versions. But this doesn't rate in the top 100 million things on peoples minds so there won't be any conjecture. Looking at the Kodak spec sheet, what I think we are going to lose the most of is contrast. (In the VC version.) From the wedding example above and my post of 160VC taken with a 35 ASPH (previous, on an MP) they look very close. At this point I don't think it's possible for someone to say it's like Plus-X and Tri-X, but that is probably a close comparison. Dark areas in a photo are tough, Riccis photo shows that it can be done. My photo is from a beach about 45 minutes south of Lagos (yes, I did take an MP and a 35 Lux on the back of an Okada to get there, with some 160VC loaded). I was meandering. The black guys face in the right of his photo is damn tough to to get. I did a portrait of two black guys and a white guy on a piece of construction equipmwnt in full sun. It didn't work. The wedding photo and my attachment are shot in lower contrast. Well, here's to the journey-Jac. PS I'm a Luddite, Kodake, sic, is head of the International Conspiracy based in Accra, Ghana to flouridate Plus-X. I have never resorted to calling calling fellow forum members names when I didn't agree with their perspective. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/138573-portra-400-changed-the-game-for-colour-neg-film/?do=findComment&comment=1545328'>More sharing options...
Steve Ash Posted January 2, 2011 Share #36 Posted January 2, 2011 I have shot one film of Portra 400 only so far. I wonder if I did something wrong with exposures or with scanning as I found small but sharp grain. Though one shot on the roll I was happy with. For me I need to experiment more. I hope it does not shine on MF only although Riccis proved already otherwise. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/138573-portra-400-changed-the-game-for-colour-neg-film/?do=findComment&comment=1545892'>More sharing options...
CawdorHouse7 Posted January 6, 2011 Share #37 Posted January 6, 2011 how would you develop the film if you rated it at 1600 ISO afterwards? at box speed or would you push process it +2 for best results? cheers andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Ryan Posted January 7, 2011 Share #38 Posted January 7, 2011 Eastman Kodak (EK on the NYSE) was at about $19.00 in March 2008. It hit a low of $2.00 in March 2009 (when most stock markets made their lows in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis). Then it rallied to a high of $9.00 in late April 2010. It reacted to about $3.60 in late August 2010, and it now is hitting highs of about $6.00 with what the Japanese call a Golden Cross on the 50 and 200 day moving averages (that is a Good Thing ). It could take a while for EK to regain anything like its former glory, but reports of its death are probably exaggerated. If it gets past $9.00 again on this run it may be worth a punt. Facts beat theories. So buy crate loads of the new product. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
plasticman Posted January 7, 2011 Share #39 Posted January 7, 2011 It could take a while for EK to regain anything like its former glory, but reports of its death are probably exaggerated. If it gets past $9.00 again on this run it may be worth a punt. In 1995 or '96 I bought about 4 or 5000 dollars worth of Apple products when everyone was pretty much saying there was no future in the company. Even the person selling me the computer and peripherals advised me that maybe it wasn't such a good idea. Now if only I'd spent the money on their stocks instead, I'd be rubbing dollars all over my body at this very moment. This is why I never listen to all the 'experts' telling me authoritatively that Kodak (and film) is dead. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest chris_z Posted January 8, 2011 Share #40 Posted January 8, 2011 Here's one of my first shots with the new Portra: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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