Why does it make any sense at all to use non-professional grade film stocks in this day and age???

[sblitz]

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The question was answered at the very beginning of this thread -- the difference has to do with color consistency from roll to roll. Professional films are designed to have it, consumer films are designed sit on warm shelves for long periods of time until sold and still be reasonable.Whether this distinction still has merit when films are scanned and then digitally processed, thereby potentially allowing the reds, blues, etc to be the same from roll to roll, is a different discussion. This is pretty the story. After that, issues of color grain etc of a consumer film vs a pro film is really a matter of preference, just as some prefer portra and others do not. It isn't a good or bad but what is right for what one is trying achieve. For example, Adam took graffiti pictures using velvia as opposed to portra or ektar, his reasons his product his work. 'nuff said.

[sblitz]

Found this online while searching for something else, thought this would add and end the pro vs non-pro difference. Doesn't change which people prefer and why. Obviously film choice has changed since 2012 but what is written about pro and consumer films underscores what others, such as Adan, have written above ....

 

 

Thomas Dannhauser , Feb 02, 2012; 02:02 p.m.

I am a Kodak employee; I used to be part of the R&D and commercialization of Kodak E-6 films. I also used to shoot the Kodak Elite E-6 films for my own use.
Not sure that anyone sells an amateur version of E-6 films anymore.... I think both Fuji and Kodak have consolidated their amateur and pro slide lineups.
As I recall, the difference between the amateur and pro Kodak E-6 films was not the chemistry (with the exception of incorporated warming dyes), but how we applied "windage" to the different formulations to accomodate the different use habits of the photographer. We assumed pros would be able to refrigerate film stocks until shortly before using and would process within days or hours after exposure. Amateur film stocks had their sensitometry adjusted to accomodate longer periods of room temperature storage before use and a longer interim period between exposure and processing. We also assumed pros would require less variability between different emulsion batches of film as they would be more likely to directly compare similar shots made on different emulsions of a film type, while the amateur films would generally only be viewed "single stimulus", or one emulsion at a time. This is why refrigeration of pro film stocks was recommended -- to keep an emulsion's sensitometry within that specification and reduce the chances of it aging to the point where it was noticeably different from a different emulsion batch. 
So, you should feel free to shoot the current pro Ekatchrome films the same way you did your older Elite stocks. If you can't or don't want to store your unused film in the refrigerator or freezer, room temperature storage is fine, but try and avoid high temperature and humidity for prolonged times. And then try and process relatively promptly (weeks). E100G has nice, moderately saturated color with good skin tones and neutrals, nice grain and sharpness. E100VS has enhanced color saturation (very saturated) and is very sharp with good grain; a nice choice for nature/landscapes. I hope you will give these a try and enjoy them as much as you did the older Elite films

[Doc Henry]

I just post this link for Steve in his thread , and I post now here for Adam 

http://curatingcuteness.com/2013/05/35mm-film-guide/

Best

Henry

[ShivaYash]

I love cheap film. It annoys many on here but the results work for me. I realise I'm late to the party on this thread and wrote with hesitation. Currently on a 7.5 week holiday in India with 28 cheap rolls and some pro ones too. Will develop in Bombay and scan via Pakon when back in London. I realise this will also annoy some. Colour plus by Kodak is just great for this part of the world. I've also shot around ten rolls of various black and white. Ilford Pan 400, HP5+ and tri-X. Just load, compose, shoot and enjoy.

[rpavich]

I love cheap film. It annoys many on here but the results work for me. I realise I'm late to the party on this thread and wrote with hesitation. Currently on a 7.5 week holiday in India with 28 cheap rolls and some pro ones too. Will develop in Bombay and scan via Pakon when back in London. I realise this will also annoy some. Colour plus by Kodak is just great for this part of the world. I've also shot around ten rolls of various black and white. Ilford Pan 400, HP5+ and tri-X. Just load, compose, shoot and enjoy.

Lol...yes, it will:

 

Cheap film + Pakon = buy bullet proof vest.

 

Personally, I like your images and I couldn't care less what film you use...

[A miller]

I love cheap film. It annoys many on here but the results work for me. I realise I'm late to the party on this thread and wrote with hesitation. Currently on a 7.5 week holiday in India with 28 cheap rolls and some pro ones too. Will develop in Bombay and scan via Pakon when back in London. I realise this will also annoy some. Colour plus by Kodak is just great for this part of the world. I've also shot around ten rolls of various black and white. Ilford Pan 400, HP5+ and tri-X. Just load, compose, shoot and enjoy.

 

The only annoyance (albeit a very minor one) resulting from your post is that you really make no effort to engage on the specific question that I asked.  So I thus deem you to be somewhat of a troll in this very particular case on this particular thread.  Enjoy your vacation.

[ShivaYash]

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Lol...yes, it will:

 

Cheap film + Pakon = buy bullet proof vest.

 

Personally, I like your images and I couldn't care less what film you use...

Thanks... ;-)

I should say, some of my film is expired!

On a serious note I can recommend the egg boxes for storage when travelling.

 

[ShivaYash]

The only annoyance (albeit a very minor one) resulting from your post is that you really make no effort to engage on the specific question that I asked. So I thus deem you to be somewhat of a troll in this very particular case on this particular thread. Enjoy your vacation.

There is nothing more to add to the discussion... But thanks.

[ShivaYash]

At least of a positive note, hence the cheek.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ShivaYash]

Actually... I think much of the stuff written about film stock is to do with snobbery. Just like the hashtag 'ishootfilm' of which I too am guilty. I find many readers of this particular forum (film) get upset when people like me shoot cheap film... The other points already raised have covered the other matters that spring to mind. I agree with most about the label 'pro' in this age of film... A few pages back.

 

Thanks all for now. I'd appreciate you not making accusations, calling me, 'somewhat of a troll' for such a label is untrue.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[A miller]

Actually... I think much of the stuff written about film stock is to do with snobbery. Just like the hashtag 'ishootfilm' of which I too am guilty. I find many readers of this particular forum (film) get upset when people like me shoot cheap film... The other points already raised have covered the other matters that spring to mind. I agree with most about the label 'pro' in this age of film... A few pages back.

 

Thanks all for now. I'd appreciate you not making accusations, calling me, 'somewhat of a troll' for such a label is untrue.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Shiva - you are free to waste your money and time as you see fit.  Am I am free to express my view that your purchasing decisions and photography don't make rational sense.  Please don't forget - you are on my thread now... 

[ShivaYash]

Shiva - you are free to waste your money and time as you see fit. Am I am free to express my view that your purchasing decisions and photography don't make rational sense. Please don't forget - you are on my thread now...

Yes of course... Your thread. How sorry I am for treading on YOUR toes. So much for the sentiment you made in this opening thread and the sense of community such comments bring. Sigh...

 

Perhaps you could post some of your pro photos on YOUR thread to prove my wastage of time and money.

 

Mods kindly take note of such uncalled for remarks. Why ask a question if you think you already know the answer.

 

I'm done.

 

#ishootfilmandfilmonly

Should familiar Adam?

Ps: #filmhashtagsarelame

 

 

This photo has been uploaded with care, it contains no nudity and is of my daughter. I hope it does not cause any offence to anyone. It was taken with Kodak ColourPlus 200, M6 with 35 Summilux FLE. I like the look... But love the subject. Comments welcome, where would we be without non-pro film stock.

 

Greetings from Varkala, Kerala.

Edited April 8, 2016 by ShivaYash

[A miller]

Yes of course... Your thread. How sorry I am for treading on YOUR toes. So much for the sentiment you made in this opening thread and the sense of community such comments bring. Sigh...

 

Perhaps you could post some of your pro photos on YOUR thread to prove my wastage of time and money.

 

Mods kindly take note of such uncalled for remarks. Why ask a question if you think you already know the answer.

 

I'm done.

 

#ishootfilmandfilmonly

Should familiar Adam?

Ps: #filmhashtagsarelame

 

 

This photo has been uploaded with care, it contains no nudity and is of my daughter. I hope it does not cause any offence to anyone. It was taken with Kodak ColourPlus 200, M6 with 35 Summilux FLE. I like the look... But love the subject. Comments welcome, where would we be without non-pro film stock.

 

Greetings from Varkala, Kerala.

 

well, Shiva, I wasn't the first to do the name calling now was I (#cheapfilmsnobs)

Lovely subject...horrible color palette and WB...your lovely daughter deserves the best, so give her portra 160 so when she is 18 and a highly paid fashion model she won't look back at this and want to cringe...

[Phil U]

well, Shiva, I wasn't the first to do the name calling now was I (#cheapfilmsnobs)

Lovely subject...horrible color palette and WB...your lovely daughter deserves the best, so give her portra 160 so when she is 18 and a highly paid fashion model she won't look back at this and want to cringe...

 

 I see the color issue too, though i don't think it spoils it particularly. it's a beautiful photo, that's what came to mind when i saw it. 

 

The unnatural color results from using daylight film under artificial light, doesn't it? So I'm curious to know how would spending extra on portra help with that?

[A miller]

The unnatural color results from using daylight film under artificial light, doesn't it?

 

I really don't know that as I wasn't there...

 

 

 

So I'm curious to know how would spending extra on portra help with that?

 

Just a really really strong hunch...

[AlanG]

Shiva, the bottom line is that if you don't have to meet any specific standards, it probably doesn't matter what film you use.  But if you are not getting the results you want... even after scanning and adjusting the digital image, you might want to try some other film.  Many of us went through a lot of trouble learning how different films would respond with various subjects under a variety of situations. The goal was to make our results predictable.

Edited April 8, 2016 by AlanG

[pico]

Shiva, the bottom line is that if you don't have to meet any specific standards, it probably doesn't matter what film you use.  But if you are not getting the results you want... even after scanning and adjusting the digital image, you might want to try some other film.  Many of us went through a lot of trouble learning how different films would respond with various subjects under a variety of situations. The goal was to make our results predictable.

 

How in the world do we know he is not getting the results he wants? Certainly, his results do not meet my expectations, nor yours, but it is clear he is happy.

 

Aside: I just friggin hate the output of Velvia. To me it is like instant vomit. Try considering the obverse.

[A miller]

 

 

Aside: I just friggin hate the output of Velvia. To me it is like instant vomit. Try considering the obverse.

Seriously, Mr. Pico?  Without exception?

These make you sick to your stomach??

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[AlanG]

How in the world do we know he is not getting the results he wants? Certainly, his results do not meet my expectations, nor yours, but it is clear he is happy.

 

Aside: I just friggin hate the output of Velvia. To me it is like instant vomit. Try considering the obverse.

I am speaking rhetorically. By "you" I did not mean Shiva in particular. I assume he is getting the results he wants. But what satisfies his requirements can't necessarily be projected onto others.

Edited April 8, 2016 by AlanG

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[ShivaYash]

Shiva, the bottom line is that if you don't have to meet any specific standards, it probably doesn't matter what film you use. But if you are not getting the results you want... even after scanning and adjusting the digital image, you might want to try some other film. Many of us went through a lot of trouble learning how different films would respond with various subjects under a variety of situations. The goal was to make our results predictable.

Yes. For predictable results I shoot with my M-E.