atournas Posted June 2, 2021 Share #1 Posted June 2, 2021 Advertisement (gone after registration) I was thumbing thru a thread in the Film Leica section and I noticed that people raved about Portra 400. I have been using the 160 Portra (set at 100), because I can't see what to do with the extra two stops. I mean, these emulsions require a lot of sunlight and Leica lenses are fast enough. Can anyone enlighten me, please? Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 2, 2021 Posted June 2, 2021 Hi atournas, Take a look here Is Portra 400 really special?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
benqui Posted June 2, 2021 Share #2 Posted June 2, 2021 Very easy: the Portra 400 is very special if you like the look of the film. Especially set at 200 you will have a very beautiful and warm colors. Especially for portraits the Portra 400 is my all time favorite. But for sure other prefer another look ...test it and see whether you like it 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stray cat Posted June 2, 2021 Share #3 Posted June 2, 2021 Just briefly, Apostolos, Kodak originally released Portra in two speeds (ISO 160 and 400), each with two saturation variations. There was, in both the 160 ISO and 400 ISO speeds an emulsion coded NC for neutral or lower contrast images, and one coded VC for highly saturated, contrasty images. Kodak later rationalized these to one version of each ISO speed so we are left with Portra 160 and Portra 400, with the former more neutral and less contrasty than the latter. So Portra 400 is not only a slightly faster film than Portra 160, it has more saturation and contrast as well. I don't think you could go as far as to say that Portra 160 is the same as the old NC emulsion and Portra 400 the same as the old VC, but they certainly tend a little towards that. Both are absolutely superb films and I think you might find it worthwhile to shoot a roll or two of Portra 400 (as Marc says, try it at 200). Best of luck! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Nowhereman Posted June 2, 2021 Share #4 Posted June 2, 2021 (edited) Sure, it's special in the terms mentioned above; though I would say Portra 800 is special as well. Shot with a DR Summicron and the M3 (Chiang Mai): 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! ________________________Frog Leaping photobook Edited June 2, 2021 by Nowhereman Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ________________________ Frog Leaping photobook ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/321455-is-portra-400-really-special/?do=findComment&comment=4212387'>More sharing options...
Guest Nowhereman Posted June 2, 2021 Share #5 Posted June 2, 2021 And here is another Portra 800 shot, at noon in Bangkok with extremely bright light outside, with the M3 and DR Summicron. 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! ________________________Frog Leaping photobook Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ________________________ Frog Leaping photobook ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/321455-is-portra-400-really-special/?do=findComment&comment=4212388'>More sharing options...
Guest Nowhereman Posted June 2, 2021 Share #6 Posted June 2, 2021 After posting the two images above I thought some more about Portra 400 vs 800. I just found this review of Portra 800 by Hamish Gill on 35mmc, which discusses Portra 400 as well. ________________________Frog Leaping photobook Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted June 2, 2021 Share #7 Posted June 2, 2021 Advertisement (gone after registration) I don't use a lot of colour film but when I do it's Portra 400, and yes I rate it at 200. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Morgan Posted June 2, 2021 Share #8 Posted June 2, 2021 I had a marginal preference for Fuji Pro400 but Portra 400 at 200 is lovely. I do like Lomography 800 at 400 but it's a slightly brasher colour scheme. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Einst_Stein Posted June 3, 2021 Share #9 Posted June 3, 2021 Which film is not? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Richardson Posted June 3, 2021 Share #10 Posted June 3, 2021 I prefer 160, but 400 does the trick. Generally, the slower the film, the better tonality, finer grain and increased detail, so unless you really need the speed or like a particular look, you might as well stick with 160. I tend to use 400 in 8x10, but if I had enough light, I would get 160... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotografr Posted June 3, 2021 Share #11 Posted June 3, 2021 Portra lovers might not have any choice in the near future. Kodak is in BIG trouble. The CEO, Jim Continenza, is under investigation for insider trading. He apparently bought shares of Kodak stock while the company was in non-public talks with the government about loans of hundreds of millions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted June 3, 2021 Share #12 Posted June 3, 2021 1 hour ago, fotografr said: Portra lovers might not have any choice in the near future. Kodak is in BIG trouble. The CEO, Jim Continenza, is under investigation for insider trading. He apparently bought shares of Kodak stock while the company was in non-public talks with the government about loans of hundreds of millions. The company has responded, and the stock has been among the top gainers Tuesday and Wednesday. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mute-on Posted June 3, 2021 Share #13 Posted June 3, 2021 21 hours ago, stray cat said: Just briefly, Apostolos, Kodak originally released Portra in two speeds (ISO 160 and 400), each with two saturation variations. There was, in both the 160 ISO and 400 ISO speeds an emulsion coded NC for neutral or lower contrast images, and one coded VC for highly saturated, contrasty images. Kodak later rationalized these to one version of each ISO speed so we are left with Portra 160 and Portra 400, with the former more neutral and less contrasty than the latter. So Portra 400 is not only a slightly faster film than Portra 160, it has more saturation and contrast as well. I don't think you could go as far as to say that Portra 160 is the same as the old NC emulsion and Portra 400 the same as the old VC, but they certainly tend a little towards that. Both are absolutely superb films and I think you might find it worthwhile to shoot a roll or two of Portra 400 (as Marc says, try it at 200). Best of luck! This precisely reflects my experience. 160 has more pastel colouring, and 400 a little more vibrant. They have different looks. Film speed is inconsequential, unless you need the extra 1 or 2 stops of 400. I actually prefer to shoot 400 at box speed after some experimentation, rather than 200. It’s a very versatile and forgiving film. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotografr Posted June 3, 2021 Share #14 Posted June 3, 2021 8 hours ago, Jeff S said: The company has responded, and the stock has been among the top gainers Tuesday and Wednesday. Jeff I'm not hoping for their demise. I'm a stockholder, myself, but I think this is far from over. Brent Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
atournas Posted June 3, 2021 Author Share #15 Posted June 3, 2021 Thank you all, folks, for your helpful info. Looks like i'll benefit from both! Paul 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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