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advice needed, please


fursan

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I shall be in the uk mid nov. london i know pretty well. have planned to have 1 day ( combining some surrounding places ) each in cantebury, york, shakespeare country, my university town of warwick. shall visit oxford to look up some past friends.

 

want to capture, english history/architecture with these visits.

 

What bw and color negative film would you recommend for a newcomer to film to capture

the beauty of these places.

 

I shall be carrying my M8 along with my MP. The film photography is to put

the MP thru its paces and see what it can do and what i can do with it. I have put

it thru its paces here, so i know it shall perform. But can I? I doubt it.

 

Any advice and suggestions shall be gratefully acknowledged.

 

Thanks.

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For the B&W, consider Ilford XP2 Super. Test before you start out. I found that - based on the classic film speed test - that the film is 200 ASA (not the 400 advertised). But test it yourself - do not use my data.

 

XP2 also is very forgiving of bad exposure. You can expose for 400, 800, 50 ASA and get very acceptable negatives. So if something goes wrong, your chances of getting a usable negative will be greater with XP2 than with most anything else I know.

 

There is also getting the film processed by any reliable 1-hr processing shop, and get consistent results with no hassle. Hand in the film, have lunch, get the results. Not so fast as digital, but not bad.

 

The film is also very sharp, very fine grained and can produce fabulous prints. If that is a priority for you, then look at XP2.

 

I have only modest experience with color negative film so I will keep my mouth shut.

 

Michael

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I would recommend the Kodak Portra color negative film. If the light will be cloudy and dull, go for the 400 VC or if it is bright out you can go with 160 VC. Where the light is harsh (like in Texas) I would recommend the 160 NC.

 

Like was said above - XP2 if you want ease of development or if you want a classic black and white look with some grain I would go with Kodak TriX 400.

 

Now days I typically carry my M8 for color and my MP for b&w.

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With film for your MP, what do you want, colour or black and white. If it's colour, I would use kodachrome slide film. OK, you have to send it away (now it's off to Dwayne's in Kansas), but it's my favourite colour film emulsion. If you want colour print than portra as suggested is pretty good.

 

As for B/W, are you a DIY developer, or will you rely on labs? If you're going to rely on labs, then XP-2 is a good suggestion. Any minilab will process your C-41 XP-2. You prints may have a colour cast, but as they'll only be enprints, it won't matter. If you're a DIY guy, then Tri-X or HP5 would be my choices. HP-5 is more easily available in the UK.

 

Have a great time. When you're near Oxford or Shakespeare country, give me a call and we can meet for a drink, as I'm only 40 miles away in Cheltenham.

 

Charlie

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Paul, thanks. Thanks. XP2, and Portra. MP will be for bw. but just would like to try

portra too.

 

I would recommend the Kodak Portra color negative film. If the light will be cloudy and dull, go for the 400 VC or if it is bright out you can go with 160 VC. Where the light is harsh (like in Texas) I would recommend the 160 NC.

 

Like was said above - XP2 if you want ease of development or if you want a classic black and white look with some grain I would go with Kodak TriX 400.

 

Now days I typically carry my M8 for color and my MP for b&w.

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Charlie, am grateful for your input. Mp for bw. I shall use a lab. so shall stick to

xp-2.

 

Mighty generous of you Charlie. Shall give you a call and take you up on your

kind offer.

 

Regards.

 

With film for your MP, what do you want, colour or black and white. If it's colour, I would use kodachrome slide film. OK, you have to send it away (now it's off to Dwayne's in Kansas), but it's my favourite colour film emulsion. If you want colour print than portra as suggested is pretty good.

 

As for B/W, are you a DIY developer, or will you rely on labs? If you're going to rely on labs, then XP-2 is a good suggestion. Any minilab will process your C-41 XP-2. You prints may have a colour cast, but as they'll only be enprints, it won't matter. If you're a DIY guy, then Tri-X or HP5 would be my choices. HP-5 is more easily available in the UK.

 

Have a great time. When you're near Oxford or Shakespeare country, give me a call and we can meet for a drink, as I'm only 40 miles away in Cheltenham.

 

Charlie

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Thanks Fahim. I agree with Charlie, Kodachrome slides are my preference for color film, and the one that I shoot the most, but I noticed that you are in the UK and I have heard of problems with mailing film and it getting lost or damaged. Dwaynes Photo does do a nice job if you choose to shoot some Kodachrome. Best of luck to you.

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Yes, I agree Ilford Delta [100 and 400] films are sooooo creamy and have such subtle tonal depth; but if you are not developing your own BW film, XP2 is a decent alternative. Kodachrome 64 for colour would be my first choice. Velvia 50 my second choice.

 

Fursan, consider getting yourself a changing bag and some rodinal, stop bath and fixer. You will have fun developing your own negatives. Just a thought:)

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Guest Bernd Banken
I shall be in the uk mid nov. london i know pretty well. have planned to have 1 day ( combining some surrounding places ) each in cantebury, york, shakespeare country, my university town of warwick. shall visit oxford to look up some past friends.

 

want to capture, english history/architecture with these visits.

 

What bw and color negative film would you recommend for a newcomer to film to capture

the beauty of these places.

 

I shall be carrying my M8 along with my MP. The film photography is to put

the MP thru its paces and see what it can do and what i can do with it. I have put

it thru its paces here, so i know it shall perform. But can I? I doubt it.

 

Any advice and suggestions shall be gratefully acknowledged.

 

Thanks.

 

My son Patrick was a student at Warwick University for appr. one year. A great time for him, attached a shot of Warwick castle.

 

Have a great time!

 

Bernd

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Bernd, thanks. pic brings back memories of time long long past!

 

My son Patrick was a student at Warwick University for appr. one year. A great time for him, attached a shot of Warwick castle.

 

Have a great time!

 

Bernd

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