more film choices

[ferny]

Can you guys help me pick some film for when I go to Scotland, please.

It'll mostly be landscape - not my favourite subject as I'm rubbish at it! I loved the Ilford XP2 I took to Ukraine, so I'll be getting some more. But what about colour? I tend not to use it with film so have no idea where to start. I'm expecting low light. I'll be in caves, on enclosed mountain tracks shooting waterfalls and doing early morning and late evening shooting. And if there's some I can push and pull on the same roll like the XP2 that would help a huge amount!

I'll be taking the trusty 35mm SRT and maybe the Lubitel so might be after some 120 stuff to go with it.

[Terri]

Well, I don't shoot color print film, so I'm no help there. :big grin: That said, I *think* Fuji NPH 400 is a color print film that you might want to google and read up on. That ISO would benefit you in low light situations, too.

When I shoot color, I use slide film. It's easy to scan for sharing on the internet and easy enough to get prints from too. For that end, any Fuji color slide film would be good. In general, I think Fuji just rules with color film. Tends to be fine grained and rich. Velvia can sometimes be oversaturated, IMO, but if you like that look, try a roll, as it can be very stunning with certain landscapes and that saturation can actually be a big help on an overcast day. I tend to prefer Provia. Astia also has a great reputation but I've never shot with it.

Slide film does not have the latitude as B&W, which is why a lot of people don't like to shoot it. However, I was taught to shoot the stuff in manual mode and whatever my meter (in camera or hand held) said was the "correct" exposure, to drop it by half a stop or even a full stop if the shot is really important, and I've followed this rule and never had a problem with my slides.

Having trumpeted Fuji, I must give a nod to Kodak Ektachrome, too. I've shot several rolls in the same manner as above and gotten good results.

Hope this helps point you in the direction for some more online reading. I would love to see Scotland some day!

[ferny]

Shopping list looks like this at the moment;

XP2 Super - 35mm & 120
Superia 400 - 35mm
Velvia 100F - 120

I'd like to get away from the 400 but expect low light like I said, plus filters.

8 or 9 35mm and 4 120 rolls should be loads for a week! I'll also take my digital so there's not really a huge need for colour 35mm... but it's sooooooooooo nice. :mrgreen:

[Terri]

I think you're off and running, with that there list. :sun: That's plenty of film for a week, and should service you in all kinds of lighting conditions. Don't sweat the 400, you'll more than likely be pleasantly surprised.

Can't wait to see what that Velvia gives you, too. woo hoo! Looking forward to seeing what you get on this trip!

[ferny]

All bought. Thought I'd throw some Neopan in the mix too. It's in 120 format so I've got four rolls to use in the Lubitel now. Two Neopan and two Velvia. :)

[Terri]

Oh man. That 120 chrome is probably gonna bring a tear to your eye with its beauty! :cheer:

I can't wait to see what you get from this trip! Scotland is supposed to be a stunning area. I'm excited for you. Great film lineup.

[Matt Needham]

If you are taking both film and a DSLR use the film when it's bright, and digital in the caves. Most modern DSLRs are much cleaner (less noisy/grainy) than any film at ISO 800+. In my experience any of my Canon DSLRs produce cleaner photos at ISO 800+ than any high ISO medium format film I've used.

Before you go underexposing chromes by a full stop I'd do some test shooting. I think it's very easy to see significant differences from 1/3rd stop adjustments. Remember, the meter only tells you correct exposure when you are pointing it at middle gray subjects. If you point it at something 1 stop lighter than middle gray, and then under expose a stop from what it recommends, you are exposing for zone 3, or 2 stops under middle gray. That's getting pretty close to the limit where you will start losing shadow detail with E6.

I'd also compare high ISO C41 and E6. Low ISO E6 often is finer grain than low ISO C41, but I've always found the opposite true once I go up to ISO 400 and beyond.

[Terri]

When is this trip happening, Ferny?

[ferny]

Thanks, Matt.

Terri - Flight leaves next Wednesday.

[Terri]

Thanks, Matt.

Terri - Flight leaves next Wednesday.I'm happy for you, and very jealous. I have an office full of scared staffers I'm leading through a computer conversion next week. I'm quite certain you'll be having much more fun. :lol: