For all the analog shooters out there, what print, slide and B+W film you consider the best? Discontinued or not... Available in Philipines or not...

I haven't tried all the film out there, but I was able to try some of the "well-known" ones... Hence, IMHO, I consider:

Print: Kodak Portra 400VC
Slides: Fuji Velvia 50 AND Ektachrome 100VS
B+W: Kodak BW400CN

as the best...

Reason: For the colored ones, I love the saturation... For the BW400CN, I love the fact that blacks look like blacks... :)

I would love to try Kodachromes, however, the film made by "God" and "Man" can't be processed anymore in the world except by some obscure shop in Kansas.

prints: kodak portra 160nc
slides: kodak elitechrome 100 and kodak ektachrome 64 tungsten
bw: ilford xp2

Print: Portra 400vc or Reala 100
Slide: Velvia 50 and Ektachrome 100VS
BW: Ilford Fp4 125 and Kodak Tmax 3200

For all the analog shooters out there, what print, slide and B+W film you consider the best? Discontinued or not... Available in Philipines or not...

I haven't tried all the film out there, but I was able to try some of the "well-known" ones... Hence, IMHO, I consider:

Print: Kodak Portra 400VC
Slides: Fuji Velvia 50 AND Ektachrome 100VS
B+W: Kodak BW400CN

as the best...

Reason: For the colored ones, I love the saturation... For the BW400CN, I love the fact that blacks look like blacks... :)

I would love to try Kodachromes, however, the film made by "God" and "Man" can't be processed anymore in the world except by some obscure shop in Kansas.


well, for black and white, ive used Shanghai, Lucky, Fomapan... i still have stocks of Tri-x and Tmax 400 waiting to be used.. i still have my Neopans and such. and also the BW400CN.. so much film waiting! haha

for colored, portra vc 400 is simply amazing.

For B&W large format (4x5) Ilford HP5 and Velvia for color slide.

Because mostly am into tourism, I use Velvia then.

Ive been a Velvia loyalist for quite sometime now and I never regret it.

well, for black and white, ive used Shanghai, Lucky, Fomapan... i still have stocks of Tri-x and Tmax 400 waiting to be used.. i still have my Neopans and such. and also the BW400CN.. so much film waiting! haha

for colored, portra vc 400 is simply amazing.

You do know that storing film and letting it wait is not really advisable? I can help you by sending some to me... I'll be glad to help... :D

Btw, can you PM me where you buy Portra 400vc and Fomopan locally??? I bought mine outside the PH, but 'm just a bit worried everytime I bring home bulk rolls to Manila because it passes thru the airport x-rays (not sure if all airport x-ray machines are film-safe or else I'll be wasting money).

Wow, I've yet to try Kodak Portra... so highly recommended here. But.... where to get it? I saw some 220 format Kodak Portra 160 rolls at Pentax Megamall but it's kinda expensive at P380/roll. Would love to try that 135/400VC.

Roger,

Other than the fact that the Portra 400vc its iso400 (read as: very versatile, fast enough yet fine grain), it is probably the best scanning negative amongst all. For printing, its definitely one of the best.

I'm also having difficulty sourcing this locally. I usually pick up a several rolls when I travel and just stock it up in the ref along with my veggies... :)

Just PM me if you want me to get you some rolls right now. :)

I've only used Tri-X and Tmax in the past... not much info to provide you guys hehe... They were relatively affordable and easy to get in 100rolls hence my preference.

i've only used tri-x too and ilford delta.. so can't say much about others.. :)

i have yet to try the BW400CN. does the black really come out as black or it depends on the capability of the developer since it is C41 color processed?

i've only used tri-x too and ilford delta.. so can't say much about others.. :)

i have yet to try the BW400CN. does the black really come out as black or it depends on the capability of the developer since it is C41 color processed?

Sorry for the sweeping comment, but this in only based on the b+W film that I was able use and found the BW400CN to have the "best blacks". This is in comparison with another Kodak Black iso400 film (T-max400)... Not sure if its the c-41 processing, or its inherit in the film... But I think its the latter, the t-max's are slightly better in blacks than xp2's (another c-41)... Or it must be my eyes... :)

I have my "real" B+W developed at Wells, the C41's at Fuji...

Tri-X for me. IMO, it has the best blacks and the right amount of grain. I use to buy reloads of this from some guy in Hidalgo a long time ago. P40 for 36 exposures. I use to hoard them everytime its available.

For color: any basta may kulay. :)

P40.. wow that's cheap! converted to peso, it would come out nearly P400 per 36 exp from where i am. that's why i'm picky when i use it. how much is it these days?

Fuji Reala 100 for color negative film and Velvia for reversal films.

For all the analog shooters out there, what print, slide and B+W film you consider the best? Discontinued or not... Available in Philipines or not...

I haven't tried all the film out there, but I was able to try some of the "well-known" ones... Hence, IMHO, I consider:

Print: Kodak Portra 400VC
Slides: Fuji Velvia 50 AND Ektachrome 100VS
B+W: Kodak BW400CN

as the best...

Reason: For the colored ones, I love the saturation... For the BW400CN, I love the fact that blacks look like blacks... :)

I would love to try Kodachromes, however, the film made by "God" and "Man" can't be processed anymore in the world except by some obscure shop in Kansas.

SLIDE:
Then: Kodachrome

I have used and tried Kodachrome up until the late 1980s, and yeah--its the film made by "God" and "Man". I could tell the diff between my old Kodachromes and Ektachrome simply because the color of the Kodachromes have stayed true through the decades. I loved Kodachrome 25

Now: Velvia

PRINT:
Then: Kodak Supra (last I saw these was late 2004)
Now: Kodak Portra

I should mention Fuji Reala 100, which is the best consumer film ever (the Kodak mentioned above are professional films)--can give professional films a run for the money. Worth mentioning too is Konica Centuria (specifically ISO400); too bad its gone now--I usually picked that over Kodak 400MAX or Fuji 400XTRA on the consumer field.

B&W:
Then: Ilford HP5
Now: A toss up between Fuji Neopan Acros and Ilford Delta

I have a fridge full of Ilford HP5s and Fuji Acros' but not enough experience to make a hard call on what's the best. One factor is that I am now confined to D-76 because of availability issues so I know I am not bringing out the best in these films.

B&W - Fuji Acros 100 in dilute Microfine developer
Slides - Provia 100
Print - Kodak Color Gold 200 :-)

B&W - Fujifilm Neopan Acros 100 & Kodak Tri-X 400
Color - Fujifilm Pro 400H, Konica Minolta Centuria 400 Pro and Kodak Portra 400VC



Ian
http://www.ianvillaceran.com

BW-tmax 400

i was a fan of film reloads...they're cheaper then of course...but one has to deal with the scratch marks on the film/negative/photo:(

i miss the smell of films! :Grin:

P40.. wow that's cheap! converted to peso, it would come out nearly P400 per 36 exp from where i am. that's why i'm picky when i use it. how much is it these days?

i dont see the guy anymore when im in hidalgo. before he usually roams around the are lang. no store.

In terms of IQ Ilford Delta 400 is better than HP5 400. But i prefer to use HP5, as I do my own developing, it has better tolerance in developing and can be pushed easily to 1600 with no issues at all.

But Ilford Pan F 50 is still the bomb. You'll find it hard focusing the enlarger using the grain focuser as you cant see the grains!

The problem though with most of Ilford films is that they have quite bad reciprocity failure - does not only affect the exposure but the contrast of the image as well. So I only use them during day time.

For night shots Fuji Neopan Acros is the best. It is free from any reciprocity failure, one of a kind film in this respect.

Worth mentioning too is Konica Centuria (specifically ISO400); too bad its gone now--I usually picked that over Kodak 400MAX or Fuji 400XTRA on the consumer field.


Konica centuria is gone but the film that replaced it is called DNP centuria. From what i read, DNP bought konica's film business. I buy this at Php60 per 36 shot roll of fresh iso 100s. colors are more contrassy than YKL fuji and kodak gold that i used to compare it. I don't keep this in stock since there are plenty of it in shops and malls. Have yet to compare this with more expensive kodaks and fujis.

Konica centuria is gone but the film that replaced it is called DNP centuria. From what i read, DNP bought konica's film business. I buy this at Php60 per 36 shot roll of fresh iso 100s. colors are more contrassy than YKL fuji and kodak gold that i used to compare it. I don't keep this in stock since there are plenty of it in shops and malls. Have yet to compare this with more expensive kodaks and fujis.

You are definitely correct about the contrasty part of the DNP Centuria. The 'blues' are rendered very vividly as well. They are definitely better than consumer Fuji and Kodak films (e.g. Kodak Gold, Fuji Proplus) in terms of color and contrast.

I especially love the iso400's. Probably the cheapest iso400 film in the market now (120php). I definitely recommend this.

Konica centuria is gone but the film that replaced it is called DNP centuria. From what i read, DNP bought konica's film business. I buy this at Php60 per 36 shot roll of fresh iso 100s. colors are more contrassy than YKL fuji and kodak gold that i used to compare it. I don't keep this in stock since there are plenty of it in shops and malls. Have yet to compare this with more expensive kodaks and fujis.

Yup, I found about DNP Centuria soon after (note my post was on Christmas 2007). Have tried a roll with unspectacular results (the subjects not the film...) so I need a second long look at this. Will take Melvin's word for it, right now I'm finishing off my BWs as I plan to mothball my darkroom in a pail.

i recommended this film stock to jo avila and he has been using this ever since :D

I bought some fresh Centuria last week in a photo lab near Greenbelt. I'll try them out this weekend if weather permits

I'll try the 400 next week (daughter's fieldtrip. I'm the chaperone :D).

Otep, if the slides doesn't colorshift, looks like it's going to be centuria all the way (both slide and print)hehe.... now if only i could get my hands on an ic100.....

Guess what, DNP Centuria 400 here in makati costs only P90 per 36shot roll. I bought a couple :D my camera's going to have a feeding frenzy again :) Imagine the cost savings if i had a half frame camera.

Of all the films I have tried, I disliked most of the 200s, whatever brand or model they were. They were only good for my son's Instamatic but still the 400s were better.

Of all the films I have used, for everyday or special occassions, for detailed work or casual candids, I liked most the discontinued Kodak High Definition Film. Yes it is ASA 200.

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/681/imgp0054ul1.jpg

I am now turning to Fuji in search of a worthy substitute.

i know a lot of photographers here are veterans.. can anybody please help me determine what film was used in this shot? i especially like the color (old feel).

file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/ria/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.jpghttp://www.lomography.com/lubitel166+/images/tictactoe.jpg

i know a lot of photographers here are veterans.. can anybody please help me determine what film was used in this shot? i especially like the color (old feel).

file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/ria/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.jpghttp://www.lomography.com/lubitel166+/images/tictactoe.jpg

I also want to know the film... hmm, really nice...

^_^

Maybe the photo gets that old texture "feel" due to discoloration/exposure to elements through time...

Anyway, would love to know if there's a film that could give this feel...

Hard to say, to be honest. You have to consider the process and the film itself. Was it an old film? or was it cross processed? Really hard to say what film was used in the photo.

Everybody is talking about the feel of film.. yes.. there is and I would say.. I love that feel and look.. I wouldn't trade any of my gears for digital.. but remember.. with film, you have to consider the process.. the print making.. filters.. stuff like that.. it wouldn't be just film alone..

For me, the best film/s would be:

- Kodakchrome 64
- Velvia 50
- Tri-X 400
- T-Max 3200
- Ilford Delta 400
- Fujifilm Pro 400H and 800Z
- Fujifilm Press 1600

agfa ultracolor ^__^

whoa... no one uses bw400cn?

maybe because it is a fake black and white film?? Lol.

maybe because it is a fake black and white film?? Lol.


ahahaha... nice one.. i got three rolls of it.. im waiting for my fm2n to get cleaned up before i use them... i wana try the tri-x 400, but its more expensive than the bw400.. and i cant get my hands on some ilford xp2.. they seem to sell like pancakes..

whoa... no one uses bw400cn?

There are some BW400CN shots on ''sharing my film shots'' thread... I also have some shots posted there...

I think its much cheaper to use BW400CN because you can develop it using your local Kodak/Fuji lab (or Digiprint) or any shop that processes C41 for 55php/roll...

If you use real BW film (e.g. Tmax, LuckyB+W), you have to either go to Studio58 or Wells to get your films develop for 175php/roll...

But i have to agree, there is something sublime with real B+W film compared to their C41 counterparts... :)

There are some BW400CN shots on ''sharing my film shots'' thread... I also have some shots posted there...

I think its much cheaper to use BW400CN because you can develop it using your local Kodak/Fuji lab (or Digiprint) or any shop that processes C41 for 55php/roll...

If you use real BW film (e.g. Tmax, LuckyB+W), you have to either go to Studio58 or Wells to get your films develop for 175php/roll...

But i have to agree, there is something sublime with real B+W film compared to their C41 counterparts... :)

thats expensive... i called them (studio58) up one time, i asked how much if they will process my film and put it directly to CD.. it costs around like 200++.. thats like 5 films to CD at digiprint.. oh, well... maybe it try it one time.. when i get better in taking pictures.. it will only be a waste of money if all my images are either blurred or underexposed... hahaha.. like my first 5 rolls.. only got like 3 usable images out of 5-36 exposure films... now that's sad... :(

thats expensive... i called them (studio58) up one time, i asked how much if they will process my film and put it directly to CD.. it costs around like 200++.. thats like 5 films to CD at digiprint.. oh, well... maybe it try it one time.. when i get better in taking pictures.. it will only be a waste of money if all my images are either blurred or underexposed... hahaha.. like my first 5 rolls.. only got like 3 usable images out of 5-36 exposure films... now that's sad... :(

It might be cheaper to develop the B+W films yourself (just use your bathroom or some other makeshift darkroom)... Unfortunately for me, I tried to it, but ended up with scratched, foggy and underdeveloped rolls... Its either my formulation for the developer was too weak, or my timing was too quick... either way i need to practice... heheheh

It might be cheaper to develop the B+W films yourself (just use your bathroom or some other makeshift darkroom)... Unfortunately for me, I tried to it, but ended up with scratched, foggy and underdeveloped rolls... Its either my formulation for the developer was too weak, or my timing was too quick... either way i need to practice... heheheh

my dad would definitely freak out if he sees im using our bathroom as a darkroom.... hahaha...

thats expensive... i called them (studio58) up one time, i asked how much if they will process my film and put it directly to CD.. it costs around like 200++.. thats like 5 films to CD at digiprint.. oh, well... maybe it try it one time.. when i get better in taking pictures.. it will only be a waste of money if all my images are either blurred or underexposed... hahaha.. like my first 5 rolls.. only got like 3 usable images out of 5-36 exposure films... now that's sad... :(

You're not the only one experiencing those. :(
I avail digiprint's film to cd service, as an alternative. My shots will end up being posted in multply, anyway.

I wanna learn how to develop films by myself, though.

@topic: Is DNP centuria 400 okay?

Any suggestions where can I find those bw400cn?

Any suggestions where can I find those bw400cn?

try searching here (http://lomomanila.multiply.com).. tons of films sellers there...

I never bothered with film specs. except for the ASA number. Don't why I'm like that. But my favorites were Kodak's tri x and plus x. Tried fujifilm also.

Its easy to develop black and white film. If you can find cheap black and white films such as luckeis and colpan, you can use that as your test rolls and do a DIY developing. You can check the internet for instructions. I agree Tri-X 400 is really expensive. Im using APX 400 and get good results as well. I thought I will never find Agfa Black and White films anymore then I saw some sellers in multiply. Some are expensive and some have good prices. Im getting my supply from this guy in multiply. He also ship films. You can ask him if he got stocks right now. you can reach him at www.photofilm.multiply.com now im looking for a 4x5 film.

Expired Fuji Sensia (good one but not as expensive as PROVIA)

i wish i did not disassemble my darkroom but i think i still have some nikkor developing tanks with 12o and 135 reels, i'll try looking for it. yes, it would be nice to process again but it would not be practical if i don't expose at least 4 rools a week. i don't know the prices now of tri-x, dektol and microdol-x.

Hi, this may be rather off topic but would anyone know where I could get batteries for the Canon A1? The battery size is PX-28. Thanks in advance for the help! :)

thats expensive... i called them (studio58) up one time, i asked how much if they will process my film and put it directly to CD.. it costs around like 200++.. thats like 5 films to CD at digiprint.. oh, well... maybe it try it one time.. when i get better in taking pictures.. it will only be a waste of money if all my images are either blurred or underexposed... hahaha.. like my first 5 rolls.. only got like 3 usable images out of 5-36 exposure films... now that's sad... :(

Hi Denmark,

Studio 58 is a custom lab and their main clientele are professional photographers, hence the "professional" pricing. P175 gets your B&W film processed properly, stored in archival sleeves, and manually contact printed on an 8x10 B&W paper so you can judge your exposure at a glance (or check your focus with a loupe).

The 8x10 contact print would be a good tool if you want to be more deliberate in honing your skills because there is no image compensation at all, from the lab man's hand. Keeping the lab processing part constant, will lessen the other variables in making an image, so you can concentrate on your picture taking skills.
(focus, exposure, composition, tone etc.).

Another way to do that would be to shoot with slides which are even less forgiving when it comes to exposure. (no interference from the lab operator). But as with any fllm based photography, there will be a definite premium over digital since there are consumables like film, chemicals, sleeves etc involved, unlike jpeg or raw files.

Then when you get more 'keepers', perhaps the scanning charges would seem more reasonable?

Just my two cents.

Edwin

Hi Denmark,

Studio 58 is a custom lab and their main clientele are professional photographers, hence the "professional" pricing. P175 gets your B&W film processed properly, stored in archival sleeves, and manually contact printed on an 8x10 B&W paper so you can judge your exposure at a glance (or check your focus with a loupe).

The 8x10 contact print would be a good tool if you want to be more deliberate in honing your skills because there is no image compensation at all, from the lab man's hand. Keeping the lab processing part constant, will lessen the other variables in making an image, so you can concentrate on your picture taking skills.
(focus, exposure, composition, tone etc.).

Another way to do that would be to shoot with slides which are even less forgiving when it comes to exposure. (no interference from the lab operator). But as with any fllm based photography, there will be a definite premium over digital since there are consumables like film, chemicals, sleeves etc involved, unlike jpeg or raw files.

Then when you get more 'keepers', perhaps the scanning charges would seem more reasonable?

Just my two cents.

Edwin


hi edwin, ive found a solution for this.. i just get my films developed at studio58 and have it scanned at my local fujifilm lab nearest me.. it shaves 100php off.. hehehe..

asked my aunt to buy me some film from the states and will test them out soon. what i got are the following:

Kodak Ektar 100
Kodak Portra 400 VC
Kodak Ultracolor 400 UC
Kodak Portra 800

wow dean..... that's a gold mine! will await the pics.

No luck finding Ektar here in SG so far :(

hi edwin, ive found a solution for this.. i just get my films developed at studio58 and have it scanned at my local fujifilm lab nearest me.. it shaves 100php off.. hehehe..

Yup, that's the best inexpensive way I do it too! I'm no expert with film. I have not tried enough to determine the best in equally controlled or similar environment. But I'm happy with these.

http://www.pbase.com/manilaman04/image/69803012/large.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/manilaman04/image/84117045/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/manilaman04/image/81305958/original.jpg

as for me,

Kodak Portra 400 VC
Fujicolor Reala CS
Fuji Velvia 100
Kodak 400TX

ColPan 100 Reload Film > for some reason, i love this film because these are the ones i used during my early days of photography and this is the only film i use to learn how to process/develop B&W film in our house.. :) and, almost all of the priceless candid shots of my loved ones, friends and family were shot with this film... :)

anyone here knows where to find ColPans for sale? (because it was discontinued already.. :( )

is t400CN and bw400CN the same? hehehe..

Nope they're different :D

right now print film
tri-x 400
porta 400 UC?
kodak gold 100 hahahha

for me:

neopan across
kodak bw400cn
ilford xp2
agfa optima
kodak 400VC
so far i haven't used my hp5 and tri-x saving it till i get a hold of my own tlr..:)

Here are my favorites:
Reversal:
Velvia 50 for landscapes -- Velvety blacks, vivid reds, delicious yellows, lush greens... What more could you ask for? And don't bother with the 100 and 100F versions.
Provia 100F -- for general travel, and climbing photography.

Black and white:
TMax 100 for landscapes.
Tri-X 400 for documentary photography.

hi edwin, ive found a solution for this.. i just get my films developed at studio58 and have it scanned at my local fujifilm lab nearest me.. it shaves 100php off.. hehehe..

hi Denmark, how much does this costs you? Total cost?

Provia 400F seems to be great.
I've seen slides and they look amazing, they just pop.

I like Provia more than Velvia actually, especially with greens... But if Red is involved, Kodachrome and Velvia are hard to top.

Kodak just announced that they will discontinue the production of Kodakchromes. The end of an era.