 Monica Gabitzsch |
Is generic film ok to use? I've just started out and was wondering if there is a difference from generic film such as Walgreens brand versus name brand like Kodak?
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Mark Feldstein |
Well, yes and no. It depends on which brand of Kodak you're talking about. Kodak professional emulsions are similar to their consumer grade but are kept refrigerated and aren't as long dated as the consumer grade. Also, you don't usually know who's making the Walgreen film from one batch to another. Consistency is another hallmark of professional grade emulsions and also name brands like Kodak, 3M, Fuji, Agfa Take it light.
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Monica Gabitzsch |
Thanks for the information! I'll remember this when buying film!!! -Monica
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Mark Feldstein |
My pleasure, Monica. This could be a very long, involved subject. One thing I forgot to mention is that professional photographers tend to find a few types of film that they can use in different situations and that will produce predictable results under those conditions and stick with them. For example, I use a lot of Ektachrome Professional EPP 100 daylight film in different formats when a job calls for transparency film. I've used it for years, I know how to filter it when necessary, how to get it processed to produce the best results, and know it's quite consistent from one batch to another. I buy large quantities with the same emulsion number and color test a roll or sheet from each batch to make sure I don't need to color correct anything or if I do, precisely how much filtration I need to bring the film back to daylight color balance. And if you want some recommenations to start with, just let us know what you like to shoot, indoors or outdoors, or both and I'm sure we can come up with some starters for you to try. Be well.
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Monica Gabitzsch |
This is all GREAT information. I've read about getting specific film for certain projects, so my next question is where do you find these different kinds of film? I live in a small town in New Mexico, and we only have one camera shop in town that mostly deals with refurbished cameras - not much else (I don't think. My plan is to shoot outdoor pics of landscape such as mountains, but I also have a 4 year old and two dogs that I like to get "natural" type of pics. So any info on what type of film and where to get it from would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks again!
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Mark Feldstein |
Welllllllll, http://www.bhphotovideo.com is probably the best source. Great inventory and excellent prices. If you order from them, request long-dated film. Fuji color films like Reala and Superia with slower ISOs like 50-100 are good starters. Nice stuff. You'll probably like the punchy colors a lot. Even Costco does a good job of processing it. If you can find it, Agfa Optima color negative film in 100 or 200 ISO is excellent stuff too. And, as I mentioned, shoot it one stop overexposed for greater color saturation, and also experiment a bit. Try some rated ISO exposures, on the same roll and see how you like them. Same scene, different exposures and keep a record of what you did to see what you like best. ;>)
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