At 08:09 2/10/03, Joel Wilcox wrote:
You can say that again! I meant just the color accuracy part. Latitude
seems infinitely forgiving with Portra in comparison to Kodachrome.
Kinda what I thought . . .
An observation about this thread in general . . .
Each film has its own characteristics although some may be similar to
others in at least some respects. No one film "does it all" and that's why
there is not only successful competition among the film makers, it's why
they offer numerous types. More important than seeking a single film to
use is understanding the characteristics of various films and leveraging
them to select one that best matches your vision for making specific
image(s). I've used Reala for general purpose things with splendid
results, including two years ago for some aerial fireworks shooting.
[part about Scala and Ilfo prints for portraiture snipped out]
Any advantages in doing this over just making conventional BW negs,
prints, etc.?
Scala 200X has a wider than normal latitude compared to the rest of the E-6
and K-14 world (all of which is in color too), even though it's still
noticeably narrower than general purpose B/W negative films, especicially
ones like Tri-X. It also renders very smooth mid-tones with excellent
gradation and is finer grained than the ISO 200 E-6's . . . it's very
nearly as fine grained as Kodak's ISO 100 E-6's.
Ilfochrome has AZO metal-based dyes embedded in the paper, not in the
processing chemistry. Combine that with the super-ultra-high gloss finish
(makes normal glossy look like matte finish) and you get a print that has a
subtle silvery sheen, especially in the mid-tones, that sets it apart from
traditional B/W. Properly mounted under glass, you cannot see the print's
surface texture from any angle of light and viewing, only the image on
it. In addition, Ilfochrome "black" is a very deep black that makes the
highest possible density in other print materials look very dark charcoal
gray by comparison . . . significantly "blacker" than the deepest black mat
materials I've been able to find.
It's what I discovered about the distinctive combination of the two -- an
Ilfo printed from Scala -- that has me using it occasionally for
portraits. As always, it's what the photographer's vision is for the image
that determines whether or not this is desirable.
-- John
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