Brands of Slide Films
Color reproduction is complex, and fidelity with reality
is not possible.c The rendition of color in films varies and
no film reproduces all colors accurately. Film choice is an
aesthetic issue, and is dependent on subject matter, lighting
conditions, intended overall effect, etc.
Films degrade in warm environments so it is a good idea to
store them in a refrigerator. The manufacturers indicate
that this is particularly critical for "professional
films" which all of the following film are.
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Kodak: Kodachrome is a famous
slide film (Paul Simon sang "Mama don't take my
Kodachrome away" :-) ) that is available in ISO
(ASA) 64 or 200. It requires process K-14 chemistry
which is not generally available at local photofinishing
labs. But Kodak's Ektachrome slide film
uses the ubiquitous process E-6 chemistry. Traditionally,
Ektachrome gave very blue renditions, but that is not
the case with Kodak's Professional Ektachrome "E
Family" films, available in ISO 100 or 200.
The ISO 100 film is available in several varieties:
E100S ("S" for "saturated"), E100SW
("SW" for "saturated/warm"), and
E100VS ("VS" for "vibrant/saturated").
The ISO 200 film is called E200 and this film can be
"pushed" to ISO 400 or 800. |
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Fuji: Prior to Kodak's introduction of
its Ektachrome "E-Family" films, Fuji was
already making a film that produced saturated renditions.
Fujichrome Velvia is an ISO 50 film with very
fine grain which uses process E-6 chemistry. |
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Agfa: Agfa makes RSX II Professional color
slide film in ISO 50, 100, and 200 which uses process
E-6 chemistry. The color balance is excellent
providing good color reproduction without exaggerating
the saturation or warmth. Agfa Scala 200X is the
only conventional film specifically marketed as a black-and-white
slide film. The film is extremely fine grain and
has better latitude than most color slide films. |
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