CS 39J - The Art and Science of Photography Dani's camera
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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.

Picture of a Kodak Ektachrome film box and canister

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.

Picture of a Fujichrome Velvia film canister and package

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.

Picture of an Agfa RSX II Professional film canister and packages.

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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CS 39J: The Art and Science of Photography is a freshman seminar taught by Professor Brian A. Barsky.
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