Does slow film really give sharper results?

[pvdhaar]

I've used Fuji NPH 400 quite a lot in the past, but recently only had Pro160 with me for a couple of rolls.. Now logic dictates that you should get sharper results with 160 speed film than with 400 speed. Not so.. my overall impression is that I get sharper results with the 400 emulsion.

When I examine my prints closely, it's subject motion that kills a lot of pictures.. Most obvious are indoor photos where people's bodies are pin sharp but facial movement spoils the shot. But even landscapes using a tripod suffer from moving leaves giving an impression of overall fuzziness. And with the days getting shorter, it's not getting better either..

Am I alone in this? What's your preferred colour film speed to battle fuzziness?

Attachment: Fuji Pro160C

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Peter,

No, you're not alone, but I attribute it more to camera shake (at least in my case). It is my firm belief -- stated in print on occasion -- that more sharpess is lost, more often, to movement than to increased film speed, unless it's a non-moving subject and you use a tripod.

Cheers,

Roger

 

[David Goldfarb]

I think what Roger says is true here, but on the other hand, in the photograph of the sheep even on an overcast day, ISO 160 should be plenty. They aren't moving that fast.

For bird photos I normally use K64 or Provia 100F and just use a 400-speed film for flight shots.

 

[pvdhaar]

..They aren't moving that fast..

Sure, if I can rattle off shots at 1/125 or so, I'll get a couple of sharp photos. It's when I'm forced to shoot around 1/15th or slower that even ruminating sheep get to be a challenging subject..

 

[Jonathan R]

Of course. But if you use a slow film and a tripod and your subject is a landscape or architecture, then you will see the benefit for sure.

 

[David Goldfarb]

In daylight I don't see why it would be necessary to shoot at 1/15 sec. at ISO 160 with the nearest subjects in the medium distance, unless you are aiming to record motion. If you want 1/125 sec, even on an overcast day you can get about f:5.6, and if you need more DOF, then 1/30 sec. on a tripod at f:11 should be enough for ruminating sheep.