Film for Christmas Markets

[Austerby]

I'm off to Stockholm this weekend with my M7 and CZ Sonnar 50/1.5 and CV 25/4 lenses to visit friends and take in the celebrations for Lucia Dag and pre-Christmas.

One of the highlights will be the Christmas Markets selling festive treats from cosily lit stalls bringing warmth and light into the cold dark Scandinavian December evenings.

I'm a black and white shooter mostly and I'm considering which film and what ISO to use. My first thoughts were Neopan 1600 (to be developed in DD-X) as the speed will be useful. But then whilst the subjects are in the dark they are brightly lit and their light will be reflected in people's faces so I'm wondering if I could get away with slower film - maybe HP5+ at 400asa?

What is your experience of the best all-round film and speed to use in these circumstances?

I might take some colour film with me, but the only stocks I have are Velvia 50 and Sensia 100 left over from summer - any point in trying with these?

 

[BillP]

Seriously?

Regards,

Bill

 

[Austerby]

Yes - and it's forecast to snow!

 

[Lilserenity]

If your not entirely adverse to colour, Pro 800Z/Superia 800 would be nice. I shot some at a Christmas Market last night, f/2.8 1/60th not a problem.

B&W well, Tri-X or HP5+ would look nice at 800 too; otherwise I tend to push Delta 400 to 1600. That gives some lovely results, I'm sure the newest TMax 400 would too; but I have a soft spot for Delta 400 at 1600 (developed in D-76)

 

[wgerrard]

I've tried Velvia 50 in the UK in October and had problems with too little light. Can't imagine using it at night in Stockholm in December. If you get some bright days, go for it.

If I was going, I'd carry some Ektar 100 in hopes of getting that clear bright day, some color 400 for the typical day, and some fast b&w for the night shots.

In any case, use film that you know. A holiday isn't the time to experiment.

And, bundle up.

 

[Austerby]

I couldn't get any 800 Superia at this late notice (my own fault) but I did manage to pick up some 400 Superia. I'll try that alongside the Neopan 1600 and HP5+, seriously.

 

[Monz]

.... or you could try digital. The following picture was from a Christmas "German Market" in UK; December evening:

ISO 1600, 35mm

Edit: I also shot ISO 400 b+w film (TriX) with a Minolta CLE in the late afternoon... films haven't been developed yet.

 

[hans voralberg]

That reminds me of Leamington Spa Monz, lovely roast there on the Sunday market!

 

[Monz]

That reminds me of Leamington Spa Monz, lovely roast there on the Sunday market!

Hi Hans,
This is in Birmingham, on your doorstep! It's just outside the Rep theatre.

 

[Austerby]

I'm back, film processed and scanned. I'm pleased with the Superia 400 results, it's captured a lot of the warmth of the displays combined with the chilly Northern winter feel.

A couple of shots