C-41 Process: Film & Machines

[venchka]

I've done a bit of scouting around the house and here's what is available nearby:

Film:

Wolf Camera has Ilford XP2, Kodak BW400CN and Fugi Superia 1600. I haven't used any of these before and would like to give each a fairly thorough evaluation. Wolf also has the usual suspects from Kodak & Fugi as far as 100-200-400 C-41 film goes.

I have read numerous accounts of folks exposing both XP2 and BW400CN at anything from ASA 200 to ASA 1200. What seems to work best? Any thoughts on exposing the Superia 1600? I will probably try 800, 1200 and 1600 and see what works for me.

Machines:

There are 3 Fugifilm Frontiers closeby. Walgreens-350, Wolf Camera-370 and Wal-Mart-360. The Walgreens & Wolf Camera are within walking distance. Wal-Mart is on the way home from work. Is there any functional differences in these machines? Wolf Camera is the most expensive by a bunch, but if I'm in there buying film I could have the exposed rolls processed as well.

One more question: Fugi Reala ASA 100 exposed at ASA 50. Good or bad?

All of the above was prompted by a visit to a local pub last weekend without a camera. I would like to return with my 50/1.4 lens and some relatively fast film. I reckon the Superia 1600 would allow me to use my 35/2.8 and 75/2.5.😀

Thanks!

 

[dmr]

Wolf Camera has Ilford XP2, Kodak BW400CN and Fugi Superia 1600.

I've used the Fuji Superia 1600 several times for low light. Very good. I'm attaching 2 examples. The second one looks lighter than it was. It was after sunset illuminated only by twlight and artificial lights.

Any thoughts on exposing the Superia 1600? I will probably try 800, 1200 and 1600 and see what works for me.

1600. That's what the box says. 🙂 🙂 🙂

One more question: Fugi Reala ASA 100 exposed at ASA 50. Good or bad?

Bad if you've already exposed it, but probably acceptable, one stop overexposure, usually within the tolerance of print film.

Good if you haven't done it yet, since you can reconsider and expose it properly. 🙂 🙂

Seriously, I've experimented with exposing at different ISOs, but I always seem to go back to exposing as recommended, even after my last fling of exposing Fuji 400 as if it were 800.

All of the above was prompted by a visit to a local pub last weekend without a camera. I would like to return with my 50/1.4 lens and some relatively fast film. I reckon the Superia 1600 would allow me to use my 35/2.8 and 75/2.5.😀

The 1600 is really great for available-dark shooting. In moderately dim light it allows you to shoot with a shutter speed fast enough to hand hold confidently and at a stop that gives you a bit of depth. In dimmer light, wide open, braced, it lets you get shots that you could not even attempt with normal film. Remember, this gives you a full 2 stops over a "normal" 400 speed film. 🙂

 

[wlewisiii]

I stick to box rating on Reala and all other C41 films. Never gotten anything good out of trying other speeds. I then get it developed on the Fuji Frontier at my local Walgreens (don't have a Wolf around here and I do not do business with Walmart). I always just have the developed and scanned to cd getting what I want printed later.

William

 

[OldNick]

I have no hangups concerning Wal-Mart. I use them as a source of film as well as processing. Their girls are always cooperative, even when I have to explain that a leader cut for a Leica IIIf is not a damaged film ( I have learned to cut off the tip to avoid this question). I get One Hour processing to CD only (no prints). This gets me an index sheet as well as the CD. I have never had a bad job from them. I print what I want on my own printer.

Jim N.

 

[aad]

I've used several places with Frontierss for printing 8x10, and they all seem great-the wal Mart one has a kiosk that allows me to easily select "no corrections" somy careful work doesn't get modified. Wal Mart does seem to use textured Fuji paper exxclusively.

 

[venchka]

Thanks, everyone! I sure wish there was a faster C-41 B&W film. I'm just thankful there is any at all left. There is always a lot of light over the pool tables!😀

 

[Macpod]

Provia 400 @ 3200 looks better than fuji supria 1600@ 1600. If you really want that extra speed. To me, higher speed and better grain is a no brainer given the relatively little price difference.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25602&highlight=pushing+provia

 

[Dougg]

C41 films typically have little or no tolerance for underexposure, but handle a stop or two of overexposure not only gracefully but gratefully! I usually give 'em 2/3 stop more than box speed (250 for an ISO 400 film for example) and this brings up better detail contrast in the shadows, tightens up the grain, doesn't blow out the highlight detail, and gives a bit of pad for underexposure errors. Standard C41 process. I've been very happy with Fuji NPH 400 at 250 and Fuji NPZ 800 at 500. My gallery is full of the latter.