CN for Street

[Bill Pierce]

I know I'm supposed to provide useful information at this site, but, actually, I need some information. I'm going to be doing some street photography with color negative film. As somebody who has been digital except for specialty cameras and an 8x10 view, I have no idea what a good CN film for street photography would be. Anybody out there have their favorites. And, of course, WHY is it your favorite?

 

[Chuck Albertson]

I haven't shot a lot of it (it's only been out in 35mm for a few weeks), but I really like the new Portra 400. Very fine grain, good sharpness, and a lot of headroom (exposure latitude). The skin tones are great for people pictures. I usually have the lab scan it at the time of processing, and the scans come out well. As close as I've seen to "color Tri-X."

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Bill,

+1 for Portra 400. Hard to see how anything could be better.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Honus]

Another +1 for Portra 400. It looks very promising to push, as well.

 

[Harry Lime]

The new Portra 400 is a killer color film.

Kodak incorporated technology from their Vision3 motion picture film stock in the new Portra 400. Kodak Vision3 may be the finest color negative film ever made. (It better be at $800 for a 1000ft can...)

Vision3 supposedly hits 18 stops of range and the grain is incredibly fine. Even the blue channel is almost grainless; at least in the Arri laser scans I have been seeing.

I prefer the color balance of Kodak's films over those from Fuji. To my eye skin tones simply look more healthy than with Fuji. Overall the color palette is quite beautiful.

Portra 160NC is (was?) a really beautiful film. It was magic with my pre-ASPH 50 Lux. I shot my friends wedding with it and was very happy with the results. Again, many of the same reason. Good skin tones, beautiful soft, lush color, very fine grain, huge exposure range.

 

[maddoc]

The new Portra400 is reportedly excellent, given that you have access to a good pro-lab.

 

[softshock]

I've used Ultramax 400 a lot for street color scenes and I've been pleased. I believe it is very similar to the older Portra 400 emulsion. The grain is very fine and it is easily and cheaply purchased at a drug store. I'm sorry I don't have a more professional suggestion as the CN films I've used are more basic or expired Portra..

 

[migtex]

I used CN 400 (Kodak & Fuji Neopan ) for B&W and Fuji 160c for street.
Drop it at FNAC and pick 2 hours later with a CD.... saves a lot of hassle.

Kodak CN 400 - Nikon S - CV21

Fuji 160C- Bessa R2S - CV S Skopar 50/2.5

 

[Neare]

Ektar 100 is also something to look into.