First roll of Portra 400NC

[md2008]

I tried out a free roll of Portra 400NC. I like how it looks straight out of the camera (and photo lab scanner) without much manipulation and it converts to B&W well. Since I don't do a lot of portraiture, not sure if the $6 premium per roll vs cheapo Fuji 400 is worth it for the type of photos I take though. It does seem to scan a lot better.

Any thoughts on this film or how/when it should be used to best advantage?

Just a walkabout w/ M6 and 50mm Summicron:

 

[Gumby]

The Portra looks like it performed well for you. I don't know if it is worth the premium price or not... but I often use it versus the cheaper film. I actually prefer the 160 version. Maybe you should give that a try too.

Portra does have an odd tendency to invert "N"s and blurr "W"s though, as your first image reveals. 🙂

 

[jan normandale]

I'm just talking 120 format here, I like the 400 it's a good low light performer.

Like gumby I also prefer the 160 ISO

 

[Jamie123]

I use Portra 400NC almost exclusively in 120. On a sunny day I'll pop in a roll of 160NC but generally I prefer the ISO 400 version as it gives me more freedom and the grain is neglectable with 120 film.

 

[btgc]

Hm, if that is NC bersion then I wonder how VC version looks like.
I have some rolls of 400NC in fridge, should give it a try.

 

[amateriat]

Portra's my main color film now. Mostly 160NC, but I'm using 400NC a bit more since Rochester tweaked it for finer grain.

Good snaps!



- Barrett

 

[not_in_good_order]

One of my favorite films. I really need to buy some more. I've been testing so many different films the past year or so, I haven't returned to such a reliable favorite in much too long.

I think that it has wonderful color and works beautifully in contrasty light.

 

[Gumby]

I wonder how VC version looks like.

It is very colorful and contrasty. I hate it. But I hate Velvia too.

Bright colors hurt my eyes and give me a migrane headache. 😉

 

[Jamie123]

Hm, if that is NC bersion then I wonder how VC version looks like.
I have some rolls of 400NC in fridge, should give it a try.

I used to prefer VC when I started usign Portra films but that was before they renewed the line-up. I think when they dropped UC from the 120 line they upped the contrast on VC to make up for it.

I guess VC is fine on a rainy, cloudy day if you want a bit more pop but personally I wouldn't use it on a sunny day.

 

[Gumby]

I wouldn't use it on a sunny day.

... or on a human face. It can accentuate any minor imperfections in some very hideous ways.

 

[Bingley]

Portra 400NC is my favorite color film. Very versatile. I love the colors and the fineness of grain, particularly for a 400 film. The OP's first shot is a good example of what this film can do in concert w/ a sharp lens. It's very good for street and travel, where the faster speed can be useful, as well as for portraits. I also like 160NC, but use that film more for landscapes.

 

[Bingley]

Hm, if that is NC bersion then I wonder how VC version looks like.
I have some rolls of 400NC in fridge, should give it a try.

I've used VC a bit, but much prefer NC. VC will give you more saturated colors, good for cloudy days as has been pointed out. It's pretty close to the now discontinued 400UC. That was a film that was nice when you wanted a bit more pop to the colors, and was also good in lower light settings. But the colors from 400NC are so good that I don't feel the need for a more saturated type film.

 

[Jamie123]

... or on a human face. It can accentuate any minor imperfections in some very hideous ways.

Like I said, they increased the contrast a bit when they updated the Portra line. Prior to that VC was just a bit more saturated than NC. It wasn't nearly as saturated as, say Fuji Pro160C.

 

[binky]

... or on a human face. It can accentuate any minor imperfections in some very hideous ways.

I'm pondering about the Portra line myself. I'm guessing that "portra" is for portraits?? Would NC be better for skin tones over VC?

 

[Jamie123]

I'm pondering about the Portra line myself. I'm guessing that "portra" is for portraits?? Would NC be better for skin tones over VC?

Yes. Basically I'd always choose NC over VC especially since you're scanning. It's always easier to add saturation in post.

 

[amateriat]

I'm pondering about the Portra line myself. I'm guessing that "portra" is for portraits?? Would NC be better for skin tones over VC?

Yes. Portra is the successor to Kodak's old Vericolor line, which was pitched to wedding and formal portrait photographers. the Portra line was sort of on the same trajectory until photographers like Joel Meyerowitz got their hands on the stuff and used it for outside-the-studio work (see: "Cape Light", "St. Louis and the Arch" et al.) It was my exposure to Meyerowitz' work that got me turned on to Portra in the first place.

Nothing more to add to this, other than re-stating the nomenclature: "NC" stands for either "Natural Color" or "Neutral Color" (take your pick, although Rochester uses the former, I think), while "VC" stands for "Vivid Color." Both are good, although I choose the NC stuff 90% of the time.


- Barrett

 

[chasfreeland]

I've been using Fuji Pro as a 400 speed C 41 film. The Kodak 400 NC has not been available much in my area. Does anyone have any comparisons to make between the Kodak 400 NC and its Fuji counterpart, 400 ProH?

 

[cnphoto]

Yes, 400NC is a beautiful film (and Portra 800 in medium format / 120).

I did shoot a roll of 400VC recently, and some of those portraits where IMO just great! For some subjects the extra contrast just really helps the image and subject POP! esp. in the blues and reds:

(posted as an example, i have posted this elsewhere on this forum. sorry).

 

[amateriat]

I've been using Fuji Pro as a 400 speed C 41 film. The Kodak 400 NC has not been available much in my area. Does anyone have any comparisons to make between the Kodak 400 NC and its Fuji counterpart, 400 ProH?

I've used both, and like both. Fuji Pro (both 400 & 800) has a good rep for handling mixed-lighting conditions very well. Haven't tried Portra under these conditions, although I understand Portra 800 works well under these conditions.


- Barrett

 

[binky]

thanks guys

think I'll be getting some Portra (and Fuji Pro) for some fun