andrewteee
Established
Is there any kind of reference or "wiki" available online that describes the characteristics of various film types? By type, I mean Ilford XP2 or 3200 or Kodak Tr-X. I'd like to learn about the options available today and what they are known for, best used for, etc? Rather than spend a bunch of money on trial and error I'd love to start with some basic information. Thanks.
kxl
Social Documentary
I personally know of no such wiki, but remember that while the film itself has unique characteristics, it is only part of the story. You'd also need to consider exposure, developer to be used, darkroom techniques and workflow, scanning (if applicable) and printing.
A more suitable approach may be:
1) What specific characteristics are you looking for?
2) What conditions will you be using it in? High contrast? Fast Action? Low Light?
2) What is your intended use? - scan, print, etc...
Then posters here can narrow down your options.
Keith
A more suitable approach may be:
1) What specific characteristics are you looking for?
2) What conditions will you be using it in? High contrast? Fast Action? Low Light?
2) What is your intended use? - scan, print, etc...
Then posters here can narrow down your options.
Keith
Last edited:
payasam
a.k.a. Mukul Dube
Andrew, it might be an idea to build what you are looking for by digging up information from sources like RFF and Photo.net, and then making it available to others who are or will be in the position in which you find yourself. Film manufacturers' web sites may also be useful.
back alley
IMAGES
andrewteee
Established
Thanks. I had assumed that with so much information available online on so many arbitrary topics that somewhere there would be a catalog of film that describes each one. Perhaps I'll start my own! The Digital Truth site looks promising.
For the time being, I won't be doing my own development. I agree that the entire development chain matters, but surely each unique film has its own characteristics that serve as the base for an image.
I shoot primarily B&W. I tend to prefer a look that is dark or moody with good contrast (but not too contrasty with little gray values), a film that can hold good shadow detail, a film with grain (from apparent to obvious). There are also times when I prefer a dark image with strong contrast, an image where the highlights pop out against a dark background.
For color, I prefer a smooth film with little grain.
And based on my experience with film types in Silver Efex Pro the higher up you go in ISO the more contrast there is in B&W film. In general, is this true? I know this may be silly to ask coming from the source, but it might serve as something of a useful reference.
For the time being, I won't be doing my own development. I agree that the entire development chain matters, but surely each unique film has its own characteristics that serve as the base for an image.
I shoot primarily B&W. I tend to prefer a look that is dark or moody with good contrast (but not too contrasty with little gray values), a film that can hold good shadow detail, a film with grain (from apparent to obvious). There are also times when I prefer a dark image with strong contrast, an image where the highlights pop out against a dark background.
For color, I prefer a smooth film with little grain.
And based on my experience with film types in Silver Efex Pro the higher up you go in ISO the more contrast there is in B&W film. In general, is this true? I know this may be silly to ask coming from the source, but it might serve as something of a useful reference.