Kodachrome/Velvia first timer. Tips?

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OK--I just received five rolls each of Kodachrome 64 and Velvia 100. I've never shot slide film in my life. From this forum I understand it's harder to push/pull, but otherwise, any tips? What types of material do they excel at? I'll be running them through my RF's all week and then packing them off to Dwayne's.

Thanks!
John
 
Run a roll of the more forgiving Provia first?
I wouldn't trust too much the CdS based meters in the GSN and QL-17.
If in doubt - underexpose.
 
mabelsound said:
OK--I just received five rolls each of Kodachrome 64 and Velvia 100. I've never shot slide film in my life. From this forum I understand it's harder to push/pull, but otherwise, any tips? What types of material do they excel at? I'll be running them through my RF's all week and then packing them off to Dwayne's.

Thanks!
John
Click to expand...

i like using provia 100 in bright sunlight. K64 takes a little adjustment if you're used to using 100 speed film, but it's worth it.

also try to remember that slide film has a much narrower degree of latitude than print film. there will be noone at the lab correcting anything for you, what you see is what you shot!

good luck.

bob.
 
Shoot a roll of Kodachrome shooting at 64, being very careful to expose it right on. Try to avoid bright sunlight conditions, heavy overcast being best. Get that roll developed and see how you did. Be very critical in your analysis. Are you consistently over or under or are you pretty close? If an adjustment is needed, do the adjustment at the meter. If pics are too thin, try ISO 80, if too dense, try 50. Once you get the Kodachrome nailed down, then you know what your meter's error is and you can take it to the bank, because Kodachrome is developed by a very precise process. It may take three rolls to really get the kit dialed in, but it's worth it in the long run. To shorten the process, shoot twelve exposures at each of ISO 50, 64, and 80. Then use the next roll to zero in on it. Lastly, expose for the highlights and let the shadows go to black when there's any contrast to speak of. Good luck! You'll love both otf those films!
 
Velvia and Kodachrome and very different types of slides. Velvia colors are very saturated and not good for all scenes. I ran ten rolls through a F5 last summer for some landscape and Native American powwow. First time using Velvia. I used to shoot Kodachrome alot. In fact I finally got my slides out of storage and ran a few through my Coolscan V. Here are two 30 year old scans.
StampedeCropped.jpg


Cousins78.jpg


Some Velvia from this past summer:

velvia2web.jpg


Image18web.jpg


Image19web.jpg


Image15web.jpg


velvia1web.jpg


I always shot slides at their native ASA/ISO. But some folks said I should try 1/3 under expose so I did for all the Velvia ones. I also bracket.

Right now I have K64 in my S2 and will be looking forward to seeing how I did using my CV II meter and native ISO.

Bill
 
If its people you're photographing take a reflective reading off their face and open one stop

and yes if in doubt - underexpose
 
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