Mixed stage lighting: Portra 800 or something else?

[mgilbuena]

I've traditionally have shot band and concert photos with digital cameras. Tomorrow I will be shooting one film based camera to achieve my goal to transition most of my work toward film.

In an environment where there is mixed and constantly shifting lights, I've read that for 135, Portra 800 and Fuji 800Z come highly recommended. What have you guys found? Can the new Portra 800 handle tungsten and daylight-balanced lights with ease? Or should I have a filter on my lens to better balance the lights?

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks

 

[Tim Gray]

Yes, Portra 800 can handle mixed tungsten and daylight with ease. Fuji seems to have the edge on Portra 800 when it comes to mixed lighting that includes fluorescents. Portra 400 seems to handle those situations better than Portra 800 in my experience. What I'm talking about is the green tint that fluorescents often give.

Mind you, stage lighting often has strong gels anyway, so it becomes a bit of a moot point. Blue lighting is REALLY blue, and red lighting is often REALLY red. That should all come out fine.

If you can shoot 400 speed, use Portra 400. If you need 800, either shoot Portra 800 or think about pushing Portra 400. I'd stick with the 800 though until you have a chance to test it and pushed 400 side by side.