Quick Ektar Question

[david.elliott]

Hello,

I rarely shoot color film, so please help me out. It is a pretty foggy day out and I am planning to leave shortly to photograph a nearby lake with some ektar 100 in my rolleiflex. I'd like to get less saturated colors. So, should I expose the ektar at 80 or 125? I can never remember how rating color films relates to saturation.

Thanks.

-David

 

[Arjay]

In his review of the Ektar film, Roger Hicks states that overexposure (using a lower ISO value) increases color saturation. So, I suggest you rather underexpose your shots (use a higher ISO value).

I find this fact rather irritating, as I have used slide film for decades with the notion to underexpose a bit for better color saturation ( granted, Ektar is a negative film, but still ...).

 

[Vics]

I think Roger Hicks is right, but I don't think Ektar has much tolerance for under exposure. I would shoot it at 100 and if need be, tone the colors down in post, whether digital or at a lab.

 

[Soothsayerman]

Yep, do it at 100. Underexposure gives it a bluish tint. It doesn't like to be under exposed. It is a finicky beast.

 

[imokruok]

Yep, do it at 100. Underexposure gives it a bluish tint. It doesn't like to be under exposed. It is a finicky beast.

+1. It feels like slide film sometimes. Shoot box speed.

 

[healyzh]

I have to agree, do it at 100, but I have a different reason for saying this. Depending on who is doing your processing, they can really mess things up. I've actually stopped using Costco do develop my 35mm film, specifically because of Ektar 100. Though if you're shooting with a Rolleiflex that would indicate you're shooting 120, and hopefully using a professional lab to have your worked developed. At this point you're likely to be fairly safe underexposing slightly. OTOH, given your requirements my preference would be for Portra 160NC.

 

[bwcolor]

I agree with EI 100 and use P.S. to adjust, but it sounds like the new Portra 400 might best be in your future plans. Not as fine grain, but more muted colors.

 

[david.elliott]

Thanks guys. I shot the roll at 100 as suggested. I've got 4 more rolls of ektar sitting around that need to be used up, but I'll look into the portra line.

Also shot a roll of delta 100. 🙂

I can always depend on the RFF community for timely help. You all are the best.