slide film choice scanning question

[msheppler]

Where to start? I have a Leica m3 with a collapsible 50 Summicron that I want to use for color work. I'm going to be scanning with a Coolscan 5000 and I'm somewhat perplexed as to how to begin to choose a slide film for my needs. I don't want an overly saturated look and I was wondering about Fuji Astia . Maybe Kodachrome 64?
Of course I could massage the colors in photoshop but I really want to get it right by tuning my lens/ film choice at the beginning. I know this is going to require some systematic explorations I'm just looking for a place to begin.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[amateriat]

Best thing to do is experiment. In addition to getting your scanning technique with slides right (I'm presuming this is your first time shooting slides in any camera), you'll want to see if the film your shooring looks good to your eye through the loupe on a light table (or even...don't tell anyone here I advised this...a slide projector). If you like what you see there, you have a baseline to judge your scans against.

Depending on the scanner, some slide films scan easier than others, although at this point in time, there are very few slide films made that aren't generally scanner-friendly. As far as the "look" is concerned, I'm somewhat partial to Kodak's offerings, but Fuji is close behind, Astia being particularly nice for all-around shooting. But that's according to my eyes; I think you should take a roll each of several films, take an early walk on a nice day, and have at it. Have the film developed by the same lab at the same time, then compare.


- Barrett

 

[msheppler]

Thanks for your suggestions. btw: I noticed your quote by Woody Allen. I work at the Library of Congress and I saw Mia Farrow in the cafeteria. A bit of a surprise!