Slide/Transparency Film -Do you use it?

I've mostly stopped shooting transparencies because of all the forces working against it. My primary reason for shooting transparency film was to get prints made using the Cibachrome/Ilfochrome process. If you've never seen a 16x16 Ilfochrome print made from 120 format Velvia 50 shot on a Blad (or equivalent), you are missing out. Some people cried when Kodachrome was discontinued for me it was the loss of Ilfochrome. At the same time, all of the labs shut down in Atlanta (my favorites were E-6 and Moakler) and the cost for processing became prohibitive for general shooting. As stated above, Astia was my favorite for general purposes but it's gone and I don't find any magic with Provia or any of the remaining Kodak brands. Now Fuji is jacking up the prices. I don't think I shoot a dozen rolls a year now.

When I do shoot transparencies, for enlargements I get them scanned at Metal & Paper in California (used to be West Coast Imaging). Their work is superb. I use them for printing all of my digital files. Highly recommended.
 
samuelphoto said:
When I do shoot transparencies, for enlargements I get them scanned at Metal & Paper in California (used to be West Coast Imaging). Their work is superb. I use them for printing all of my digital files. Highly recommended.
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Forum readers should be aware that this lab is run by religous nutters who refuse to scan or print images with even a hint of human nudity, like Sports Illustrated style pictures, and they are prudishly rude about it to photogs who bring such work to them. While they can run their business they way they choose, they do not publicise this policy on their old or new website.

https://www.photo.net/discuss/threads/west-coast-imaging.388872/

As to the original question, I stopped shooting colour slides when Kodachrome was discontinued.
 
Shoot about 75% slide film (Balance B&W), all Provia 100F, which I find is simply gorgeous for what I do and dread to think what I will do if/when it goes away. Hopefully Ektachrome will be back by then. It's a mix of 120 and 135 as I travel around, but I'm also hoping to do some 4x5 in the very near future.

I get everything processed via mail at The Slide Printer/Denver Digital Imaging Center in Denver, CO - always had excellent service quality and price is good for me. I probably send them about 10 rolls/month.

Due to time, for the moment I typically just end up enjoying looking at those gorgeous 6x7 positives on the lightbox. Every year a choice selection is scanned on Nikon Coolscan 9000 and assembled into a calendar for family & friends.

I know I should do more with them but time and space have been at a premium. Hoping to print more this year once things get a bit more settled - either on my 13x19 inkjet or send to a lab for RA-4 prints. I too wish Ilfochrome/Cibachrome was still an option - the few I've seen are amazing and I enjoy the elegance of a digitalization-free process.
 
jmilkins said:
Provia? Even better!! Thanks.
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That is... if your rolls are relatively "new" (not more than 5-6 years old). Before, the CT Precisa 100 was some other film (supposedly made by Kodak?).

I almost feel ashamed buying this cheap relabelled Provia 100F since Fuji can't be making much money on this film.
 
That brings up a question..,

How long will slide film last? Is the shelf life less than negative film? Are all Slide films similar in shelf life?

I must check my film stock to see how old mine is...:confused:
 
Not as much as I used to. But going back over some of the shots I shot on slide film I think I might shoot some more - but in medium format this time...

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(All M6, CV35/2.5, Provia400 or Velvia100)
 
Slide film is real colour I think. I shoot it when it's sunny if I can.

Collapsible Summicron 50/2, Velvia 50 (1998)
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Used to shoot transparency. Not any more. All my color capture is digital. I am happy that Kodak is bringing back Ektachrome for those who still enjoy shooting slides.
 
dave lackey said:
(...) Do you shoot slide film these days? (...)
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No, C-41 film only, even for black & white (Ilford XP-2 Super). I need film with a wide exposure latitude since my film cameras are primitive (M6, MD-2, Pentax 67) and my exposure techniques are not perfect -- so slide film is out.

I use a digital camera when I'd use slide film.
 
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