BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Using Various Films & Formats

Photography Question 

Sandra S. Beyers
 

Graniness of Fast Film Speeds


If I am shooting a low-light situation and using a fast film speed such as 1600, how does this effect the graininess of the pictures? Can I enlarge to an 8x10 or 11x14 without any problems?


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September 30, 2004

 

Carol Brill
  Sandra, 1600 film will produce very grainy images for the most part that will make the photos difficult to enlarge and still retain decent clarity. If you have Photoshop or Elements, you can do some post-processing to eliminate some of the graininess, or try using the Neat Image or Noise Ninja noise reduction software. While they may reduce the graininess, these programs also might reduce the sharpness of the image as well. Are you using an SLR where you could possibly utilize a faster lens or add a flash (not the on-camera flash)? That may enable you to use 800 ISO film, which would significantly reduce the noise/grain. Good luck!


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September 30, 2004

 

Sandra S. Beyers
  I am using an SLR and do have an added flash. I don't understand what constitutes a "faster lens". I have a 28-80 and a 75-300. These are my primary lenses. Can you explain?


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September 30, 2004

 

Carol Brill
  I'm talking about the f-stop value on the lens. For instance, I had a Canon 75-300mm 4.5/5.6 zoom that had an aperture of 4.5 at 75mm, but when zoomed out to 300 had an aperture of 5.6. Faster lenses have a lower f-stop number (i.e., the Canon 70-200mm 2.8L has an aperture of 2.8 at both the 70 and 200mm ends), which let in more light and thus can reduce the ISO of the film you need to shoot with.


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September 30, 2004

 

Sandra S. Beyers
  Thank you so much, Carol. I had learned that in one of my courses years ago, but forgotten how that worked. Thanks again!


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October 01, 2004

 
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