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Film


What is the difference in 200 and 400 speed film? When should you use one versus the other.


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May 02, 2005

 

Laura Roth
  I'm sure the other photographers can give you more info than I can, but for starters:

2 main differences: Film Grain and necessary lighting levels

Film grain: 200 speed film should have a less noticable grain than the 400 and therefore would generally be more useful for enlargements. In a standard 3 x 5 or 4 x 6 print the difference will not be as noticable.

Lighting levels: 200 speed film will need a longer exposure time when using the same lighting and aperture as if you were to shoot using 400 speed film. 200 will work perfectly well for using a flash indoors, or bright to overcast outdoor shots. If you need to shoot in lower lighting situations (ie, indoors without a flash) or for shooting moving objects, you are most likely better off using 400.

Hope that helps.


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May 02, 2005

 

Kerry L. Walker
  Go to www.kodak.com and check out the PGI (print grain index) of each film. You will have to go to 2 different parts of the site to check the technical specifications of consumer and professional films. You might find some interesting things - like the fact the Ultra Color 400 (and the Portra films of the same speed) actually have finer grain that the consumer grade 200 speed film.


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May 02, 2005

 

James M. Feldman
  Actually, I've found that 200 isn't really good for anything. I've suspected that it's nothing more than ei100 filmstock that's coded for push processing, thus the grain.


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May 04, 2005

 
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