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Category: Camera Film

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Filters and Type of Film for Trip to France


I'm going to France in a few weeks and I'm looking for that great photo. What type of film and filters should I consider buying. I'd rather stick to print film in color and black and white. I am hoping to take some really saturated photos.


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August 16, 2001

 

Elaine S. Robbins
  Well, if you want "really saturated" colors, then you'll want to use slide film. I shot my first roll of slide film and was just blown away by the colors and sharpness. Fuji Velvia (ISO 50) is supposed to be the ultimate in saturation. But if you're determined to stick to print film, I suppose the only advice I could give would be get a relatively low-speed (ISO 100) in any of the major brands (Fuji, Kodak, etc). As for black and white film, I don't have much experience, but the one roll of Tri-x Pan 400 (Kodak) that I shot seemed ultracontrasty though fine-grained (though that might have been the printing). At my university's photog dept and darkroom (where I work) Tmax 100 and 400 seem to be the order of the day. Beyond that, with print film a lot of it is just finding a good lab for the printing, if you can afford it.

Another convenient black and white film is C41 black and white - it can be processed at any lab that does color printing. This I've shot several rolls of and in contrast (hehe) to the Tri-x Pan it seems to give good attention to the midtones, a bit "softer" overall - good for portraits. It does have a unique sort of feel though, so I'd recommend giving it a try before stocking up on it.


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August 20, 2001

 
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