Hello,

I would like to hear your comments about large format slide film for portraits (4x5). What do you normally use for that purpose? (daylight film)

Thanks a lot for your help.

Regards, Carlos

-- Carlos H. Santana (carloshsantana@hotmail.com), May 01, 2000

Answers

Try provia F, I've yet to try it myself, but I have heard good things about it, apparently sharper than velvia. Alternativly there is astia, I d'nt know mutch about the newer kodak emulsions though.

-- David Kirk (David_J_Kirk@hotmail.com), May 01, 2000.

Ive had good luck with Kodak EPN and EPP, also. Astia is probably better than Provia for portraiture. I like Provia for most applications, but it still has typical Fuji reds which are quite saturated, and doesnt reproduce skin tones as accurately as old faithful EPN.

-- Ron Shaw (shaw9@llnl.gov), May 01, 2000.

Astia is the best bet from Fuji... lowest saturation and good shadow detail.

-- Glenn C. Kroeger (gkroeger@trinity.edu), May 01, 2000.

I would try Fuji Astia as a first choice. Very nice, clean and neutral which helps both with skin tones as well as clothes and accessories. You might also take a look at Kodak Ektachrome 100 Plus (EPP). It is very nice as well with a bit of added 'pop' to the color but works well with skin tones at the same time. It really looks nice on high key subjects. I have tried some of the new Fuji Provia F, but not enough to know yet what it will do. The first few images look nice but further experience will tell more. The older Kodak EPN is nice but not as fine as the Astia (for me) and so I use the Fuji product here. If you are going to work with hot lights try the Fuji tungsten films as they look good as well.

-- Dan Smith (shooter@brigham.net), May 01, 2000.

I've been very pleased with the new Provia F, which I have been using at 8 X 10 for portraits of my two-week old daughter. Saturated color and great skin tones, to my (doting) eye, anyway!

Nathan

-- Nathan Congdon (ncongdon@jhmi.edu), May 01, 2000.

I use Astia, Provia F, Velvia (yes really), E100S, & EPN100 depending on the "look" I am going for. Velvia is obviously the most color saturated of these and I usually reserve it for times when I am gelling my lights or looking for very bold coloration. Astia is a better general pick.

-- Ellis Vener (evphoto@insync.net), May 02, 2000.

I have to agree with the Film from Fuji. Consistent in sheets and wonderful tonal qualities. The Astia film is even toned and very realistic. The Provia F seems to have more snap. Just make sure your lab processes the film correctly.

-- jacque staskon (jacque@cybertrails.com), May 05, 2000.

Astia portraits can be breathtaking.

-- Chris Hawkins (peace@clover.net), May 05, 2000.

This is nice to hear, because after 10 years I've (finally) decided I hate Velvia and ordered my first box of Astia several days ago. From what I've heard here, I'm going to like it. Will be using it as a general purpose film.

better shadow detail, someone said. How does it compare to Velvia in non-skin highlights?

(Velvia slides can be stunning, but they arent what I see what when I trip the shutter).

-- Wayne (wsteffen@mr.net), May 06, 2000.