Film Comparison
Comparison
We are going to be looking at 13 different 120mm film stocks today. Both in color and black and white. Basically, we shot 13 different rolls of film with the same lighting condition and model so we could compare all the film stocks together. This isn’t a scientific process and isn’t meant to be. Register to get access to the full images here https://theslantedlens.com/filmscan/
100 ISO
Fujifilm 100 Acros
Both Kenneth and I have no experience shooting with this film stock. It has a nice black, open shadow and holds the highlights well. There’s a smooth transition from blacks, shadows, and mid-tones. The highlights in the background are blown out but it has a nice quality to it.
Ilford 100
The Ilford has a larger grain texture than the Fujifilm did. It’s also much darker in the blacks. This film stock has a clearer distinction between white, mid, and black. Whereas the Fujifilm we were getting a smooth transition.
Ilford 125
We’re seeing the 125 is way more open than the 100. There’s nicer roll off from the whites to blacks. It opens up the image more and is more comparable to the Fujifilm we looked at before.
TMAX 100
TMAX is the gold standard in black and white because it’s so clean and open. The shadows are open and you get a nice image.
Between this and the Ilford 125 — it would be a tough choice. The TMAX would be amazing for portraits.
Medium 400 ISO
Ilford HP5 400
The HP is far less contrasty compared to the Delta 400. It almost seems like the HP5 you would manipulate in post to look like the Delta. HP is going to give you a little bit more flexibility on the backend if you want to manipulate the image at all. Deta will give you a good look if you’re going directly to print.
Ilford Delta 400
This film stock gives you the classic street photography feel. Nice grain in the shadows and mid-tones.
Ilford XP2 Super 400
The cross-process gives off a ‘punchy’ look. Even more than the Ilford 100 which we thought was too contrasty.
Kodak TMAX 400
It’s interesting to see this film stock. It seems to not have any true blacks – which was a really popular style for a second.
TRI-X 400
TRI-X is ‘the film’ that people shot on. It’s a great film that has smooth transitions. Upper mid-tones look very bright and go up to the highlights. Compared to the Ilford Delta 400, it’s not as contrasty or sharp.
If I had to pick, the Delta 400 and the Tri-X would be the contenders. The Delta looks crisper, but the TRI-X is up there too.
High ISO
Ilford Delta 3200
We only have one film in 3200. The grain is much more prominent obviously. It feels much more open than you’d expect though.
Low ISO Color
Kodak Portra 160
Portra is the gold-standard when it comes to color film. Skin tones look amazing. We just wish the shadows retained that magenta color but it tilts towards green. If you’re going for the vintage look, Portra is the way to go.
Extar 100
The shadows on this stock look a bit blue to the eye.
Cine Still 50D
For this film stock they’ve stripped one of the layers off of it so you get this washed out look. There’s a yellow tint to the image and you can see a halo effect around her hat. It feels like a dreamy look.
Mid ISO 400 Color
Kodak Portra 400
Realistic skin tones with less of a green tint than the Fujifilm 400. The safe choice in the color spectrum.
Fujifilm 400H
Between the Portra and the Fujifilm in this category, it’s a tough race. The Fujifilm seems to pop more with more vibrant colors. It skews a little green which we don’t necessarily like. It definitely has a certain look to it that some people will gravitate towards.
High ISO Color
Kodak Portra 800
Higher ISO color film — Kodak Portra 800 is the standard. This has a blue/magenta shadows and has a bit more contrast than the Portra 160.
Cine Still Tungsten 800
We were really impressed with how clean this 800 stock looked. The Cine Still looks a little bit more ‘organic’.
Film Stock We Used
Kodak Ektar 100 – B&H / Amazon
Kodak Portra 160 – B&H /Amazon
Kodak Portra 400 – B&H / Amazon
Kodak Portra 400H – B&H / Amazon
Kodak Portra 800 – B&H / Amazon
Kodak Tri-X 400 – B&H / Amazon
Kodak TMAX-2 400 – B&H / Amazon
Ilford Delta 400 – B&H /Amazon
Ilford XP2 Super 400 – B&H / Amazon
Ilford Delta 3200 – B&H / Amazon
Fujifilm Acros 100 – B&H / Amazon