Film is on the resurgence as of recent and we here at The Slanted Lens are really excited about it! Transparency film is another option from your regular negative film but what is it exactly? When would you use transparency instead? How does it compare to C-41 or print fil? What is the dynamic range of transparency film?
All these questions and more will be answered!
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Over/Under Test
We shot a few rolls of transparency and print film in Canada and here in Pasadena. Now we’re back in California to go over our results.
In our first test, we’re going to show you what each film looks like when properly exposed. This will give you an idea of how the film stocks handle color, highlights, shadows and contrast.
I like the Provia a bit more when you expose correctly because you get those rich colors that the Portra.
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Here are a few more examples of correct exposure for these three film rolls. Velvia is a bit warmer than I’d like it to be and her hair is already starting to become over-exposed.
A lot of people like that ‘washed out’ look you get from Portra. If you don’t like it so much you still have a lot of room to change it up in Photoshop. These images are just straight from the scans we got though so you can be the judge.
Using Transparency Film in Landscape Photography
Because transparency is such a finicky thing, it’s important to expose your frames properly. A lot of people who are shooting landscape film photography use transparency film because it gives you those rich colors that you don’t get with regular C-41. Landscapes are usually done when you have time to set up your shot as well, so it’s a great application for them.
Provia and Velvia give your really rich colors which you don’t get in the Portra. However, be careful to frame your shots well. Velvia does not work in high contrast situations where there are prominent highlights and shadows in your scene.
You can really see the difference in these films from the rock formation. These were shot with correct exposure, but you can see how the Provia film is a bit more magenta and the Velvia is a bit more greenish in tint. The lake also pops in the Velvia a lot more than the other two.
Hard Overhead Light
Subject in the Shadows
This is where Velvia shines. Look at those colors!! It looks so stunning. If you were shooting in the shadows, I would most defiantly shoot on Velvia.
Here are a few other frames we got!
Share with us some of your pictures! Get involved with our facebook group! We would love to see the things you’re doing with film!
Gear Used
Iluminati Light Meter – B&H / Amazon
Great review. I haven’t shot portra 160 as much, but going by your images, I prefer Provia100F over it.
I shoot a lot of Slides and develop them at home. I overexposed Velvia once for a portrait session and oh my, all those shots were unsable like these ones here. I also didn’t like skin tones on velvia.
Provia100F is definitively my favorite over Velva and Portra160. When I shoot portra I shoot the 400 version which has an outstanding dynamic range and doesnt seem as washed out.
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