Is E200 a single film option to Provia 100 & Provia 400?

This is directed to travel photographers (and BTW - thank you for

adding this forum!). I usually shoot Provia 100F and carry Provia 400

when I need more speed. Is Kodak Professional E200 a better one-film

solution due to it's excellent ability to push? I haven't seen any

direct comparisons, but it seems that people like the E200 alot. I

would prefer to carry just one film type if I can. Also, if anyone

has information about the warmth or coolness of E200 compared to

Provia 100F that would help in my analysis.

I would say no, most loudly. I have a bunch of the stuff along with near 20 rolls of Provia 400F. Both I wish would just vanish from my film stock, as I can find no use for them. They are too grainy for all but special applications ad even then I would rather use a black and white to get some real speed and avoid color shift or mixed lighting. E200 has decent color and contrat, but is too grainy once you get beyond the initial edit. 400F is the same boat for me. I would push 100F a stop or shoot 106 NC or VC and 400NC or VC--maybe the new Portra 800 color--if you need speed.

I haven't used E200 so I can't answer your question, but just a quick comment on the previous post: while Provia 400F is certainly more grainy than an ISO 100 slide film, I find it very usable. It definitely looks better than Provia 100F pushed two stops, and negative film isn't really an alternative if you want to shoot chromes.

 

Mark

No way...you're way better off pushing Provia 100F to ISO 400 if you want just one film. The granularity, the color, almost everything will be better than E200 at anything at ISO400 or less. If you need something faster then E200 pushes well to 800 and 1000, but it isn't really an ISO 200 film and is only really worth using at 400+.

Keith,

 

Your're going to find all kinds of answers on this and I think it all boils down to doing a test on your part. I've used all the above mentioned films. Provia 100 is my standard chrome. I have pushed it a stop and with fine results. E200 (as said before) is DESIGNED to be pushed (Kodak says a one stop push at ASA 320 and a two stop push at 640) I've done both and while grain and contrast are present (especially at 640) it's NOT THAT BAD. Provia 400 is more muted in color but is fine at 400 and 800

 

Now I mostly shoot MF for publication and have had a lot of examples with both E200 and Provia 400 pushed that were reproduced in magazines. All the printed examples are fine and the graphic designers were very pleased.

 

Are they equal to Provia 100 (even pushed a stop)....no. But if you need an increase in speed (especially only one stop) then both are fine.

 

However, I would not use E200 as a substitute for a 100 speed chrome.

Just pack several rolls of high speed film and you'll have it if you need it.

 

Fuji one tried a "do everything" chrome with MS 100/1000...it died with the introduction of Provia 400 which Fuji says is a better performer at 400 up!

Well, I guess that pretty well confirms what I expected to hear. I have always loved Provia 100F and I suppose this supports the advise to "stick with what works." Looks like I'll still be carrying 2-4 different types of emulsions when traveling!

I'm a Velvia and Provia 100F fan myself but was wondering whether Astia, which I believe is ISO 160 might be fine enough pushed to 320 if you're short of light? No experience of it myself. I've used Provia 400F before and it is like an 800 print film for grain. When I was comparing to my Velvia slides, really not impressed. How about the Velvia 100 which is due out soon - does anyone know how effectively that will push 1-1.5 stops? No Kodak experience I'm afraid, but in general once you get to ISO 400+, grain on all slide film becomes noticeable.