Kodak Ektar 100 - What did I do wrong ?

<p>I have never shot Ektar but I have vast experience shooting slide films of old. Along with current Porta stock, which I love. <br>

I will be shooting Ektar for the first time this week, I am excited to see what comes out of it. As a commercial photographer shooting film, Ektar intrigues me. <br>

I played for about 30 seconds with your gorgeous puppy picture. I post process everything, so I am use to seeing minor issues. It looks to me as it should now. <br>

I exclusively use Richard's Photo Lab... </p><div></div>

<p>I just stumbled onto this thread and am curious how you've gotten along with Ektar since, Brittany. I am also in Seattle and adore Ektar (though I'm still very partial to Velvia & Provia) and it's become probably my favorite overall color neg film - I've run into a few problems with it but it's very forgiving overall.<br>

I'm local in Seattle as well and it's been years since I've used Panda, but I always have great dealing with the folks at Moon Photo in Greenwood - Bob's been around since 1974 (WELL before I was shooting since that's my dob hehe) and he's just great. They scan on Noritsu as well, and some of their work they actually send of to Panda (I can't remember precisely what - I think for slide mounting and some other things). Anyhow, if you'd like to try a different lab locally give'm a ring. He's even pushed Ektar 3 stops for me... though he practically begged me not to. :)</p>

The problem with scanning film is the strong possibility of not ending up with the actual look of the film. Once you

introduce the digital step to film shooting, the unique characteristics of the film, and film in general, can easily be altered.

For example, the most obvious thing that could happen is that all the colors could end up being equalized, yielding a

typical digital camera image which is typically neutral in color biases. While that makes for more accurate color, film

typically has color biases that give each film type a particular look. Back in the film days before the digital labs of today,

the only things that could be adjusted for was color balance and exposure, and contrast by the use of different papers.

The unique color biases of the film used could not be altered.

The key is properly using the right scanning software that preserves the unique look of a particular film. That applies to a

person doing the scanning at home or a commercial service doing the scanning. I see a lot of young film newbies getting

excited over shooting film but I have to wonder how many are even aware of the digital obstacle that exists that is likely

preventing them from actually seeing film as it really is.

Other things that will ruin the look of film is sharpening and noise reduction. If you are looking to retain the look of film you

shouldn't apply either.