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400 ASA C41 - Grain is an Issue


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Hi all,

 

After a long time only shooting Reala and Velvia I have been

experimenting with 400 speed films for a holiday coming up. While I

shoot with all primes and so can use slower films normally, I do need

to have some faster films for flexibility in lower light situations.

 

After reading feedback provided I shot NPH on the weekend at ASA320

(processed normally) and also a roll of Kodak Gold 400 that my wife

had left lying around begging to be used (I don't normally shoot

Kodak). I was surprised to find that scanned at 2200 dpi I was

seeing noticeable grain on both films! Maybe I am spoiled by shooting

Reala normally but I expected better from the NPH. The colour on the

NPH was also noticable less saturated than the Kodak, which while not

a real issue could look strange beside the Reala prints. I expected

that shooting at 320 would boost the saturation a little.

 

Given I am about to invest in a Minolta 5400 dpi film scanner, this

grain is of a little concern, as I will be restricted to A4 prints

off the NPH. Are there any suggestions for getting better grain

performance than NPH at ASA400, or is this as good as it gets?

 

Best regards,

 

Antony

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Try Kodak HD400 or Kodak 400UC (which are very similar). I'm sure exposing those at 320 or 250 wouldn't hurt them.

 

Or, if you're not afraid of experimenting, try a roll of Superia 800 or Press 800. That thing's got so much latitude for overexposure that it's scary.<div>005Z4u-13713484.jpeg.83126ccb18e3acc66908c5eed1323b3a.jpeg</div>

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I see grain in Reala in 4000 PPI scan easily - however I consider NPH very fine grained, especially considering Canon FS4000US is not particualary gentle to grain :)<br>

<br>

Sample attached is soft unfortunately - cause poor AF capabilities Elan 7 in dark conditions..<div>005ZCC-13714984.jpg.bcb90a7a4ffc025ebeb44e8c49a4e43b.jpg</div>

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Thanks to all, the suggestion of Kodak 400UC looks interesting, I normally only use Fuji but based upon your suggestion (and the supporting reviews I found elsewhere after your post pointed me in the right direction) I will give it a go. Do you recommend shooting at 400 or 320?

 

Cheers,

 

Antony

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