Agfa Scala Tips?

Finally I managed to get some Agfa Scala to experiment with. It would

be nice hear some tips and experiences from those who have used this

film, f. ex. push processing.

 

Lately I've been using mainly Kodak 100G and I'm starting to like it,

but want to try Scala. I also use Kodachrome 64 every now and then.

Is Scala more like 100G or KR64 to work with? If I shot Scala as

200ASA is the contrast like KR64 or 100G?

 

I shoot 6X6, hand held, outdoors (with fill flash) or indoors with

flash as main, people.

 

I know, the best way to know is to go out and shoot;)

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Mikko

My very limited experience with Scala has been relatively poor. Processed normally, as EI 200, I found it to be very flat and low in contrast, unlike KR64 or E100. Processed by DR5, it was significantly better, more like E100 than Kodachrome, though with a little better exposure latitude (which may just be an inherent benefit of the faster film).

 

After trying Efke 100 and Tri-X in DR5, though, I stopped using Scala; it's cheaper, I liked the results better, and, more recently, I'm not concerned about the continuing availability of Tri-X, though Scala and Efke may become unavailable in the not-too-distant future...

I don't agree with the previous poster: normally processed Scala (in Agfa's proprietary soup) is awesome stuff, with dramatic contrast and a very dramatic feel. My advice would be to underexpose a bit; tones can be very thin if this stuff is even a bit overexposed. But deep, dramatic shadows with bright highlights are just irresitible in Scala.

I freely admit I may well have overexposed slightly; I mainly use my 1970's vintage Eyeball Mk. 1 light meter, erring on the side of extra exposure when in doubt. Works fine with Provia; not so well, perhaps, with Scala... or Elite Chrome 100. :/ I think Scala is one of those love-it-or-hate-it films. Perhaps there's a special cachet to using a film that's even harder to get developed than Kodachrome, but for me the hassle, cost, and results just weren't worth it...

 

I will say that it scans really nicely, though. As in most things photographic, the best option really is to try it for yourself, rather than rely on the experiences of strangers. :D

<p>I agree with Philippe, Scala can produce excellent results, but don't expect it to have the range of other b&w films, see the Agfa's Web site for

<a href="http://www.agfaphoto.com/en-GB/photography/professional-photography/films/scala/">Scala film</a>.

 

<p>I've found you have to be careful when you have a wide range of tones, especially the extremes. You have to judge the exposure carefully, or bracket. Where people may be disappointed is with low contrast scenes where the slides looked washed out, but they'll print fine. I would suggest taking some shots of scenes you're familar with and have negative/prints from other films to compare the differences.

 

<p>Good luck.

Mikko, I don't know where you are located; but if you're in North America, DR5 Labs in Denver will give you what you want. If you are in Europe, then sending your film to a Scala lab is probably a better choice, because of the chance the film will be damaged in transit with security measures, via x-ray before being loaded onto an airplane, or by e-beam sterilization for anthrax & other biohazards by U.S. Postal Service.

 

http://www.DR5.com

I have a few samples (nothing special) here:

<p>

<a href="http://casualphotos.vze.com/scala">http://casualphotos.vze.com/scala</a>

Thanks for the answers.

 

Dan, I would like to use DR5, but I live in Europe. Later I will try DR5 also, just to see what happens... It is interesting process, but as you said, this air mail thing makes it a bit risky for me.

 

Richard, I was not able to open your Scala link. The "basic" address with dot com opened just fine, but /scala was too much, don't know why.

<i>Richard, I was not able to open your Scala link. The "basic" address with dot com opened just fine, but /scala was too much, don't know why.</i>

<p>

I don't know why either. Try: <a href="http://www.rtope.com/scala">http://www.rtope.com/scala</a>

<p>

Dick

Today I received my first Scalas. This is a really great film, just Super. I know, Agfa is going to stop producing this, so now is the last change to try this. Gotta buy some more Scala before they stop making it.

Dan,

 

Can you recommend a good lab in Denver for processing Agfa Scala? I've heard great things about Reed on Federal, but I've never made a trip there.

 

BTW, this is my first post here, but have been reading this site for months. What an incredible resource! I love this place.

Mike,

<p>

I'm not Dan but according to the Agfa web site there are now only 2 authorized labs in the US. I've used Color Reflections in Miama and they do a credible job and turn around time is about 10 days. Mailers are available from B&H for sure and probably Adorama as well.

<p><a href="

http://www.agfaphoto.com/en-GB/photography/professional-photography/films/scala/scala-labore/">http://www.agfaphoto.com/en-GB/photography/professional-photography/films/scala/scala-labore/</a>

<p>

Also, DR5 says they process it as well - and they are located in Denver.

<p><a href="

http://www.dr5.com/main.html">http://www.dr5.com/main.html</a><p>