Anyone using Portra 160 for land- and cityscapes?

<p>We all know that the "new" Kodak Portra 160, just like all Portra films, is great for people shots; but is anyone using it for landscapes and cityscapes? My own experience is that it works quite well for that purpose too, even though the palette is not geared toward that sort of application.</p>

<p>For example I'm quite pleased with the shot below.</p>

<p>(Taken with a Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 lens I borrowed from a friend, at 14mm f/8, on a Nikon F65.)</p><div></div>

<p>This is a 100% crop from a quick 'n' dirty 3,600ppi scan (sharpened):</p><div></div>

<p>Yes, I shot a few rolls in my No. 1 Panoram Kodak. Needs a little contrast added in post-processing, but other than that it's fine. I've always been happy with the Portra family for landscape shots, the real world isn't as zippy as most E-6 films.</p>

<p>Zoltan, I agree, a fine shot. Impressive detail, especially in the fence. My shot was taken a couple of months ago with a Bronica SQ Ai with Portra 160 NC & 50mm lens. Scanned on an Epson V500 @ about 1600 ppi. I like the way it retains detail in both highlights & shadows. No wonder it was a favourite with wedding photographers. </p><div></div>

<p>Zoltan, and here is a 100% detail from that full frame shot. Best, LM.</p><div></div>

<p>Yes, I love to shoot Portra for land and cityscapes. I shoot all three speeds (160, 400 and 800.) The 800 is phenomenal for low light shooting. Sometimes a landscape calls for saturated colours of Ektar or Fuji Velvia, but sometimes the more subdued tones are appropriate. I find the colours of Portra more predictable than Ektar or Velvia, and the saturation can be bumped up if you need to.</p>

<p>Portra is also a great choice for black & white conversions. It has so much latitude that it looks a bit more like a traditional silver black & white, but it scans well and gives you the ability to tweak your contrast colour filtering after the fact.</p>

<p>Here's a few shots. I think these take advantage of Portra's character. The first is 160 in 35mm, the second and third are 800 in 120 format.</p><div></div>

<p>My fellow photographer (shooting digital!)</p><div></div>

<p>This is a black and white conversion from the same outing.</p>

<p>Whoops, here's the picture:</p><div></div>

<p>Hi Zoltan,<br>

I have liked Porta in the old and new emulsions. It lends itself very well to cityscape work as well as street scenes. I have shot quite a bit of it in my OM4 and in older medium format gear. Your own result also demonstrates just how good this film is. I just hope that Kodak finds a buyer for its film business. </p>

<p>It's great stuff for landscape and you can make it look quite vibrant if you want..<br>

<img src="http://www.timparkin.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/421a-560x700.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="700" /></p>

<p><img src="http://www.timparkin.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/424b-551x700.jpg" alt="" width="551" height="700" /></p>

<p><img src="http://www.timparkin.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/473-551x700.jpg" alt="" width="551" height="700" /></p>

<p><img src="http://www.timparkin.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/478-611x313.jpg" alt="" width="611" height="313" /><br>

<a href="http://www.timparkin.co.uk">http://www.timparkin.co.uk</a></p>