Kodak Ultra Color film

[Jeffrey L.T. von Glück]

Does anyone have any experience with Kodak's Ultra Color line of professional

negative stock? I just saw where it's available in ISO 100 and 400 versions.

I'm wondering how it stacks up against defunct Agfa's discontinued Ultra 100.

Could this be the answer when my brick of Agfa Ultra is all gone?

[anand_n._vishwamitran]

Kodak 100UC is an inferior product. 100UC is a high contrast film with a reddish cast during scans that is difficult to get rid of. Under overcast conditions, you can capture images <a href="http://www.igaruda.com/w3rootg/dspi.aspx?IMGID=1117-8">to be proud of</a> but generally speaking, Reala is a much better choice.

<p>

400UC is much better film. Scanning it remain hit and miss, atleast for me; but shot at 320, it's capable of delectable portraits of human skin <a href="http://www.igaruda.com/w3rootg/dspi.aspx?IMGID=1226-2">as well as metal</a>.

[terry_rory]

I am also looking for the same thing. (About to take delivery of 35mm film SLR after a few years without one.)

 

A search on flickr for 400UC tagged pics looks encouraging at first glance...

 

[terry_rory]

I will of course be using Fuji Reala 100 for those occasions when I want 'subtle' and 'accurate' colurs but Agfa Ultra 100 (and 50) had colours that slapped you round the chops so please bear this in mind when suggesting replacements.

 

(I suspect a lot of Velvia 50 may get purchased instead plus its easier to scan)

[thidglance]

I shot a holiday trip to the UK on 400UC - it's pretty nice, very good for grey day shooting,

not as sure for higher contrast sunny day stuff. It does have a warm tone to it, but that

seems to work well when it's cold light.

[simonpg]

I agree with Anan. I have used many roles of 400UC 135 format and 120 format.

 

The 100UC did show to be more obviously red-ish especially in skin tones, while the 400 version was less so.

 

If I were shooting 100asa type speed anyway, I use Kodak 160NC which I really like (and I can let PS give added saturation if I need it). Or I use 100GX & 100VC positive films.

 

400UC is good and overall relatively natural with not excessive contrast. Typically I shoot it rated at 320 especially in 120 format just to be sure I avoid blocking up the dark areas.

[wai_leong_lee]

400UC is discontinued.

[terry_rory]

Do you have a link to the announcement that 400UC is discontinued.

 

 

Kodak USA are still showing it as a current line...

 

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/products/films/ultraColor/main.jhtml?id=0.2.22.14.7.16&lc=en

 

Kodak UK are still showing it as current (albeit under its UK name).....

 

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/products/films/eliteColor/main.jhtml?id=0.2.22.14.7.18&lc=en

 

And Kodak Japan are showing it as a current product also....

 

http://wwwjp.kodak.com/JP/ja/professional/products/films/ultra/index.shtml

 

I can still oreder it from about 3 different online dealers including Calumet where 400 UC is listed as being able to ship same day. (In stock) http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/ctl?ac.ui.pn=search.Search&query=kodak%20ultra&page=2

 

Also amazon USA is showing it in stock ..... http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/104-2415915-9530323?initialSearch=1&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=kodak+ultra+color&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=Go

[wai_leong_lee]

See http://www.apug.org/forums/archive/index.php/t-37436.html

[terry_rory]

In the link it states... "I called Kodak Canada and they confirmed it. BOTH 100UC AND 400UC are

discontinued in 120 rolls, but still available in 35mm."

 

 

So it looks like we are OK for 100 UC and 400 UC in 35mm for now.

[terry_rory]

Even so, if I like 400 UC I will lay in a supply just in case. I will not need much.

[waldo_lee]

In March I ordered every Kodak and Fuji color negative film from ISO 160 to 800 that B&H sells. Carefully shot daylight tests frames on all. Scanned with 4000 dpi scanner. Since I convert to B&W, I was mainly looking for a good trade-off between speed, sharpness, and fine grain. To my eyes 400UC came out tops. As someone who's printed color for 35 years, I was also impressed by the rich but not over-the-top color and manageable contrast. (Though I didn't test for it, many state that 400UC also handles skintones well.) Kodak dumps too many excellent products. I sure hope they keep 400UC.

[User_502260]

I like 100UC and I still use it in both 120 and 35mm. When I have had prints made I dod not do the scanning and I also did not use it for portraits. When my supply in 120 is used up I will use Portra 160 VC and Reala instead. Both the 400UC and the Portra 400 films are nice and seem to work better in mixed light. The current version of the 800 speed Portra film is really excellent.

[benny_spinoza]

If you go to the film forum, you will find much discussion about this film. I don't agree with those who said 100UC has a reddish cast to it. When scanned properly, it does not. I've shot portraits with it, and it is very good with skin tones. But I've found that 400UC sometimes emphasizes the reds too much. In general, these are both excellent films, espescially when you want that extra "pop" and still want good skin tones.

[nick_m1]

I used it once, ISO 400, and wasn't very impressed. It seemed muddy to me, and just overall not very interesting. I though Superia was better.

 

Just my $0.02.

 

I live in Japan and yes, Ultra Color 120 format is no longer available (my friend used to shoot it.)

[randall_pukalo]

400UC is one of the best print films ever made. Great warm, saturated colors without red skin tones. However, it pales in comparison to Agfa Ultra. In fact, when I shot the 2 side by side a few years ago for Fall Colors, I was struck thinking - whats ultra about 400UC? Good colors, yes, but not the spectacular Agfa Ultra color saturation.

For an Agfa Ultra replacement, you will need to shoot slide film - Velvia 100, Velvia 50, Kodak Elite Chrome Extra Color, or Kodak E100VS.

Agfa Ultra was the only neg film that matched slides for saturation. I do miss it.

Actually, I think you can still buy some froma guy out of Germany on E-Bay. I got 50 rolls from him - all fresh stuff 7/2008.

[michaelphelan]

Anand,

 

I think you couldn't photograph your way out of a paper bag. UC 100 is a beautiful film with lovely color rendition. That you could disparage this film illustrates your lack of photographic experience and aesthetic taste. You are obviously nothing but an iconoclast.

[laurentvuillard]

I've used it a lot: do not use for portrait or people but its rather saturated and if this is your choice (i.e. saturation) it does the job! Nice for night shots as well!