Film for higher contrast conditions.

[jason_elsworth3]

Hello all. I have done a search, which doesn't seem to be working too

well currently, and couldn't really find what I wanted. Currently I

have used Velvia almost exclusively and do most of my photography in

the early mornings and late evenings, or on overcast days. However I

am soon going on a hiking trip and I am looking for a 100 speed film

which will be better suited to taking some imgaes during the middle

part of the day in sunnier conditions. I will also take velvia, but

it doesn't cope well with these higher contrast conditions. Any

recommendations please.

[kenny_dunn]

I also use Velvia most of the time, but the only film I like that is lower in contrast is the Kodak E200. It does very well in poor light like you are describing and is pretty good about grain. I do not like the E100 in the sun at all except for wildlife. Provia is also OK, but there is just something I never really liked about the film, although most people like it just fine. When I am shooting in these conditions I still use Velvia because even though it is high contrast, it still seems to be the best at holding detail in the dark and light areas. I am sure most people will answer Provia. I have tried the RMS and it may work very well for what you are wanting to do also. This is the Fuji film that can be shot between 100-1000. I have really only tried it pused hard, but I remember liking the colors very well and I was shooting in a very high contrast situation (but not the grain, but I was pushing to 800). Shot at 100 it may be just what you are looking for.

[lester_laforce]

Astia... A low contrast film designed for high contrast situations. I used it at a Marti Gras parade on a sunny afternoon and was able to hold detail in the white elements of costumes and skin shadow areas of African American dancers.

[stephen_schoof]

I've tried lower-contrast films for my outdoor hiking/scenic work, but always come back to Velvia. A polarizer and/or fill-flash helps avoid the blown-out reflections and dark shadows of midday light (in case you haven't tried this). If you must have 100-speed, I'd use either Provia F or E100VS, which is about as contrasty as normal Velvia but probably less so than Velvia pushed a stop in bright sun.

[joe_mcgovern1]

I also use Astia to deal with high contrast mid-day light and save the Velvia for better light earlier or later in the day. The Astia maintains detail in the blacks and shadows and I like the "look" it gives to ocean scenes.

[kurt_heintzelman]

Do keep Provia F100 in mind (and in your camera bag) because it is, IMO, THE 100 speed slide film at this time, and it pushes extremely well to 1 stop (maybe even 2 stops). This film's grain is practically invisible when rated at 100 iso, and still hard to detect at a 1 stop push. It is also very contrast friendly. Forget about your previous impressions with the older Provia 100--this new film is radically different. As for E100S or SW, I've practically forgotten about them in light of the Provia F, but when I used either of these Ektachromes, I preferred to rate them at 125 iso.

[dr._steven_bein]

I believe that Sensia II is the consumer version of Astia, as such, both are good in high contrast conditions

[pronskephoto]

I have been using the new Kodak 100 VS (Vivid Saturation) with good results. I recently went on a hike in northern New Mexico and used both the Kodak 100 VS and Velvia with a polarizer in clear sunlight. The brilliant blue of the New Mexico skies, the greens and the other colors were all very similar. The contrast also seemed similar. With a 5X lupe, I could tell only a minor in the granularity when looking at the blue skies. I hope this helps.

[gary_voth]

E200 (rated normal) is quite low in contrast and may be worth trying. Also E100S or E100SW with fill flash. For exposures, you know the old adage: meter for the highlights. I stay away from all of the super-saturated films in harsh mid-day sun.