arond a. Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 <p>Hi,</p> <p>I've recently been toying with print film for the first time ever. Not really sure what's what, I took it to the lab where I live (Taipei, Taiwan). There, they asked if I wanted to process it as negative film. After a little research, I discovered this is called 'cross processing.' It's cheaper and faster, they say: one hour as C-41 as opposed to four days for E-6. My question is, why would anyone shoot slide film just to have it developed as negative? At the shop they assure me that it's essentially equivalent, but the whole idea seems like blasphemy to me. Most of my film experience is with B&W, so I'm looking for some one else's opinion on this one. I'm not trying to be cute or creative with my film processing. I just want an accurate reflection of what I saw color-wise. Good idea? Bad idea? Thoughts? Thanks.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tibz Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 <p>Cross processing is for effect mostly. Optimal quality will be achieved using the correct development technique. If you want the fast turnaround, you should shoot Negative film and process it accordingly.</p> <p>You should use negative film if you print in a darkroom, but for almost everything else slide film is easier to work with (despite longer turnaround these days.)</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clive1 Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 <p>Because it gives you funky colours and, if you're lucky, a very different feel. However, I've found Provia to be the worst to Xpro because it gives a greenish hue that doesn't suit too many subjects. The best, IMHO, is Velvia, which comes out super-purple. Search on Flickr. There are loads of Xpro-dedicated forums.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James G. Dainis Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 "<I>I've recently been toying with print film for the first time ever.</I>"<P> Print film is negative film either black and white or color. It sounds like you had slide film also known as transparency film or color reversal film. James G. Dainis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arond a. Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 <p>Sorry, I mean <i>slide</i> film. Positive, negative--I always get those two mixed up.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arond a. Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 <p>In other words, if I'm not specifically looking for psychedelic results, I shouldn't take the shop's advice and have it cross processed. I still think it's strange that they would suggest it. This stuff better be good when I finally do get it back from the E-6 lab. If the slide vs. negative difference doesn't leap off the light box at me, I may find it difficult to justify the expense and inconvenience of shooting it. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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