Fuji 800Z, NPZ or Superia X-Tra 800

[david_werbeloff1]

<p>Hi All,<br>

I have read all the back correspondence on this topic, and, as of today, I see that 800Z and Superia 800 are still listed on the Fujifilm website, but none of the major retailers list it or have any in stock. What's the word?<br>

If 800Z is in fact gone from our universe, does anyone have experience of rating 400H at 650 and push processing at 800? <br>

Curious for responses.<br>

Thanks,<br>

David</p>

[jeff_z.]

<p>Hi David,<br />Sorry, I can't specifically answer your question, but have you tried Kodak's Portra 800? I find it to be a fabulous film, and it is available at the online suppliers such as Unique Photo, Adorama, and B&H. </p>

[randrew1]

<p>It has been 6 years since I saw a carefully done picture comparison including Superia 800 and 800Z so this information may be out of date. In late 2005 those two products were very similar. </p>

<p>I am biased, but I've generally selected Portra 800 as the best high speed color film. It is faster than the Fuji offerings (closer to a true ISO 800). It has much finer grain than Natura 1600. I also prefer the color reproduction of Portra 800. </p>

[john_shriver]

<p>Except for 400H, Fuji has completely bowed out of the "professional" C-41 film business. They're holding onto their E-6 niche, although that's in trouble as well.</p>

[Karim Ghantous]

<p>I dare say that Portra 400 might do better at EI 800 than Fuji 800. It would be interesting to see if that's true, though. But Portra 400 is fine at EI 1600 or even 3200.</p>

[david_werbeloff1]

<p>Hello, Gents,</p>

<p>Thank you so much for your responses. It sounds like all of us 800Z addicts are changing over to Portra 800... for as long as *that's* on the market. Am curious to try pushing the Portra 400 just to see what happens.<br>

Best,<br>

David</p>

[User_502260]

<p>The extra cost for pushing the 400 film would cancel out any cost advantage over the Portra film. The Portra 800 is excellent if expensive and you should use it while it's still here. </p>

[david_werbeloff1]

<p>Jeff, Thanks.<br>

Portra 800 it is.<br>

Best,<br>

David</p>

[Karim Ghantous]

<p>No need to push Portra 400, but that is just what I think I understand. Anyway the Portra 800 can't be bad!</p>

[jeff_z.]

<p>I think it's actually <em>outstanding</em>, Karim :). </p>

[francois_p._garnier]

<p>@ John Shriver: There are also Fuji Reala 100 and Fuji 160 NS (both in 120 format) as professional C-41 films. Both films are in production. 120 NS was introduced at Photokina 2010.<br>

Superia 800 is also in production, in 35mm and 120. Excellent film: Significantly higher resolution than Portra 800, and much better color rendition in mixed lighting conditions (with tungsten and/or fluorescent light).<br>

In this case colors with Superia 800 remain much more natural compared to Portra 800, which has an extreme green-yellow cast (fluorescent lighting).</p>

<p>That is also the weakness with the new Portra 400. Fuji Pro 400H performs much better in such lighting conditions.<br>

Both Fuji Pro 400H and Superia 800 have the so called "4th layer technology", which is responsible for the better color rendition in these lighting conditions with artificial light.</p>

[User_502260]

<p>I don't know whether the color balance in mixed lighting is as much of an issue as it once was Very little printing of color negatves is done optically now and a lot can be corrected in the scanning.</p>

[jeff_z.]

<p>Francois, though I've never used the Fuji 800 speed, I've shot many concerts w/out flash with the Portra 800. Any color cast you mention is easily corrected. I do it in P.S., but I would think what Jeff says is true, too. It's absolutely great film, I think. I've also shot the new Portra 400 recently for a concert because I was out of 800 at the time. At 400, it was too slow, but I managed to get several sharp/sharp enough images. The color is beautiful; absolutely exceptional in my opinion, especially reds. Again, I usually easily correct for any color casts. What you say may have been true years ago, but I tend to doubt it seriously with these versions. But in any case, color casts are very easily remedied.</p>

[david_werbeloff1]

<p>Hello, All,<br>

Official word back from Fujifilm U.S. today: 800Z is gone, only 800 Superia X-Tra in 24 exp. rolls for 35mm consumption. Better stock up for the freezer now...<br>

Best,<br>

David</p>

[dr._karl_hoppe]

<p>Several bricks of 800Z tucked away in the freezer! Have to stock up on 800 Superia X-Tra before it's too late!</p>