Who'd Like Kodak To Re-Introduce Portra 400UC/ 400UC Film?

[25asa]

I used some rolls of this film in both its name sakes, and really loved the look it had. It was as fine grained as Gold 100, punchy colors, decent skin tones, and also a 400 speed. I really wish Kodak would reintroduce this film, as it would fill a hole in their lineup right now. I find the Portra 400 film they have now too unsaturated for my liking. Yes you can fix this in post, but then why bother shooting so many other variants like Ektar 100? 400UC is a film that is hard to find these days, especially in its original packaging. During its later years, it came in multi packs for 35mm, like rolls of 3 or 5. Im trying to do a video of this film, plus its slower variant 100UC. There are way more 100UC films available online lately than the 400 version. Its tricky with the 400 one, as 400 speed film doesnt age well.

I also liked the look of the 160VC film, though never used the 400VC version. 160VC is too close to the now available Gold 200 in 35mm and 120. But 400UC was a bit more different then the VC films, and could stand out compared to current Portra.

Anyone here use this old film back in the day? Who here would like to see Kodak reintroduce it? I shot one of my most important shoots on this film, though it was labelled Portra 400UC at the time. I'd love to get more of this stuff, fresh. I dont often shoot 400 speed films, prefering slow films. But this is one film I would gladly shoot a roll of.

[eddy_d]

I agree with you. They should bring it back but bring back good films that people enjoyed. I wish they would bring back Kodak Infrared slide film. They came back with kodak 100 pro image and I wish fuji would bring back some films as well. I have a fridge and a half of cold stored expired and discontinued film

[ben_hutcherson]

Back in the mid-2000s when I first got into this whole thing. Wal-Mart was my main source of film. As a high school student I did well to buy the $7 5-packs of 24 rolls of Superia 400, but would always admire those $9 3-packs of 400UC.

Finally I tried one, and I was hooked. This was my go-to color negative film for a while, including in 120 when I went there, and I shot bunches of it. I sort of stocked up when I heard they were discontinuing it, but that's long gone aside from a few rolls of 120 still kicking around the freezer.

I would love to see this come back. The current Portra line at least isn't as boring as I remember 160/400NC being, but even something equivalent to 160VC or 400VC would be welcome.

[Rick Helmke]

I’d like it to come back in medium format. Generally I think color is so much easier and cheaper on digital but have a couple RB 67’s and excellent portrait glass that I actually prefer. It’s true that my best portrait work is done on my film even now. It isn’t about sharpness or grain but that combination of film and gear gives a certain look I can’t replicate elsewhere.

 

Rick H.

[glen_h]

I would probably for for Portra NC, but am happy enough with the current Portra.

Well, I was happy with VPS earlier, and don't know why the change to Portra.

[25asa]

Guys. The current Portra out today IS Portra NC. Its the VC version they never bothered to continue. Same with UC. Reason being is its easier to add saturation than take it away in post. The current Portra never had saturation any higher than the old NC film.

[john_shriver]

How's the saturation in the Gold 200 film that they are making in 120? Has to be more than Portra 400.

[kmac]

4 hours ago, john_shriver said:

How's the saturation in the Gold 200 film that they are making in 120? Has to be more than Portra 400.

Doesn't look like it to me. Here's a link to unedited samples of Gold 200 120 ... colors look natural like Portra 160. Some reviewers are saying the colors are saturated but I can't see it myself.   https://www.thephoblographer.com/2022/05/30/the-tones-are-beautiful-kodak-gold-200-120-review/

I have my very first roll loaded now in the Mamiya Press and I'm trying not to waste it, it's expensive down-under, our dollar has dropped below banana republic status, so steady as it goes to get some keepers, which I'll develop myself using fresh chemicals. I'll know soon enough.

I'll be checking to see how it differs from Fuji Reala and the earlier Kodak Pro 160, a film I can't get enough of.

[JDMvW]

There were lots of films that I loved, a few that I hated, but they are fond and nostalgic memories preserved (more or less) in physical form and more recently in digital scans.

 

I ran across an old friend a couple of days ago. They were just as old and battered as I am.

[25asa]

With the scans I have made off Gold 200, it is more saturated than Portra 160. I find that film a bit flat for my taste. Gold 200 isn't as saturated as say Ektar 100, but I'd say its in between Portra 160 and Ektar 100.