Re: [APML]: 37 films tested

[Robert Reeves <rreeves@connecti.com>]

>>But like in previous posts where I spoke of specific films I liked, I'll say
>>that in the Fuji and Kodak slide film area, I rated Ektachrome Elite II 100
>>as the best, then Ektachrome P1600, Provia 1600, then Sensia II 400.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>
>What speed was the p1600 shot/dev. at?  Someone told me that for long
>exposures there is no point in going over asa800, because of reciprocity
>failure- the only thing you'll gain is grain.  Is this true?  Would the
>exposure times at 800 be the same as for 1600?
>
>Rob Roy
>
I have been using P1600 for piggyback work for a while and I am delighted
with it.  It was exposed for the ISO 1600 speed and processed in the E-6
first developer for 12 minutes.  The ISO 1600 rating does give more film
soeed than the 800 rating if it processed for the P2 push.  The P1600 film
chemistry is special to handle the push without simply jacking up the
contrast like pushing regular films does.

Yes, the film slows down a bunch in the 8 to 10 minute range because of
reciprocity law failure, but when you start off with ISO 1600, you still
have ISO 400 even with a two stop speed loss.  But eventually there is a
point of diminishing returns.  In fact, at about 10 minutes, I think Elite
II 100 is outperforming it, which is why I rate Elite II 100 above the
P1600.  But for 5 or 6 minute quided shots with a wide aperture camera lens,
this is nifty stuff.  I think the grain is really reasonable.  It does not
look any worse than 400 speed Ektachrome.

Robert Reeves                Home page http://www.connecti.com/~rreeves
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