[APML] RE: 120 format 'Centuria Super 400'... (fwd)

[astropix@att.net (Geoff Powers)]

 :::UPDATE:::.

     Hey All... I got back around to my follow-up with Mr. Feldman from Konica. The letter I sent him is forwarded below. Will let you know his response when it arrives.

 Best...   :o)

--
Geoff 

http://home.att.net/~astropix/


-------------- Forwarded Message: -------------- 
From: astropix@att.net (Geoff Powers) 
To: "Jeff Feldman" 
Subject: RE: 120 format 'Centuria Super 400'... 
Date: Fri, 4 Jun 2004 21:36:55 +0000 

Hello Again... 

Thanks for your prompt and courteous reply to my inquiry dated May 27 '04. 
I passed the information along to the APML group, and there are a few more 
questions and clarifications we would like to ask you. 

There are considerable differences in the labeling and nomenclature of the 
various 'Centuria' films recently marketed by Konica/Minolta. This variation in 
labeling seems specific not only to the countries where the film is being 
marketed, but also seems to vary with the different formats available... and 
this has lead to some confusion as to which packages contain the emulsion we 
would like to test/use. Here are some examples of what I'm referring to: 

Canadian member Dominic Cantin found this example in one of his local 
camera stores, 'Japan Camera'... see: 

http://astrosurf.com/aurores/centuria_400.jpg 

... clearly, this *is* the 35mm 'consumer' version, as described in the data 
sheet: 

http://konicaminolta.com/products/consumer/photo/pdfe/pdf/csuper400.pdf 

However, US dealer B&H currently offers only the version of the film linked 
below, which does not include the word 'Super' in it's labeling... check out: 


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=183877&is=REG 

The description under the 'Features' tab on the above page from B&H seems to 
match verbatim the Konica data sheet. However, at $1.29 a roll, this is probably 
an older emulsion, at/near it's expiration date. What do you think? 

Also, from B&H, the 120 version, which has been (tentatively) determined to 
be an older emulsion, too. See: 


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=131752&is=REG 

... one experienced user reports this version is not what we want, but this is 
the only 120 film B&H lists that even comes close. 

Hawaii resident Wei-Hao Wang got this remarkable shot with the 120 version 
imported from Japan... see: 

http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/~wang/gallery/picutres/m16_to_24.htm 

This shot, and others by Wei-Hao, were what sparked interest in this film to 
begin with. Here are the actual packages he used: 

http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/~wang/misc/films.jpg 

... note that each package in the above image has the word 'Pro' included in the 
moniker. Is this because of the 120 format, the films Japanese origin or... 
??? :-) 

In your previous letter, you wrote: 
" We do market a Konica Color CENTURIA PRO 400, which comes in 120 size as 
well as 35 mm." 

http://konicaminolta.com/products/consumer/photo/pdfe/pdf/cpro400.pdf 

Please clarify; This film *will* be available in the US, in both 35mm and 120 
formats... correct? 

Any insight you could give in helping us determine how to order the films 
described in the .pdf data sheets would be greatly appreciated. Perhaps you 
could source a range of 'lot numbers' or 'batch numbers' we could give the 
dealers to be certain of which film we are receiving? 

By normal photographic standards, this is all 'nit-picking'... but 
astro-photography is not a 'normal' application. Many in our group must travel 
considerable distances to reach skies dark enough to use film successfully. 

In addition, the Moon limits us to about 5 -- 7 nights out of every 28 day 
lunar cycle. Add to this weather, and individual personal and professional 
obligations... some of us only have 3 or 4 opportunities a year to ply our 
craft. It is imperative for many of us that we go out with a film which has 
predictable, known qualities. 

Fortunately, the APML group also has some members whom live under dark 
skies, with permanent observatories. These fellows will often test new and 
different films, and share their results with the group. There are also members 
whom do controlled testing as well! 

We still need a definitive way to identify the exact emulsions being 
used/tested. Any input or ideas about the 'Centuria' films are much desired and 
appreciated. 

Finally, member Joe Mize asks a little more information concerning the 
"product life cycle" you mentioned. You wrote about the latest emulsions saying: 
" So this film 
is what you're going to have for some time to come." 

Is this 'life cycle' based solely on product sales, or would R&D 
developments factor in, or... ?!? We're not trying to hold your feet to the fire 
on this, but what time frame might a typical 'life cycle' entail? Just curious 
about potential changes to this, and other films in general. 

Thanks For Taking Your Time On This... 

Sincerely, 


-- 
Geoff Powers 

http://home.att.net/~astropix/ 


-------------- Original message from "Jeff Feldman" : -------------- 
> Geoff, 
> 
> In answer to your question: 
> 
> 1) Is the emulsion detailed in the .pdf file still available, with the 
> same characteristic curves shown in this data sheet? Yes. The Centuria 
> Super generation of Konica Minolta film is the current emulsion recipe. 
> I have not been made aware of any impending changes 
> 

 <snip>
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