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[APML] RE: 120 format 'Centuria Super 400'... (fwd)
Jason writes:
> Great letter!
Thanks...
And a quick response from Konica to boot! The letter was forwarded to a senior photo engineer, a Mr. Jeff Feldman. His complete reply is below.
He has provided a link to the data sheet for the 'Centuria Pro 400' that Wei-Hao mentioned yesterday. As of earlier today, this .pdf data file was not yet linked from Konica's US Web site. Guess we get an advanced preview here at APML !!!
The data sheet for the 'Pro 400' is nearly identical to the 'Centuria Super 400' page, except Konica claims even finer grain and better sharpness with the 'Pro' version. If I read it correctly, the 'Pro' version *will* be available in the US in 120 format. I will answer him back and ask for a little clarification on this all important question.
Assuming that the Australian Web page is accurate and not in need of an update, 120 format of the 'Centuria Super 400' is available there. Given our 'Global Economy'... one should be able to have a few rolls by next new moon. If you follow the AU link from my original post, there are some dealers linked from the 'Home' page. It should be easy to find out via e-mail if the 120 format 'Centuria Super 400' exists in Australia.
Aside from 120 availability of the 'Pro' version in the US... IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YE APML MEMBERS WANT ME TO ASK ABOUT THESE FILMS? I will write Mr. Feldman again tomorrow.
Best... :o)
--
Geoff
http://home.att.net/~astropix/
---------------------- Forwarded Message: ---------------------
From: "Jeff Feldman" <jfeldman@ph.konicaminolta.us>
To: <astropix@att.net>
Subject: RE: 120 format 'Centuria Super 400'...
Date: Thu, 27 May 2004 23:48:38 +0000
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.
2) If so, is there a US dealer who has, or can get, this film in both
35mm and 120 format rolls?
Please try: B & H Photo, Video & Pro Audio (800) 606-6969 Cameras, Digital
Cameras, Film, Inkjet Paper 420 9th Avenue New York, NY 10001. They usually
carry a significant amount of Konica Products.
Photo Finishers Supplies, Inc. 36-40 31st Street Long Island City, NY
11106 (718) 937-2771 (800) 932-0990 Fax # (718) 937-2334.
However, this film is available only in 35 mm sizes, at least in the US
market. The Japan web sight lists 35 mm only for this film as well. 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
3) If the film still specs out as shown on the data sheet, are there any
current plans to change it's sensitivity?
Once a film comes to market, no major changes are made. Therefore you
can count on this film remaining essentially the same throughout its product
life cycle. That being said, occasionally there are slight changes made,
primarily to silver grain shape and structure. This is to increase sharpness
and decrees granularity. The emulsion blends and dye couplers are rarely
altered during this time, which would protect the spectral sensitivity.
So the films unique sensitivity to blue, green, and red light would
remain the same. The characteristic curve may change ever so slightly
in the extreme toe and shoulder, but all three colors would move
together, so the color reproduction would not change. This is all
predicated on a planned change, which I doubt will happen. So this film
is what you're going to have for some time to come.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if I can help you further.
Best regards,
Jeffrey Feldman
Senior Photo Engineer
Konica Minolta Photo Imaging USA, Inc.
-----Original Message-----
From: Cathy Pepe On Behalf Of Film Support
Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2004 4:30 PM
To: Jeff Feldman
Subject: FW: 120 format 'Centuria Super 400'...
Hi Jeff,
Would you please answer this e-mail.
Thanks,
Cathy Pepe
Supervisor, Technical Administration
cpepe@ph.konicaminolta.us
201-574-4071
-----Original Message-----
From: Geoff Powers [mailto:astropix@att.net]
Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2004 1:56 PM
To: Film Support
Subject: 120 format 'Centuria Super 400'...
Hello...
Myself, and several others whom belong to the International
discussion group APML (Astro-Photography Mailing List), have an interest
in the Konica 'Centuria Super 400' films, in both 35mm and 120 formats.
We wish to use this film for long exposure astronomical imagery.
Preliminary results look promising, but thus far only one group member
has used the film with success, and he used it under rather ideal
conditions.
Specifically, we are interested in the emulsion with the spectral
sensitivity curves shown on the Konica US Web site, here:
http://konicaminolta.com/products/consumer/photo/pdfe/pdf/csuper400.pdf
Also, Konica's Australian Web site lists availability of this film
in 120 format, and shows 12, 24 and 36 exposure rolls to be available
for 35mm. 120 format is not listed as available on the US Web site. The
AU page may be viewed here:
http://www.konicaminolta.com.au/product_detail.aspx?p=37&id=5&sid=5&cid=-1
With the above in mind, I have three questions:
1) Is the emulsion detailed in the .pdf file still available, with the
same characteristic curves shown in this data sheet?
2) If so, is there a US dealer who has, or can get, this film in both
35mm and 120 format rolls?
3) If the film still specs out as shown on the data sheet, are there
any current plans to change it's sensitivity?
With most film manufacturers seeking esthetic 'flesh tones', print
films with full spectral response in the visible wavelengths are all but
gone. Much of interstellar space is rich in glowing, ionized hydrogen
gas, which is primarily around the 656nm line. The 'Centuria Super 400'
is among the last possibilities.
There are a couple of slide films which work well for astro, but
with the inherent dynamic range limits and halation properties of slide
films, a usable print film is sorely desired. Thanks for your
consideration, and I anxiously await your reply.
Sincerely,
--
Geoff Powers
http://home.att.net/~astropix/
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