Choosing a Color Film
Film speed influences the appearance of prints and slides. Like black-and-white
films, color films are available in a range of ISO ratings, which is a standard for
determining film speed. ISO films are graded on a scale. By doubling the number,
you double the sensitivity. Film with an ISO rating of 50 is twice as sensitive as ISO
25 speed film.
Color films with low ISO ratings are sharper, more vivid, and less grainy than high-
speed films. Slow films also often have lower contrast, which reduces the undesirable
effects of overexposure.
Even within the same speed range, different films produce different color effects.
Some films have a warm or red-yellow overall color tint, whereas others look cool or
bluish. You can make a comparison by exposing two films under identical condi-
tions.
Comparison testing is important with slide film. When slide film is projected on a
screen, color problems are obvious, so it is important to know how the film will
respond to your subject matter. Magazines such as Popular Photographyregularly
feature comparisons between films. In addition, film manufacturers publish techni-
cal data sheets for their film.
Data sheets can be found at camera stores that cater to professional photographers.
You can also find these data sheets on the manufacturers’ Web sites, usually in the
Professional section.
The best resource, though, is the forums. Photographers post messages in online dis-
cussion groups (forums) in which they describe their experience with films they have
tried. Some of these excellent forums for digital and film photographers are listed
here:
■ http://www.photo.net
■ http://www.imaging-resource.com30 ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TODIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
I THOUGHT THIS WAS A BOOK ABOUT DIGITAL...
Film photographers can be digital photographers, too. Just get the image from the nega-
tive sleeve onto the hard drive or on screen.
The digital darkroom is just that: a place where images are developed and prints are made.
Once the image is onscreen, the digital experience begins. Digital cameras just make image
transfer that much easier. Traditional photographers with a decent scanner or images on a
CD can accomplish the same magic onscreen and in print.