CHAPTER 3 FILM BASICS 39by factors such as the film developer, the printing paper, and the type of enlarger
used. Graininess also increases when the negative is overdeveloped or overexposed.Fast-Speed Film: When Speed Is Essential
A fast film (ISO 400 or higher) is useful for stopping motion (see Figure 3.4). Because
it requires less light than a slower film, you can use a faster shutter speed, which will
record a moving subject more sharply than a slow shutter speed.FIGURE 3.4
Action and
sports photogra-
phy is the last
film stronghold.
Digital cameras
are only now
fast enough for
sports photo-
graphy.
Fast film is an asset in dim light. Because fast film needs less light to produce a
printable image, it makes photography easier indoors, at night, or in other low-light
situations (see Figure 3.5). If you increase the development (ask your lab), you can
pushthe film, which lets you expose at a film speed even higher than the one that is
designated by the manufacturer.
How fast is fast? The film speed of Kodak’s T-Max P3200 film, for example, starts at- Its speed can be pushed to 3200, and with a sacrifice of image quality, up to
25,000. A fast film might show increased grain and loss of image detail, especially if
you push the film. But the advantages of fast film can outweigh its disadvantages
when you need the speed.
Medium-Speed Film: The Best General Purpose Film
A medium-speed film around ISO 100 delivers better sharpness and detail than
faster films (see Figure 3.6). It is useful when you want to show fine detail or want to
enlarge a negative considerably with a minimum of grain. The film has smaller sil-
ver halide crystals and a thinner emulsion compared to fast films, which increases
its capability to render detail sharply.