Wow what topic. Its been raging in the pre press and photographic community for years.
Which film to use. Slide film (E-6) or Negative film (C-41).

The short answer.....If you use one of the current "Pro C-41 Films" from Kodak or Fuji, it doesn't.

The long answer.....It doesn't, but.........
Before you pick out the film, you have to think about the light. The light is the key to all!!
If you are shooting medium to high contrast scenes (high key) that are more than 3.5 stops from shadow to highlight,
the best choice is negative film.

I know what your thinking. For years the mantra has been, for advertising you must shoot chrome.
That was true, at one point in time. These days, you are free to shoot what you want.
With negative film, you have almost a 7 stop exposure latitude. Thats huge! Chrome has half that at the best of times.
The nice thing about negative film, your highlights are protected and your shadows detail is there.
With chrome, you will probably loose both. There is so much data in a negative compared to a chrome.
So much so that we scan 40% more color and B&W negatives than chromes.

The second thing to think about is the size of the image on the page.
You will see little if any difference between the 2 if the page size is a single. It's a bit larger than letter.
Double page spreads may be tricky on 645. There might be some grain but it's unlikely.

Now dont get me wrong, im not knocking the chrome. Velvia 50 has the finest grain of any film available
with outstanding color. I have shot allot of chrome over the years and I love the feel of it.
Put a 4x5 or 8x10 chrome on a light box and heads will turn. But there are many times that chrome will never be able to
record any highlight details. If I expose for the highlights, I would loose the shadows. I now shoot & recommend
the new Kodak Portra 160nc & Fuji Pro 160s. When I need a chrome, I reach for Velvia 50, Provia 100f and E100G.

There is a great discussion that I have participated in at APUG.org. Click here to view it.


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-Ian Mazursky
Owner