Re: Night photography

[Greg Rudd <grudd@mail.usyd.edu.au>]

Mark Bau wrote:

> > From: mk@netstra.com.au (Michael Kurkowski)
> > Organization: The Mad Gunzel Society
> > Newsgroups: aus.rail
> > Date: Sat, 13 May 2000 11:31:29 GMT
> > Subject: Re: Night photography
> >
> > I have only once taken time exposures using
> > Kodachrome 64. It was crap.
>
> I agree, funnily enough many fans seem to think K64 is the bees knees for
> all photography including night shots. IMHO Kodachrome is the worst film for
> night shots due to its inherent contrast, the shadow areas quickly turning
> to pure black.
>

This is caused by 2 factors:

1. Reciprosity

2. Colour shifts

Note Kodak does not recomend that you expose Kodachrome for longer than 1s

>
> Regarding color casts, on Kodak's website there is a lot of info about
> filters needed for various light sources. Years ago while working at Sth
> Dynon I really got into this by buying the kodak wratten filter gels needed
> to correct the light. I got some good shots but it required a big song and
> dance.
>

I would call the use of filters to correct light just good workmanship.

>
> I've found that for B&W work you need to pull development by about 20% to
> keep contrast manageable. Unless of course you like no shadow detail like
> the Kodachrome users!
>
> Mark