Re: Thoughts from some photographers....
BRAD PEADON (alco@planet.net.au)
Wed, 20 Aug 1997 10:50:52 +1000
Craig Haber wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I'm interested in the thoughts of rail photographers about the pros/cons
> of 400 ISO film. I've
> been photographing trains seriously for about 7 years, with a variety of
> cameras, generally with Kodak
> 100 ISO film. In more recent times, I've been using 400 ISO, but have
> been generally
> disappointed with the results.
>
> I find it difficult to produce consistently good results in dull
> lighting conditions with the 400.
> My prints are always grainy, often muddy, and generally lack 'sharpness'
> and contrast. I've never had problems
> consistently focussing on my subject, be it moving or stationary (I'm
> one from the old school
> who likes to use a manual focus SLR, and focussing has never been a
> problem), but with 400
> film I find my prints rarely have the 'pin sharp' look - I think this is
> largely due to the
> graininess of the film. In dull lighting this is really noticeable, and
> the results are poor.
>
> Looking back through my earlier photo's, I have photo's in bright sunny
> weather, dull
> overcast weather, and even many time exposures with 100 ASA film - all
> are sharp and clear.
> The dull days produce dullish prints (but they are still sharply
> focussed), which are a
> reasonably reproduction of the lighting of the day.
>
> But with 400, I generally get reasonable results in good weather (still
> lack sharp edges and
> look out of focus), and poor results in dull light, with lots of grain,
> poor colour, and no contrast.
>
> Do any other photographers have any suggestions/experiences they can
> share with me? I
> expected to be getting generally better results with 400 ISO film, but
> am very disappointed,
> and will be trying 100 again next time! Note that all my work is in
> colour, with Kodak film.
>
> While on the subject of photography, Bacchus Marsh must surely be the
> best place for
> photographing trains in Victoria (in terms of location - pity there's
> hardly any worthwhile trains
> passing through these days), and yet the worst place in terms of railfan
> behaviour. The
> number of railfans who walk in front of you and show total disregard for
> others seems always
> be worse at 'the Marsh', which is a real pity because the large yard
> area and semaphore
> signals are perfect for photography.
>
> Cheers,
> Craig.
>
> --
> Craig Haber
> albatross@harnessnet.com.au
> Manufacturing Systems Engineer (almost)
> Web Page Designer, Harness Racing, Railways, and Essendon Football Club
> fanatic
> http://www.harnessnet.com.au/
Craig,
I have had nothing but similar problems with 400asa film especially
from Kodak.If you want a hint go to what a lot of us photographers are
using (if using prints) here in Sydney and that is Fuji GR800 which is
available at specialised photographic stores.It has the readings of a
100asa film in an 800. I have tested it to buggery,underexposing in near
pitch black conditions and it did not have any grain. The GR800 is a
fantastic breakthrough and has only been around for a couple of years so
is relatively new.
BRAD
alco@planet.net.au