Help: Newbie 35mm Film Question

Hello all

I am not new to photography, but new to film choice. I usually use Jessops,
Kodak and Fuji 200 film, and am happy with the results, but there again I am
not experienced in this field.

I have been looking on the internet for 35mm negative film choices, but it
seems very daunting as there are so many films.

Basically, I am after a good all round colour negative film, which I can
rely on.

I use my camera for mixed shots, and I know I can do mid roll rewinds, but I
am after a good all-round film for all. I have a fairly decent SLR and
shoot indoor, outdoor, landscape, portrait, 300mm zoom (although rare)...
Basically all different types of shots.

I also have a digital camera, but to be honest, I much prefer film.

BTW, most of my shots are 6x4, with the occasional 10x8.

My questions are as follows:

1) Is there a 'best' compromise film for the average enthusiast?

2) I am tempted to move to a 400 film for more flexibility, but am worried
about grain problems. Is it that noticeable? Would it be a good move?

3) I would like a 24 exposure film. The reason for this is because even
though I can get through many films in a session, I always seem to end up
with a film where I have some loose shots, whereby I want to get the film
processed, but the film isn't close to being used up.

Thank you for taking your time to read your email, and cheers in advance for
those who give their views.

Basically, I am after a good all round colour negative film, which I can
rely on.


Good all round : Kodak Royal Supra 200 ASA

I am not new to photography, but new to film choice. I usually use
Jessops,
Kodak and Fuji 200 film, and am happy with the results, but there again I
am
not experienced in this field.
[....]

I use Fuji Superia 200. 1.09 a roll from 7dayshop. Good everday film.

I am not new to photography, but new to film choice. I usually use
Jessops,
Kodak and Fuji 200 film, and am happy with the results, but there again I
am
not experienced in this field.
[....]

I use Fuji Superia 200. 1.09 a roll from 7dayshop. Good everday film.

"Keith" wrote in message
...
I am not new to photography, but new to film choice. I usually use
Jessops,
Kodak and Fuji 200 film, and am happy with the results, but there again I
am
not experienced in this field.

[SNIP]


Basically, I am after a good all round colour negative film, which I can
rely on.

I use my camera for mixed shots, and I know I can do mid roll rewinds, but
I
am after a good all-round film for all. I have a fairly decent SLR and
shoot indoor, outdoor, landscape, portrait, 300mm zoom (although rare)...
Basically all different types of shots.

[SNIP]

My questions are as follows:

1) Is there a 'best' compromise film for the average enthusiast?

IMO, No. You should consider film like every other part of your equipment -
something you can change to give you best results. I assume you have some
different lenses to cover your range of shots and you use your lenses as and
when necessary. When you go on a shoot, consider what conditions you will be
shooting under and decide what film to use.

My philosophy is:

1. Use the slowest film allowable by the light that you think will be
available.
2. Always take a variety of film.
3. Understand what effect your film choices will have on a shot.

When you go out with your camera, it is very likely you will know what sort
of shots you will be taking. Use film which compliments what you expect to
encounter.

2) I am tempted to move to a 400 film for more flexibility, but am
worried
about grain problems. Is it that noticeable? Would it be a good move?

Why not shoot some 400 speed film? The best way to evalute film is to
experiment with it. It sounds like you are confident with your camera and
lenses, why not be confident with your film as well?

3) I would like a 24 exposure film. The reason for this is because even
though I can get through many films in a session, I always seem to end up
with a film where I have some loose shots, whereby I want to get the film
processed, but the film isn't close to being used up.

I don't tend to worry about lost shots. If you have a couple of different
bodies, you can switch cameras to make the most of your films.


Thank you for taking your time to read your email, and cheers in advance
for
those who give their views.


HTH.

Chris.

Keith, this won't help with the 24-exposure issue, but I recommend you try
Fuji NPH400. I use it for weddings and in studio. Grain is not a problem
at all; skin tones are beautiful. Colors are perfect. Subtlety in white
gowns and black tuxedos is well captured. I always send my exposed film to
American Color in Iowa, USA and they always develop/print consistently. You
might want to consider finding a professional photo lab to develop and print
your NPH. The "corner drugstore" can do OK, but a lab with the Kodak
Colorwatch system can do better.

that's my $0.02, ~Ray
"Keith" wrote in message
...
Hello all

I am not new to photography, but new to film choice. I usually use
Jessops,
Kodak and Fuji 200 film, and am happy with the results, but there again I
am
not experienced in this field.

I have been looking on the internet for 35mm negative film choices, but it
seems very daunting as there are so many films.

Basically, I am after a good all round colour negative film, which I can
rely on.

I use my camera for mixed shots, and I know I can do mid roll rewinds, but
I
am after a good all-round film for all. I have a fairly decent SLR and
shoot indoor, outdoor, landscape, portrait, 300mm zoom (although rare)...
Basically all different types of shots.

I also have a digital camera, but to be honest, I much prefer film.

BTW, most of my shots are 6x4, with the occasional 10x8.

My questions are as follows:

1) Is there a 'best' compromise film for the average enthusiast?

2) I am tempted to move to a 400 film for more flexibility, but am
worried
about grain problems. Is it that noticeable? Would it be a good move?

3) I would like a 24 exposure film. The reason for this is because even
though I can get through many films in a session, I always seem to end up
with a film where I have some loose shots, whereby I want to get the film
processed, but the film isn't close to being used up.

Thank you for taking your time to read your email, and cheers in advance
for
those who give their views.

Thank you all for your replies. They were all very useful. Cheers.





"Keith" wrote in message
...
Hello all

I am not new to photography, but new to film choice. I usually use
Jessops,
Kodak and Fuji 200 film, and am happy with the results, but there again I
am
not experienced in this field.

I have been looking on the internet for 35mm negative film choices, but it
seems very daunting as there are so many films.

Basically, I am after a good all round colour negative film, which I can
rely on.

I use my camera for mixed shots, and I know I can do mid roll rewinds, but
I
am after a good all-round film for all. I have a fairly decent SLR and
shoot indoor, outdoor, landscape, portrait, 300mm zoom (although rare)...
Basically all different types of shots.

I also have a digital camera, but to be honest, I much prefer film.

BTW, most of my shots are 6x4, with the occasional 10x8.

My questions are as follows:

1) Is there a 'best' compromise film for the average enthusiast?

2) I am tempted to move to a 400 film for more flexibility, but am
worried
about grain problems. Is it that noticeable? Would it be a good move?

3) I would like a 24 exposure film. The reason for this is because even
though I can get through many films in a session, I always seem to end up
with a film where I have some loose shots, whereby I want to get the film
processed, but the film isn't close to being used up.

Thank you for taking your time to read your email, and cheers in advance
for
those who give their views.