Film types and speeds

[TwoBitTxn]

I shoot a sea life and from what I have read here I am going to find a way to get a strobe for it. From my UW potog class we were always encouraged to shoot ASA 100.

What do yall like to shoot both type and speed. Dee (I think) I saw from your much earlier post you like Fuji ASA100.

I have a nice shot of a barracuda from nassau that I would like to get scanned and figure out how to post here. One of hte first pics I took in Nassau. The fish was tolerant enough to let me snap 2 or three shots before it got tired of me and departed in typical 'cuda fashion. I was also hanging at the top of a wall in about 95 ft and struggling to get my boyancy right.
Tom

 

[Dee]

For underwater, ASA100 is just fine. If you need more light saturation, choose the next slower shutter speed and/or use a large aperature. With or without a strobe, I've always been happier with 100 speed film.

Fuji Reala or Kodak ROYAL Gold (NOT Kodak Gold) is my preferred choices. Keep your film in the refridgerator at home and as cool as possible on a trip. I learned the hard way how normal summer heat temperatures will change the results. I used to keep my film in a camera bag that went with me everywhere. Just the heat on those 90 degree days can trash your film!

We can't post photos on this message board. King Neptune doesn't allow it. Guess he's afraid we'll turn it into a naked mermaid site!

Dee

 

[TexasMike]

But you can post a link to your photos being stored elsewhere, such as the albums on MSN. I think Yahoo has a similar feature.

 

[fishpics1]

Tom,
Sorry but I'm a serious FUGI 50 ASA fan. The colors are the best I've seen. If you can shoot slide, give it a try.
Regards
Stu

 

[TwoBitTxn]

Hmmm thats a thought....:devilish: Natasha has those two mermaids under har name..... That would probably increase hits on the board :egrin:

Thanks yall....I shoot a reefmaster right now so adjusting F stop or aperture isn't possible. Not real wild about shooting slides. So I'll get me a strobe as soon as I can and shoot some film to practice.

Tom

 

[herman]

Hi Tom,

I have to agree with Dee, I shoot the same 2 films as she does. The Fuji tends to give more, brighter colors but they are not quite as "true to life" as the Kodak (and by all means, use the Royal gold, not the regular). I would suggest that you shoot a roll or 2 of each and see which you like better. Both have a fairly fine grain so either will make good blowups.

 

[Conch]

I agree with fishpics1. Fuji Velvia film is all I use. But I like macro photography. The colors, to say the least, are BRILLIANT. But, the big draw back with the ASA 50 films is you need lots of light (strobes work) If you are trying to get action shots .... try Provia film ... which is faster speed. Another plus is that they use E6 processing.... Unlike Kodachrome where you have to hunt down someone who can process it.

Conch

 

[dleiss]

My film preference is FUGI 400 print, but my pictures are not great either.

 

[hawgfish]

i started with 100, but now use 400, much better results. my problem is proper framing, no matter what lens i use, photos have been much better the more i shoot.

 

[joewr]

Sorely-behind-the-times-Joewr here!

I do not have a scanner and so (Are you familiar with Tennessee Williams?) I have to rely on the kindness of stangers to get my photos on the net. Otherwise, LD is very kind if you have a scanned photo.

I have learned that where you stand depends on where you sit. So, what film you use is a function of what use you plan to make of the photos. If you want them for the album, snapshot size and if the Reefmaster takes ISO 400, Kodak or Fuji top of the line film could be a good choice. I just do not remember the limitations on the Reefmaster (Heck, I am not sure I am even spelling it correctly!).

Why do I say that? Because you will be able to stop the lens down further at a given speed. And that leads to greater depth of field and sharper photos.

Note, I said that was for snapshot size prints.

I use ISO 50 for macro--with a single strobe. I usually use Kodak Royal or Fuji 100 for everything else--and lean toward Kodak because I like its colors better. Purely personal.

Joewr