I haven't shot any slides for several years and want to get some of 4449 next week. I saw a Kodak "Elite" slide film, ASA 100, in the local drug store. Never heard of it, but then I've been away. Have any of you ever used it? Feedback on results? Happy with it? How would it do on a red, white and blue engine in overcast conditions? Thanks.
Fitz ... is 4449 still painted red, white and blue? I thought they restored it to it's original daylight colors
Bill, she's been running in "warbaby" black for the last couple of years. They are now painting her red, white and blue, reviving the AFT color scheme. Trainorders has some pix posted by the crew Check http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?f=1&i=128056&t=128056
Thanks for the info Fitz. She needed something for sure. The last time I saw her at the Sacramento Railfair, about 3 years ago, she looked pretty sad. I'll give that website a look ... (never been there).
Kodak "Elite Chrome" is the consumer version of the veritable Ektachrome line. IMO, this is a useable film, but Fuji's product line is much better. Check for Fuji Sensia 100, which should also be carried by drug or department stores. Just a word of caution: Buying slide film retail is a sure way to waste money. As an example, Wal-Mart carries Fuji Sensia 100 for about $6/roll; just about every mail order house will have the film for half that. Just by buying a half dozen rolls you'll probably save $10, including having to pay shipping on the mail ordered products. On a side note, about any film would perform poorly under overcast conditions. In order to get more useable results, I'd suggest tracking down a roll of Kodak Elite Chrome "Extra Color" (which should also be available locally) or Fuji Velvia. Both these colors have a higher level of color saturation which provides more of a color "kick" which should help to even out the tones under the overcast skies.
I just spotted this thread. Like fitz, it's been a while since I last was out, and clicked off a few slides. My film of choice was always Kodachrome 64. With the cost of processing going up, and fewer places in my area carrying K64, looks like it's time to explore an alternative. So I have a question. What in the Fuji line would be the most direct choice to replace my K64? Thanks- BoxcabE50
Brian, you are right about the retail sales, especially when one is held captive in "small town, USA," where Fuji Provia and Sensia is $8.80 per 24 and $9+ for 36. That is now appearing to be small change, as my camcorder quit today. Better now than in mid photo-runby. This one has, for sure, worn out. Gotta get a new one.
For all intent and purposes, Fuji Sensia 100 is the most direct competition to K'chrome. Some people are picky about the film's color rendition (as an example, some believe it renders CSX blue almost black under certain conditions). If you try it and don't like it, try one of the pro films from Fuji. Astia is the closest to 'normal' color reproduction, Provia has slightly more saturated color (and also the finest grain of any slide film), Velvia has definately more saturated colors (defined by some as "retina brusing"). Locally (Toledo, at least), I can get any of the pro Fuji slide films (Astia, Provia, Velvia) for $6/roll, which is only a dollar more than mail order.
I've been using K-64 and K-25 for over 25 years, the slides look just as good today as they did then - a tribute to Kodak- the main reason I haven't changed brands. I always fear the "newer" brands may not hold up over the years and would hate "to lose a great shot" to Father Time, stuff most railroads shot in the 60's & 70's aren't even around now to shoot!
I used to shoot slides exclusively many years ago. But for the past 10 or 15 years I have only used film for print. I think if I were going to start using slide film again, I'd go to a camera shop and get their idea(s) about what to use after giving them the information about what you want to do with it and how you might expect to get the results you desire. Good luck with your photos Fitz .. I'm looking forward to seeing some of your snaps posted on Trainboard.
I am another who has not used slide film for many years. When I did, it was exclusively Ektachrome professional or High Speed Ektachrome. The HS Ek, if I remember correctly, had a blazing speed of 200. At the time I was doing a lot of available-light night shots, including several fireworks shows. The format I used was 2-1/4 square, which, when projected, produced spectacular results. I am not sure what I would use now, but it would probably not much different.
Fred, did you buy a stock of K-25 and freeze it? You can't find it anywhere now, as it has been discontinued. Peirce and everyone else who has commented on the slides--I chose Fuji Sensia and we'll see what happens. What I am really excited about is my new (as of yesterday) video camera has a still mode. Even if the quality is poor I should be able to post something as soon as the trip is over. Time to foam.
Fitz, I did have some film in "the fridge" - as a result of that plus I don't shoot much during the winter months I haven't had to buy film in a while, I'll check with my local sup;ier regarding K-25.
Thanks to BrianS and Fred for the input on my question concerning a K64 equivalent in Fuji! BoxcabE50
