Topic: New Kodak Portra 400

[Late Developer]

New Portra 400 should be available in November / December. The following article from BJP explains where Kodak is coming from and, although I liked both VC and NC variants, one consolidated version is probably the only truly workable option for the sake of longevity of this film / speed option.

Can't wait until it's on the shelves - if I want increased contrast / saturation there's always Fuji Pro 400H.... However, good to see film making a bit of a splash. Even Amateur Photographer ran a multi-page review of the new Kodak film last week.

http://www.bjp-online.com/british-journal-of-photography/q-and-a/1735570/kodak-there-real-resurgence-film

[Nigel]

It is good to see Kodak investing in new films. I'm a big fan of the muted tones 400NC, so I'm hoping the new film isn't going to be pitched between NC and VC.

[jojonas~]

think I read on kodaks homepage that it is indeed pitched between NC and VC, in almost all aspects too.

[Photo_Utopia]

Should be between NC and VC. Kodak state that there is only 10% saturation between those two (it started out at 15% then was reduced) and with a lot of folks scanning I'm not sure it'll make much difference.

What will be interesting is the grain structure and tonal transitions especially for those who shoot weddings/portraits. I think in time we'll have just two lines of Portra 160 and 400 I'm afraid, I'd like to think we'll have Ektar 100 and 400 eventually though.
Mark Antony

[Late Developer]

Hi Mark Anthony.

As Fuji has pulled its 800 film, I'm hoping Kodak will be able to maintain the 800 Portra as it will be about the only quality print film at that ISO point as far as I'm aware. I've been using it recently (as I couldn't get any of the Fuji variety) and it's a lot better than I imagined it might be.

The point you make about scanning and (I'll add) post-processing via the likes of Lightroom will allow us to be as true to (or creative with) the colours, saturation and tonality as we feel appropriate.

I know it's not the heralding of a new age of film but, to me, it's positive news and a commitment to keep at least one top quality 400 ISO film available.

[Ed Wenn]

It is good to see Kodak investing in new films. I'm a big fan of the muted tones 400NC, so I'm hoping the new film isn't going to be pitched between NC and VC.

Nigel, it's clearly not your day!!