Need a color film recommendation...

[Xia_Ke]

So I have an odd request. I have an idea in my head. The basic effect I want is like the old color film you remember as a kid. You know were the color was just kinda off. Basically I want a real nostalgic look. Any ideas where to begin?

[another view]

Photoshop. Really, I think that's what it would take - the other option being making genuine darkroom prints and storing them in non-archival materials for twenty years...

[Xia_Ke]

I was afraid that's what it would come too Wonder if finding some LONG expired film might do the trick?

[Greg McCary]

I always thought that Fuji Reala had that look. Maybe it's just me. Some of Tuna's pictures remind me of some old film.

[Xia_Ke]

Thanks Greg Was thinking maybe that or regular old Kodak Gold. I dunno, I just know I have a look in my head but, haven't fully made the swap from digital mentally speaking...LOL I know I could pull it off with PS but, would like to avoid doing so.

[mjs1973]

You could check ebay for some old film stock. You might find old film that was stored imporperly. That might make for some fun color shifts.

Have you thought about Kodachrome? The look of it always reminds me of something from the 60's or 70's. It's not that the colors are off, they just look a little different to me. I think there is only one lab left that still develops it.

[photophorous]

I was also going to suggest Kodachrome, although I don't think it's exactly what you're looking for. You could try cross processing, or maybe set some film out in the sun for a little while? Let it get nice and warm, with out melting anything. That might be a fun experiment, but I have no idea what it would actually look like.

Paul

[deckcadet]

Kodachrome would work I think... i've been scanning some kodachrome slides from the early-mid 80s that have been properly stored and they still have that look.

Fuji Reala seems similar if you develop it yourself and scan it yourself, to avoid any processing by the labs. Kodak Gold nowadays seems to be just too saturated (with reasonably accurate colors too) to be of use for this.

[another view]

I was also going to suggest Kodachrome, although I don't think it's exactly what you're looking for.

KR has it's own look, but I didn't guess this was what Aaron was looking for - my first thought was the greenish/yellowish (more "ish" than anything else!) color cast on pictures my mom has from when I was a kid.

Of course, the glass plate negatives may have had something to do with that! (that was a joke...)

[Xia_Ke]

Thanks for the recommendations guys I had thought about Kodachrome but, like Michael stated, I had a hard time finding somewhere to have it processed. I did find a few places that listed they do it but, that they send it out. Would some old expired Ektachrome be close?

[photophorous]

Something else just occurred to me. Part of what makes those older photos look different is the different lens technology of the time. Most lenses then where less contrasty and they were not multi-coated. Try to find a lens from the 50s or 60s, maybe, in combination with whatever film changes you decide to try.

You could get an old beat up Leica lens for not much money and it might give a cool effect...or maybe some old Russian RF glass for next to nothing. You can get a Fed 2 with lens for $25: http://cgi.ebay.com/Fed-2-Russian-Le...QQcmdZViewItem

Just some ideas...

[Xia_Ke]

Thanks Paul Old lens is already taken care of with the Rolleicord :thumbsup: Basically I want to try some more shots with the "Memories Of Days Gone By" theme but, in color for a change. Just want a real vintage feel.

[photophorous]

Thanks Paul Old lens is already taken care of with the Rolleicord :thumbsup: Basically I want to try some more shots with the "Memories Of Days Gone By" theme but, in color for a change. Just want a real vintage feel.

Yeah, that's true, but every lens is different. How old is that Rollie, anyway? The Yashica 124Gs were made in the 70s, but I forgot that most TLRs were made before then.

[Xia_Ke]

I have a Rolleicord V, which were made from 1954 - 1957. I think they ended up making the 124G's into the early 80's didn't they?

[reverberation]

You could try acquiring some Seattle FilmWorks film. I believe the company went out of business. They basically sold old movie film. You need to mail it out to get it processed as it requires process SFW-XL. I just went to a local lab and they sent it out for me. Another suggestion is to over or under expose to change the saturation of the colors.

Edit: just checked and they are still in business under a new name. They no longer sell film. Here is the web address, they still process film, other places will be able to develop it as well http://www.photoworks.com.

[Xia_Ke]

Thanks for the recommendation reverberation It's tempting but, I think I'm going to stick with C-41 or E-6 for now for ease of getting developed. I'm just looking to eperiment for now and if I like where it's heading to, I will definitely look into that film :thumbsup:

[mjs1973]

Hey Aaron,

Have you come up with a film yet? Have you thought of using a Polariod? I was listening to an Inside Digital Photo Radio podcast today that was an interview with Thann Clarke. He did a project where called Polaraoid Summer and his photos have the look that I thought you may be after with this project.

He shot the project on Polaroid Type 600 & 779 film.

[Xia_Ke]

Yep, that's it Mike! Of course this creates a problem...LOL I was looking at getting a new camera next month and was eyeing a Rolleiflex 2.8. Now I'm thinking I'll need to look for something else, something that I can get a Polaroid back for.

Thank you very much Mike

Aaron

[mjs1973]

Go to a thrift store and pick up a Polaroid for a couple bucks. I have one, maybe two sitting in my closet, but I don't know if they work...

You can get a Poloroid back for a Holga.

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/sc_pro...pid=1000002288