Slide film rookie needs your help

[mjs1973]

I have made my first step into the world of color slide film. I ordered 5 rolls of Provia 100, and a bulk roll of Velvia 50. I have read a ton of the reviews for both films on this site to help get an idea of what to expect. I'm excited to try it out, but I'm worried that it's going to be harder to shoot with than what I'm use to. I'm taking a road trip to Vegas at the end of April so I have some time to practice with the film before I go, but I'm looking for any tips that you experianced slide film shooters can give me.

[PhotoGimp]

Good choice with provia, It is mostly what i shoot, when i'm not shooting digital. All I can say is bracket, bracket, bracket. Depending on what camera you shoot with, and how good the light meter is, try shooting in auto mode, for a couple rolls, write down exposures for each pic, and compare when you eventually get processing back.

[racingpinarello]

The most important thing you have to worry about is making sure that the ratio of highlights to shadows is less than 3 stops. What does this mean?, it will not do well if you have bright spots in the frame while trying to keep shadow detail.

If you have proper exposure these films are great and will provide lovely color and saturation.

Personally I shoot mostly Velvia 50, at ISO 40. Bracketing is always good if you really want to make sure the shot will have a chance to capture the shot. Good exposure is the most important with any slide film.

Loren

[mjs1973]

Thanks for the advice! I hope my AE-1's meter is up to this new challange.

[Michael Fanelli]

Thanks for the advice! I hope my AE-1's meter is up to this new challange.

Actually, you should be up to the task, not the meter. If you rely on your meter, slide film may not be the best choice. You should have a very good idea what the exposure should be before the meter is even used. You should have an idea what will blow out and what will get buried in the shadows before pushing the shutter button.

Use lots and lots of slide film before you leave on your trip. Try to get the exposure on your own, check it with the meter reading, and write the numbers down. Compare your results and reshoot until your predictions become reliable.

[mjs1973]

Actually, you should be up to the task, not the meter. If you rely on your meter, slide film may not be the best choice. You should have a very good idea what the exposure should be before the meter is even used. You should have an idea what will blow out and what will get buried in the shadows before pushing the shutter button.

Use lots and lots of slide film before you leave on your trip. Try to get the exposure on your own, check it with the meter reading, and write the numbers down. Compare your results and reshoot until your predictions become reliable.

Thank you for the advice Michael. I'm really looking forward to trying this film out, and experimenting with it untill I get it right. I only wish that it wasn't winter so there would be more colors to shoot and to practice with.


Thanks again.

[another view]

Slide film - especially Velvia - has almost no room for error with exposure. Provia can handle more contrast than Velvia so unless it's overcast or before sunrise/after sunset, you might not want to use Velvia. What Loren said is important - if the scene you want to photograph has too much contrast (mid-day sun will do it) then the shadows will be solid black and the highlights will be clear (blown out, no detail). Using fill flash in contrasty light can be a big help depending on the subject.

Take the time to work with it because it'll take some getting used to. Realize that the slides you get back show how accurate you were with exposure (there's no prints to be lightened or darkened if the exposure was off). Slide film will teach you a lot about metering.

[mjs1973]

Slide film - especially Velvia - has almost no room for error with exposure. Provia can handle more contrast than Velvia so unless it's overcast or before sunrise/after sunset, you might not want to use Velvia. What Loren said is important - if the scene you want to photograph has too much contrast (mid-day sun will do it) then the shadows will be solid black and the highlights will be clear (blown out, no detail). Using fill flash in contrasty light can be a big help depending on the subject.

Take the time to work with it because it'll take some getting used to. Realize that the slides you get back show how accurate you were with exposure (there's no prints to be lightened or darkened if the exposure was off). Slide film will teach you a lot about metering.

Thanks AV, your insight is always welcome, as is everyone elses.