Velvia 50 too slow for star trails?

[mjs1973]

I'm thinking about a star trails attempt but I'm not sure about the film. Do you think the Velvia 50 will be too slow? I have a couple rolls of Provia 100 if you think that would be better, but nothing faster, other than print film, which I don't want to use.

[92135011]

I wouldnt use slide film due to its narrow exposure latitude

[another view]

Actually, I only use slide film for this; Provia 400F being my favorite. Since it's fast, it will show more stars (stars that aren't very bright will still show up). I use a fairly wide aperture, f4 or larger. Never tried Velvia but the shots I have seen with it will turn the sky green because of reciprocity failure. Provia doesn't do that anywhere near as much.

[mjs1973]

Thanks for the info Steve, I knew you would have a good answer!

That's the reason I love this site.

[GB1]

I used Velvia 50 for star trails. It worked, with the aperature wide open (why not?), but it was out in the desert without much light contamination. Might be a little more reliable with faster film - Velvia 100 at least.

[Speed]

I'm thinking about a star trails attempt but I'm not sure about the film. Do you think the Velvia 50 will be too slow? I have a couple rolls of Provia 100 if you think that would be better, but nothing faster, other than print film, which I don't want to use.

You CAN use Velvia 50. Walterick did it here: My last photos for a while.

Though only the brighter stars will show up. A dark site also helps tremendously.

400 speed film will pick up a LOT more stars though.

[mikishots]

I'm thinking about a star trails attempt but I'm not sure about the film. Do you think the Velvia 50 will be too slow? I have a couple rolls of Provia 100 if you think that would be better, but nothing faster, other than print film, which I don't want to use.

Provia 100F may be a better choice because it allows for exposures up to 8 minutes before reciprocity sets in. Provia 400F starts to go funky (colors and speed) after only 4 seconds. Velvia is not recommended for over 64 seconds.

Of course, if colors aren't in your agenda, then you can use just about anything.