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Film comes in a wide range of types, but the most basic distinction is size: either 35mm or APS. Choose your film based on the type of your camera and kind of photographs you'd like to take. |
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35mm
B/W Negative Film
Choose this film if you'd like to make black-and-white prints. By excluding all color, black-and-white photography simplifies images, emphasizing the contrast of light and dark, and bringing unique expressive power to subjects such as portraits. Like color negative film, it produces a negative image when processed, and needs to be printed to show a proper image. |
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35mm
Color Reversal Film
This film produces color transparencies. When processed, the film itself produces a faithful image of the scene, with all its colors and shades of light and dark. It can be mounted into slides and projected, or used to make color prints. |
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APS (Advanced Photo System) Color Negative Film
This handy system uses self-contained film cartridges. Because the film is smaller than 35mm film, APS cameras are generally smaller as well. |
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Multiple formats and index prints
APS offers you a choice of three print formats: Classic (C), HDTV (H), and Panorama (P). And with each roll of film processed, you receive a convenient index print, showing thumbnail images of all the pictures on the roll.
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In addition to the traditional three layers, a fourth layer makes possible exceptionally accurate color reproduction.
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Film is able to record images because it is sensitive to light. This sensitivity is expressed as an ISO film "speed" number. The higher the number, the "faster" the film, which means the less light it requires to take a picture.
Selecting a film speed
Slower films in the ISO 100 range are fine for outdoor use in sunlight. But for maximum all-around versatility — fast action, low light outdoors, and indoor photography — we recommend ISO 800 film.
Film speed and recommended picture situations |
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Film is perishable.
Like fresh food products, film comes with a "use by" date printed on the box. Before loading any film into your camera, make sure that it has not passed its expiration date.
Store film carefully.
Film should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place, away from direct sunlight, heater ducts, etc. Specifically, it keeps best when stored at a temperature of 20°C or below and humidity of 60% or less. In more humid environments, film can be stored in a sealed plastic container. For long-term storage, keep film in your refrigerator. Just be sure to remove it from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before opening it, to prevent condensation.
Avoiding airport x-rays.
Luggage checked with airlines is subject to powerful x-ray inspection that can damage film. So be sure to bring your film with you in your carry-on luggage. While most security checkpoint x-ray machines are filmsafe, if you expect a number of repeated x-rays or if you are carrying high speed film, we suggest that you ask for hand inspection.
Process film promptly.
Film is not designed for long-term storage once it has been exposed. That's why it's always best to have it processed as soon as possible. And try not to leave that finished roll inside your camera! |
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