Best Color Negative Film for Portraits

[David Solow]

Hi All,

Newbie here. I'm going to be shooting portraits with my 4x5. I would appreciate anyone's thoughts on the best color negative film for portraits. Most of my portraits will be shot in the studio using strobes only (no natural light in the studio), but I do plan on shooting location shots, both indoors and out, using natural light.

Thanks in advance for your replies,
David

[johnmsanderson]

Check this thread, found via the search:

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=16036&highlight=Color+film+portrait


It's a bit old but maybe still relevant.

[Daniel Stone]

David,

Well, there's only 3 choices left now, isn't there? Ektar 100, Portra 160, and Porta 400.

Actually, you can still get 160NS(formerly 160S) from Fuji Japan, but its more expensive(and you have to wait for shipping), and isn't readily available for sale "over the counter" here in the USA.

I'd personally go with Portrat 400, b/c you mentioned outdoor/location shots. Getting the most shutter speed IMO is critical, especially with LF portraiture. And this stuff is SOOOOO fine-grained, I highly doubt you'll have any problems with grain in your prints/scans.

I'm still working through my stash of 400NC in 4x5 and 8x10, but having a 400 speed film sure helps, especially when I need that extra stop or two of shutter speed ;).

-Dan

[Uri A]

I'm with Dan. I shoot fashion & portraits, small. medium and large format, indoor and out - 400NC is all I've ever used.