On Dec 16, 2005, at 5:43 AM, Godfrey DiGiorgi wrote:
I stopped shooting transparencies a decade or more ago due to the exposure latitude problems, as well as the fact that slide films were left behind by modern color negative emulsions for acutance (thinner emulsion = better acutance). Color neg scans *much* better than color slide, even with a less expensive scanner; the issue that remains is learning how to accurately color balance it. A Macbeth color check calibration exposure on every roll (or in every different lighting situation!) is worthwhile to zero in on the correct balance.
FWIW I hate scanning negs precisely because of all the fluffing around that's needed to get the colours right. With better scanning technique and more practise with Curves I'm improving... but I'd still rather put up with the limitations of slide film :)
The thing that really pushed me onto slide film back-in-the-day was that the small lab I was using closed down. I couldn't find anyone else who could give me such consistently good prints.
Also a colour chart is of little use to me because I tend to be quite frugal with film. I'd end up having to do charts on every 2nd or 3rd exposure due to the different lighting.
- Dave
