Kodak Portra 160

[Tim Gray]

I think we all knew it was coming. Sounds like it's been announced. A new 160 to replace 160NC and 160VC.

http://www.kodak.com:80/global/en/pr...l?pq-path=2986

[zinzin]

here's another article

http://www.bjp-online.com/british-jo...ortra-160-film

I think we all knew it was coming. Sounds like it's been announced. A new 160 to replace 160NC and 160VC.

http://www.kodak.com:80/global/en/pr...l?pq-path=2986

[Greg Davis]

Not at all surprising after the introduction of Portra 400. While it will be slightly different than the previous versions, I am sure it will be a great film.

[hrst]

And we have Ektar 100 as a "new" film, so what really has happened at a time window of a few years, two films (NC and VC) have been transformed a bit - NC is now finer-grained with same saturation as before and became Portra 160, but VC is now replaced with the Ektar. I like Ektar and the fact that the differences in the products are more notable. One neutral -- purposely so -- and one saturated -- purposely so -- medium-speed color neg film is great IMO. I cannot ask for more considering the situation.

Kodak seems to make sane and reasonable decisions instead of acting randomly. And they publish clearly what they do.

The fact is that the current sales of these niche products do not allow for a large selection of almost similar products. It's better to have a clear dedication to good products than just randomly kill products without thinking about the whole portfolio.

[Tom Kershaw]

Subjectively, I've found the colour rendition and saturation of Portra 160VC more flexible compared to Ektar 100.

Tom

[Jeff Kubach]

Well it sounds good. Have to try it!

Jeff

[benjiboy]

At least they're still making film we have to be thankful for small mercies, I was in my local pro dealers shop yesterday and he only has a couple of dozen rolls of Fuji Pro film in stock, he tells me he doesn't stock Kodak films at all any more because they're too expensive, and most of his customers don't shoot film anyway.

[Tim Gray]

Subjectively, I've found the colour rendition and saturation of Portra 160VC more flexible compared to Ektar 100.

I agree. I prefer Portra's colors (any of them) to Ektar for many subjects. On the other hand, my color goes through the scanning route, so I'm don't rely on traditional printing materials for my contrast and saturation. So I'm ok with 160NC or the new 160 (finer grain!).

I wonder if Portra 800 will get a grain makeover too?

[Greg Davis]

It may. These new films seem to be announced when the old version has only a couple months of supply left. If there is to be a new Portra 800, it may take a while if the old stock moves slowly off shelves.

[Tim Gray]

Also, it's been announced that this stuff will be available in 4x5 and 8x10, and custom sizes through Canham. That's good I guess