Slides vs. print

[Grant Johnson]

Originally posted by rodskogj:

One more thing. Pro films are (a lot) more expensive, but may be worth it if traveling in hot climates. Many of the pro and consumer slide films are actually identical, but the pro film has been stored under better and controlled conditions (i.e. cold) while consumer slides are stored at room temperature (quite hot in some countries). One result of this is that the 'pro' slide film will have a longer life then 'consumer' film before the undeveloped film starts deteriorating (i.e. loses the ability to record color accurately). So, if you are going a l-o-n-g time in hot weather with slide film, than pro film is a safer choice.

Johan Rodskog
www.rodskog.com

I guess this is "beat up on Johan time"

I'll take serious exception to Johans comments on why pro film is better for hot weather.

Pro film is indeed kept in ideal conditions before delivery to the consumer. The reason is that film "ages". When it is fresh made it's "green" or not ripe and not yet perfect colour. Pro film is aged just right, and is perfect when delivered - and then deteriorates from that moment on if it is not refrigerated.

Amateur film (slide or neg) on the other hand is shipped "green", and so improves with age, and it will be some time before it actually deteriorates. I've been told that manufacturers expect amateur film to be unrefrigerated for up to two years before processing, and must still give good colour. So with any luck it will be perfect halfway through your trip!

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Grant Johnson

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 18 April 2002).]