Re: filmscanners: Grain in Color negative Film

["Dave King" <kingphoto@mindspring.com>]

----- Original Message -----
From: Roman Kielich® <panromek@bigpond.com>
To: <filmscanners@halftone.co.uk>
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2001 4:31 AM
Subject: Re: filmscanners: Grain in Color negative Film


> At 06:54 22/03/2001 -0700, you wrote:
> >That's what I thought as well.... and the minilab I used is one
that (to the
> >naked eye) runs a clean process... however, what I noticed was that
the grain
> >pattern in large areas of uniform density was much tighter and
smoother in the
> >film from the custom lab...
> >
> >Mike M.
>
> there is no explanation to that. all c41 processes are equivalent,
the main
> difference is that profi labs have smaller variation of brands,
speed, etc,
> which translates into less variation of iodide/bromide content of
> in-service developer. that effect was detected for the first time
with an
> introduction of Fuji 400 negs. They required different replenishment
rate.
> it is my speculation, cos I honestly do not believe, there is any
> difference. If someone has an example, please post. Grain pattern is
> dependant of the film structure, not developer.

It depends on processor and chemistry QC & maintenence also, and this
contributes to widely varying processing quality even though the exact
same chemistry may be loaded initially.  Also mini-labs may use 3rd
party concoctions that aren't as good as Kodak or Fuji.  If you're
after quality go to the best lab you can find.  The film will be run
in machines with better temp control, better handling, etc., and
maintained by techs, not school kids working part time.  It's the most
critical step after shooting, if you want best quality don't skimp at
this stage.

Dave