Best camera film?

[tiggeroo42]

I have an APS camera and usually buy 400-speed Fuji Film, which comes out cheaper than 200-speed Kodak. I'm wondering if I should splurge for my upcoming Disney trip and buy the Kodak. Does it really make that much of a difference?

Also, how many rolls do you scrappers usually take at WDW? I think I took 9 last time (over a week), but when I got them all developed, it didn't seem like I had taken nearly enough pictures!

 

[Spinning]

Hi I really like Fuji film. I always thing the colors are more vibrant. But I also buy a lot of kodak film. So I usual go with the better deal. Plus I now use 400 speed all the time.
As for how much film to take...I usually plan on a roll and 1/2 per day. And if we have a character meal planned, that takes 2 rolls! So for a week....I would say 12. One nice thing it last and it is better to have too much than too little!
have a great trip!

 

[Tiger Fan]

My cousin went with us this past November and she took 13 rolls in the same week that I took 22 rolls. I tend to always "over-take", but I never regret it. Take twice you think you will need, it's very expensive at Disney. I agree about 2 rolls at a character meal !!
Lisa

 

[chessie]

Pick up a roll or two of 800 film. It is great for taking photo's inside attractions where it is allowed. I also got better safari photos with it as I was able to zoom and not have to worry about the loss of light. Night time shots turned out better too. It's not very good for regular outdoor photos as it is a bit grainy but I was really pleased with the dark shots using it.

 

[DisneyMom92]

For what it's worth, when I used a film camera (way back in the days before decent digital) Fuji was my brand of choice, especially for 800 speed film. Incidentally, you can even get faster film nowadays at a specialty camera store. I used to use 1600 for sports shots a lot and had little problems with graininess. But for 800+ film, I would spend a little extra to get a little better processing. You do have to make sure that your local camera specialty store doesn't batch process, because so many are these days, but that's a simple question to them. You likely will pay double or a little more for processing, but for my money it's worth it. It's also possible to "push" your film if it's not batch processed, but that's for another post, if anyone cares.

Additionally, when you are processing your regular speed film, make sure you like the results from several unimportant rolls. I always preferred Fuji paper (available from Walmart and Sams and probably a million other places) for my Fuji film, Kodak paper for my Kodak film. Don't ask me why, but I felt my colors were better if I matched the paper with the film.

Now that I use mostly digital images the I convert to prints, I still prefer Fuji paper, but it may be the Walmart/Sams machine I prefer. I haven't been really happy with the places that have used Kodak paper, but that may be the machine rather than the paper, again.

Hope this helps someone.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

The Fuji film is definitely my preference. Like DisneyMom92 I shoot a great deal of faster film. I don't think I've used anything slower than 400 in years! And I really don't do digital - maybe some day when the equivalent lens quality and flexibilty of a digital comes into a price range with my SLR.

Definitely overshoot - especially on those things you can't shoot over (which is basically everything). Our last trip I shot over 30 rolls for a one week trip.

This past week I shot 20 rolls during final rehearsals, backstage, etc. of our theatrical production.

As for processing, I agree that is critical. Although it isn't always the local camera store that does the best job I've found. So it pays to shop around. One other tidbit - if you haven't tried the new Kodak processing it is worth running a roll or two through to see what you think. I had my last couple of football rolls done that way (through our local Meijers - sort of like a Wal-Mart but it goes to a Kodak lab). The process and paper really make details pop - since these were late into the evening shots in November it made a big difference. I'v also had wonderful results at my LSS. Although they use an "automated" machine, they adjust for each roll they process. Really beautiful results.

Hmm, just re-read this and it appears that the bottom line, as with most of the scrapping considerations, is trial and error until you find the combination that works best for you!


Deb

 

[paulinewdw]

I have two(yes two) APS SLR Nikon Cameras. Both take GREAT shots with FUJI film, but horrible shots with kodak. I use 400 and 800 speed(800 takes great photos of Fantasmic or Electric Parade). I also have a 35mm SLR and 35 mm point and shoot, these cameras take their best pictures with Kodak 400 speed film.
My DH has a digital, which he loves! I just prefer the versatility of the lenses on the SLR's(plus I have invested too much cash in them!)

I have also found that the developer makes a difference. I develop Fuji at places that use Fuji equipment etc....

Last 10 day disney trip, I took 35 rolls of film and DH took 500
digital shots. I have not scrapped them yet(I am behind a few trips!

 

[Ti2gerrr]

Another vote for Fuji Film. Last trip I had to buy a roll of Kodak fill in the park (didn't plan ahead) and I can pick everyone of those photos out. There is a significant diffrence in quality.

 

[catwho]

Here is what we have found out. My dd (10 yo) has an APS camera. (I have 2 35mm) I have found that Kodak film is best for 35 mm, but that Fuji definitely has the market as far as quality with the APS. Another thing that we have found is that the pictures look best if they are finished glossy. The photos turn out sharper and brighter. I get her 800 speed film because it is so versatile (you can't exactly change film mid roll when going from dark to light venues) She was very disappointed with her first few rolls using Kodak 400 (which came with her camera) but when we switched to the Fuji 800 the pictures were much nicer.

 

[yummy72]

Ditto on the Fuji Film! I keep 800 speed in my camera at all times. I take lots of pictures inside, outside, at nite, etc.. and have always been pleased with the results, and I agree, I think the colors are more vibrant.|


--Candi

 

[alyssa810]

I've come to use only 800 film too, and only Kodak. I've been trying to determine where I get the best developing done versus the film and film speed, and I'm really happy with the Kodak 800.
I'm also trying to be more careful with my film at the airport, especially with the 800 speed so that it doesn't get x rayed.
I also always have more film than I need, and with all the times I've been recently, I find that I end up scrapping the same pictures!! I try to remember what I don't have when I take pictures each time, and I usually have about 4 rolls of film...I also don't have kids to take pictures of so that might be something to consider.

 

[tiggeroo42]

Wow, thanks for all the replies! I guess I'll stick with my Fuji film (since it's cheaper, I'll be able to buy extra rolls! ). I may try a few 800-speed rolls this time, too.

I usually get my film developed on Kodak paper, but I think I'll get a test roll developed on Fuji paper before we leave. I always assumed Kodak processing was better, but I guess it makes sense to use the same brand paper as your film.

Thanks for all your tips!

 

[TeamMom011]

I used to work in a commercial camera facility and they used Fuji film and paper. At the time I was strictly Kodak for my personal shots but after being able to talk to people that know WAAAYY more than I'll ever know, I learned that Fuji is considered best for shots of greens and blues (like oceans and sky) and Kodak is better for yellows and reds (fall foliage and sunsets) Since WDW is pretty much multi-colored, as most people on this thread have said, it's often a matter of personal preference. BUT the chemicals used in the processing is created to work with each company's specific film so Fuji film should be on Fuji paper and Kodak film on Kodak paper.