iWS ITCHCOLOR FILMS Three Significantly Improved Color-Print Films

by Jack and Sue Drafahl

Have you ever won- i V7, 'M dered who makes all those private-label n &nv* films you see at the counter of your favorite K-mart or Target retail stores? Have you ever run out of film and hurried into a retail store only to be confused by all the brand names? Wonder no longer! Most of those retail private-label films are really new 3M print films offered under the ScotchColor label. 3M not only makes color-negative films under its own label, but specializes in packaging over 70 private labels, as well. At last year's Photokina, 3M intro- duced improved versions of the Scotch- Color 100 and 200 color-negative films. Similar improvements will be made to the 400 color negative, and it will be re- leased in mid-1991. All these materials come in distinctive new packaging characterized by the Scotch globe logo on a horizontal gold background. SCOTCHCOLOR 100 This 100-speed color-negative film is designed for the photographer who shoots outdoor scenics, macro, still life, and situations where maximum sharp- ness and color saturation are the main considerations. The new emulsion includes an im- proved blue spectral sensitizer and UV trimmer,which, in effect, improves the color saturation of blue-colored objects and minimizes the blue cast associated with scenes illuminated by the north- ern sky or shade. The optical improve- ments in these blue-sensitive layers also f. .-• improve the green and red sharpness in the final image. Improved color repro- duction of cyan and green objects is gained through the use of a new yellow filter layer. Finally, the antihalation backing was restructured, increasing overall image sharpness. FIELD TESTS: Most of our tests with the 100 film concentrated on still life, macro, and situations where we had to- tal control over movement of the sub- ject. We found that the film was really about '/$ stop faster than its ISO 100 rating. We assume that this is to com- pensate for any variance in with different , but it may also have been the batch of film we were sent to test. The resulting overexposure 82 PHOiographic/February 1991 5 6

7 8 ALL PHOTOS BY THE AUTHORS 1. For this flash-filled backlit portrait of under the eave of a roof reproduced stayed within ten points of our stand- Sarah Brubaker, we used ScotchColor beautifully on ScotchColor 200, and the ard printing packs. 100 in a Nikon N6006 with a 28-85mm negative printed with normal filtration. 1 Additional shots were made of a zoom lens. Exposure was /i2$ at f/11. The shot was made with a Nikon N6006, model, with her back to the sun, in or- The negative printed properly with our and 28-85mm zoom. der to test the color balance between normal filter pack. 5. The new ScotchColor films come in 2. This spider web was also recorded on new, brightly colored boxes, indicative sun and shade. The resulting prints ScotchColor 100, this time using a Nikon of the brightly colored prints the films showed very little color change from N6000 with 60mm macro lens and SB-21 contained therein can produce. sunlight to shade, making ScotchColor ring flash. Again, the negative printed 6. Another example of ScotchColor 100 s 100 ideal for sun/shade mixtures. with the normal filter pack. brilliant color reproduction is this shot of 3. As several raccoons invaded our ga- a leaf on colored metal in full sunlight. SCOTCHCOLOR 200 rage for cat food, we sat in the doorway 7. An interior shot at the Portland Con- The 200-speed color-negative film is and used various focal lengths to crop in vention Hall on ScotchColor 400 printed designed for situations where lighting on one, two, three, or all five of the ban- well when corrected for the red shift is less than that required for the 100 dits. We recorded this invader on caused by the tungsten lights. ScotchColor 200, using a Nikon N8008, 8. This twilight shot, made on ScotchCol- film, or when action in the scene re- 28-85mm zoom lens, and SB-24 flash or 400 in downtown Portland, printed quires a faster film. The 200 film in- unit. The negative printed easily with beautifully with filtration correction for cludes a new Super DIR coupler that normal filtration. the magenta-blue shift caused by the 20- improves the color of green subjects. In 4. This bag of onions on a colored wagon second exposure time. addition to the improvements found in the ISO 100 film, the ScotchColor 200 has a new cyan coupler, which helps had no effect on the quality of the im- tremely sharp, with a very tight grain correct cyan highlights that occur in ages; in fact, it kept the contrast up on pattern. Because many of these web some of the processing labs that have those negatives that were slightly un- scenes were predominantly black, our bleaching problems. derexposed. Exposure latitude for the meter was fooled, and thus The ISO 200 film would be an excel- 100 film is +3 stops to -2 stops, more overexposed many of the negatives by lent choice for family activities that mi- than any autoexposure camera would at least two stops. Realizing this, we grate from sunlight to shade and back vary from the correct exposure. corrected the camera for some of the again. Birthday parties, graduations, Sharpness tests were made using a shots and left it unconnected for others. and family reunions all would be ideal variety of local dew-dropped spider When printing these negatives, we candidates for this film. webs, with and without occupants. We found that even with this two-stop FIELD TESTS: During the entire testing found the resulting negatives to be ex- overexposure, color-printing filtration procedure, we kept three cameras load- PHorographic/February 1991 83 NATIONAL RICOH KR-10M SCOTCH COLOR PHOTOGRAPHER (Continued from page 81) (Continued from page 83) James E. Ayotte ed with the three different-speed films. SPECIFICATIONS HAWAII When unexpected situations arose, we CAMERA: Ricoh KR-10M selected the camera loaded with 200 EGYPT TYPE: 35mm SLR with focal-plane shutter GALAPAGOS and automatic electronic exposure film. Such a situation occurred when control we heard a sound from the garage. INDIA LENS MOUNT: Ricoh system R-K mount When we opened the door, we were TANZANIA EXPOSURE MODES: -priority AE, BELIZE metered manual greeted by five large raccoons in the Vhoto Safari METERING: TTL center-weighted process of cleaning out all the cat food. ISLE ROYAL averaging via SPD; EV range 0-18 (ISO The largest raccoon didn't want to sign International ZANZIBAR 100, 50mm f/1.4 lens) a model release and left immediately, FILM-SPEED RANGE: ISO 25-5000 In 2843 Eastern Ave SE '/3-step increments but the other four stayed. Grand Rapids, Ml 49508 DX ENCODING: Yes; non-DX films are set We proceeded to shoot two rolls of Ph: 616/247-0026 • FAX: 616/247-8810 to ISO 100; other film speeds can be set ScotchColor 200 negatives, using flash, circle #317 on Reader Service Card using exposure-compensation function and found that the resulting shots were SHUTTER SPEEDS: Auto: 32 sec. to Viooo; manual: 16 sec. to v?ooo, plus B well-exposed and sharp, and repro- LEARN CAMERA VIEWFINDER: Field of view covers 91%; duced the black-and-white bandits as REPAIR 0.6X magnification though they were still there. As with VIEWFINDER DISPLAY: AE lock, under- or the ScotchColor 100, we found the ac- No costly school to attend. This Original overexposure, , exposure 1 Home-Study course prepares you to enter compensation, flash-ready LED, long time tual speed of ScotchColor 200 to be A- the camera repair field. Hundreds of exciting exposure stop higher than its ISO rating. This jobs are awaiting YOU. Or you may choose FOCUSING: Diagonal split-image spot In helped create the -2- to + 3-stop lati- to open a business of your own. microprism band; plus full groundglass No need to Quit Your Job or relocate to tude necessary to hold the entire con- attend a school. This proven course has field been training technicians for over thirty TOP LCD INDICATORS: Shutter speed, trast range of the scene. On another overcast day, we pro- years. You receive top training, tools, test multiexposure, autobracketing, film equipment and cameras to work on. counter, film loaded, film advancing, ceeded to a western market, where we Send or call TODAY to receive your FREE rewind, battery condition found all kinds of wagons and tables copy of the school catalog. In only one year : ±4 stops in you could be a Camera Technician. '/3-stop increments full of fruit and vegetables. We selected subjects that had fully saturated colors National Camera Institute, Inc. FLASH: Aperture-priority flash AE, manual 1474 W. 6th. St., Suite D-3 flash grouped next to other subjects with op- FLASH SYNC: Vioo In auto; '/«, In manual posing colors. We found that the new Eugene, OR 97402 - (503)683-5361 OTHER FEATURES: AE lock, exposure circle #318 on Reader Service Card compensation in V4 stops, built-in Super DIR couplers held each of the autoload, -wind, -rewind, -stop; pure colors within their boundaries, multiexposure, autobracketing, and kept the fine image detail in each RHODE ISLAND electronic-remote capability color at a maximum. SCHOOL OF PHOTOGRAPHY SELF-TIMER: 10 second; LED After viewing the results of several POWER SOURCE: 4 AA batteries Established 1944 SIZE: 5.9X3.5X2.0 in. (151X91X51mm) rolls of ScotchColor 200, we concluded WEIGHT: 18 oz. (5iOg), body only that it was at its optimum when used DEDICATED TO PROFESSIONAL PRICE: $304, body only under overcast or gray skies. Contrast PHOTOGRAPHIC EDUCATION DISTRIBUTOR: Ricoh Consumer Products was excellent, and color saturation was Group, 180 Passaic Ave., Fairfield, NJ a committed creative faculty, professional 07006; (201) 882-2000 at a maximum. equipment, dormitories, financial aid (for those who qualify), placement assistance, approved for veterans SCOTCHCOLOR 400 and foreign students, transfer students welcome. loading, autoadvance, and autorewind. When situations arise where the light Pleas* Include telephone number. But, with a single AE mode plus me- level drops, or high-speed action is part 241 E. Webster Ave., Providence, Rl 02909 tered manual, the decision-making pro- of the scene, 3M recommends their 401/943-7722 cess is restored to the photographer. ScotchColor 400 negative film. This Accredited Member NATTS The camera handles nicely. It is not film has excellent exposure latitude and overly heavy, but has enough heft to color rendition, and superb image make it comfortable and give it a solid sharpness. Possible subjects for this feel in your hands. It is relatively easy film would include ice shows, amuse- to change modes and shutter speeds, ment parks, sporting events, theater, Simply and, because of the bright viewfinder, store windows, and interiors. it is a snap to focus. Exposures were ac- The data sheet enclosed with the the best curate in situations where center- film recommends the use of an 80A fil- weighted averaging metering systems ter under tungsten light. If no filter is foremost school of photography, usually prevail; that is, average expo- used, correction can be made in the teaches all aspects of still pho- sure situations. In out-of-the ordinary printing process. In that case, you tography, film-making and video situations, like backlighting or light should let the printer know that a tung- production. Offers BA and MS sources within the frame, you must sten color-shift correction is necessary. degree programs and workshops. prevail on your photographic common FIELD TESTS: Since existing light sense, and use either exposure compen- seems to be the best use of 400-speed BROOKS INSTITUTE sation or the autobracketing feature. color-negative films, we selected a The KR-10M is a simple camera, Portland's new convention center as a OF PHOTOGRAPHY Write or Call, Department PP. 801 Alston Rd. and it's nice to see simplicity return to test subject. Inside, we found low levels Santa Barbara. California 93108 805-966-3888. the photographic marketplace. 9 (Continued on page 87) circle #314 on Reader Service Card 84 PHOTographic/February 1991 35mm ARCHIVAL BELL-O-SHADE PORTRAITS • WEDDINGS SLIDE LABELS SPECIAL n500-$17.20C1000-$22.95 Order* Total $50 00 up ADO $3 50 SHIPPING & HANDLING 1-11x14 FREE Orders Total S10O.OO up ARCHIVAL 1-16x20 FREE STRIP LABELS Plus 1 set ol 12 Peel & Stick Prints with each order. I7/." X '/i," 11 i 14 nsoo-seas nooo-$i2.5o •• m»fln 16 . 20 MX) $2 50 SHIPPING 4 HANDLING /- . EVERY PACKAGE SETS SEND CHECK NEGATIVE WITH ORDER An affordable lens shade for image VIDEO FREE ANALYZED S3500«aa !. 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-circle #310 on Reader Service Card- circle #312 on Reader Service Card Pro Photo 86,87 R.T.P., Inc 78 Rhode Island School of Photography 84 ADVERTISING Marty Rickard Workshops 85 Secret Passions 86 INDEX Shaw & Associates 85 YOUR OWN PHOTO! Supreme Camera 94,95,% ENLARGED ANO M FULL BRILLIANT COLOR ON A TOP QUALITY SHIRT AAA Camera Exchange 92,93 Tamron Industries 12-13 Unique Gift idea For All Ages Albums, Inc 78 Zone VI Studios, Inc 27 Absolutely Top OutMy Guaranteed Aristo Grid Lamp Products 79 Send any size photo (returned) Please mention PHOTOgraphic Magazine when re- NO NEGATIVES OR SLIDES PLEASE Beseler Photo Marketing Co 9 Lettering: $9 typesetting charge Bogen Photo Corp 8 sponding to. the advertisers listed above. Thank you. Available Sizes: S M L XL Brooks Institute of Photography 84 (6-8)(10-12)(14-16)(XXU'2 extra) BufT, Paul C 25 Cambridge Camera Exchange .... 98-99,100-101,102 Pre-shnjnk. 100% cotton, heavy wl T-SHIRTS (whrte only) '16.95 Camille 86 SWEATSHIRTS (50/50) '24.95 Camjacket Co 26 SHIPPING (per order) '3 00 Canon USA, Inc Cover 3 SCOTCH COLOR Color Master Photo Shop 86 Orders shipped in 7 days or less. CA res. add 7% sales tax. Crimson Star 86 (Continued from page 84) noun? Ktepnov Send chect. HO or VKVHC •* EXP MTE TO Dale Laboratories 39 Eastman Kodak Cover 4 GRAPHICS PLUS 3145 Geary, Suite 618. Dept. P£ 291 Ellenco 87 (415) 668-6100 M-f 10- 5 PST San Francisco. CA 94118 Essex Camera Service, Inc 86 of tungsten and fluorescent lighting. GMI Photographic, Inc 9 Using a 20mm lens and shutter speeds Gould Trading Photo 97 Graphics Plus 87 down to '/is, we were able to handhold with the long exposures of the foun- Harris Photoguide 87 the camera for all the interior shots. tain, but did find a considerable color Hasselblad. Victor, Inc 4 Holland Photo 86 Exterior shots of the tungsten light shift to the magenta-blue side. We sug- Int'l Freelance Photographers Org 2' towers were made using a tripod at Vi gest that if you plan on making expo- Kine-tronics 86 Lindahl Specialties, Inc 87 second down to 1 second. sures this long, use the color correc- LT Sound 86 We finished the test on a night foun- tions recommended in the data sheet to Mamiya America Corp 7 tain in a nearby park. Exposures there help keep the film in balance. This will Merit Albums, Inc 87 Microstamp Corp 86 were from 10 to 30 seconds. After cut down on testing if you make your National Camera Institute, Inc 84 processing the film, we again found own prints, or allow you to use a one- Natural Habitat 26 New York Institute 19 that 3M had rated the lower hour lab and still get excellent results. NRI Schools 85 than it actually was by, again, '/: stop. These Scotch films are still relatively Ohio Institute of Photography 85 Olympus Corp Cover 2-3 The resulting interior shots of the con- new to the market, and you might not Photek Inc 86 vention center were extremely fine find them available everywhere, so 3M Photo A La Carte 87 grained, and held excellent shadow de- offers a toll-free number to help you lo- Photo Safari Intl 84 Pierce Co 87 tail into the deepest shadows. cate your nearest dealer. Give them a Porter's Camera Store, Inc 78 We found little reciprocity failure call at 1-800-695-FILM. B

PHOTographic/February 1991 87