I bought a pack of this stuff which, at the time I got it was about a month past its expiry date. I'd heard people rave about it so I decided to give it a go. It was interesting but, if I'm honest, a bit too grainy for my taste. I actually like grain but this was a bit beyond my preference.
I think I shot about 5 rolls and traded the remaining five for (if my memory serves me) Ilford XP2 Super - which is still my favourite mid-speed B&W film.
Some great images here, great work! I wish this film was available, seems like it would be another great option to add to the current Ilford & Kodak high ISO black and white options. The grit from the grain, the contrast, the latitude, all work together so nicely.
Thanks so much Adam! Yes it's a good film, reminds me of how much we've lost in the last 20 years, and I guess how much to be grateful for that is still around.
Wow takes me back in my youth (back in the 80's) I used to go to Onomichi every other year or so (I had an uncle who lived there) and knew that shotengai well! Thank you for the nostalgia, and reminds me I must try visit there once more! As for Neopan 1600, never did get to try it out :-)
Wonderful images - I once shot a wedding using Neopan 1600 ( not professionally I should add!! ) I loved the results but no one else seemed too - they were quite 'gritty' looking!!!
Neopan 1600 and Natura f.9 - a match made in film heaven? I never really got into high speed films and, as such, never really played with them. Very much my loss, as these images would testify. Excellent set. Such a shame that they discontinued these emulsions. The beautiful tonality (and a little halation thrown in for good measure) soften the effect of what could otherwise be harsh, heavy grain, yielding these wonderful images. Thank you for sharing.
Wow that's a better description than I could come up with Ralph! I don't shoot a lot of B&W so often I don't know how to describe it. I must try out Delta 3200 on the Natura and see what it's like!
Cheers, Matt. That shot of the school kids zipping along on their bikes is, indeed, a cracker. When I saw it and thought of your description of wind chimes in the mall, it made me think of that scene from the original Bladerunner, of the folks trundling along in that rain-soaked, futuristic LA neighbourhood.
Btw I looked up the Natura Black f1.9 and was glad I was sat down when I saw the prices it commands. I imagine it has quite a following, though. It's a shame they never exported it. Perhaps it arrived on the scene a little too late to be viable outside the domestic market with the onslaught of digital.
Yes they're not cheap! Funnily enough they have stayed about the same price more or less for the last 15 years, they don't seem to have doubled or tripled like some other cameras. I actually really like the blue model but I got the black one because it has exposure comp, though I've never used it ha ha.
Very nice series, Matt.
I bought a pack of this stuff which, at the time I got it was about a month past its expiry date. I'd heard people rave about it so I decided to give it a go. It was interesting but, if I'm honest, a bit too grainy for my taste. I actually like grain but this was a bit beyond my preference.
I think I shot about 5 rolls and traded the remaining five for (if my memory serves me) Ilford XP2 Super - which is still my favourite mid-speed B&W film.
Thanks Paul! Nice, I've only shot XP2 a couple of times but liked it! Must buy some more.
wow this is amazing. Shooting black and white seemingly transforms viewer back in time
Thanks so much! The shopping arcardes are like stepping back in time!
These are my favorite images of your Japan series. Maybe black and white is your true calling.
Thanks Garon, very kind! I always love B&W when I see the results, must shoot it more often!
Some great images here, great work! I wish this film was available, seems like it would be another great option to add to the current Ilford & Kodak high ISO black and white options. The grit from the grain, the contrast, the latitude, all work together so nicely.
Thanks so much Adam! Yes it's a good film, reminds me of how much we've lost in the last 20 years, and I guess how much to be grateful for that is still around.
Wow takes me back in my youth (back in the 80's) I used to go to Onomichi every other year or so (I had an uncle who lived there) and knew that shotengai well! Thank you for the nostalgia, and reminds me I must try visit there once more! As for Neopan 1600, never did get to try it out :-)
Very cool John! As I said when you kindly shared this post, Onomichi is on my list to go back to for future trips for sure! Top place.
I haven’t been back for too many years, I should go again one day!
Yes!
Should try to sync up when both there!
Wonderful images - I once shot a wedding using Neopan 1600 ( not professionally I should add!! ) I loved the results but no one else seemed too - they were quite 'gritty' looking!!!
Thanks Richard! Yes it's funny how we as photographers often like a different aesthetic than others!
Neopan 1600 and Natura f.9 - a match made in film heaven? I never really got into high speed films and, as such, never really played with them. Very much my loss, as these images would testify. Excellent set. Such a shame that they discontinued these emulsions. The beautiful tonality (and a little halation thrown in for good measure) soften the effect of what could otherwise be harsh, heavy grain, yielding these wonderful images. Thank you for sharing.
Wow that's a better description than I could come up with Ralph! I don't shoot a lot of B&W so often I don't know how to describe it. I must try out Delta 3200 on the Natura and see what it's like!
Cheers, Matt. That shot of the school kids zipping along on their bikes is, indeed, a cracker. When I saw it and thought of your description of wind chimes in the mall, it made me think of that scene from the original Bladerunner, of the folks trundling along in that rain-soaked, futuristic LA neighbourhood.
Btw I looked up the Natura Black f1.9 and was glad I was sat down when I saw the prices it commands. I imagine it has quite a following, though. It's a shame they never exported it. Perhaps it arrived on the scene a little too late to be viable outside the domestic market with the onslaught of digital.
Yes they're not cheap! Funnily enough they have stayed about the same price more or less for the last 15 years, they don't seem to have doubled or tripled like some other cameras. I actually really like the blue model but I got the black one because it has exposure comp, though I've never used it ha ha.