Re: Konica IR versus Kodak HIE

[eml@xxxxxxxxx]

> 
> It is a personal choice and to say that Kodak infrared is laughable is a
> laughable statement. Many photographers prefer the grain and ethereal look of
> Kodak over Konica. It doesn't take much effort to load the Kodak film in the
> dark. Don't knock the film if you haven't tried it.
>                                                                joe
> 
The first film I ever bulk-loaded was Eastman #400 Survewillence Film,
commonly known as HIE, back in 1968.  I have used it a number of
times since, until I discovered the Konica lots of years ago and went
in on buying a case of it from Japan.  The HIE bulk-loading was no
problem, and camera-loading was not a problem if you could find some
heavily-shadowed area and work quickly, losding maybe the first 5 
frames at worst.  

My problem had more to do with the blotchy grain pattern and halation.  
The film has not been changed in many years because of a very long-term 
military procurement contract.  As a result, it is obsolete as it's 
possible to get, matched in that regard only by Kodak 2475 Recording 
Film, a similar holdover.  Since those emulsions were forever frozen
by a contract spec., the whole world of emulsion chemistry has been
turned topsy-turvy.  Imagine, if you will, T-Max 3200 with IR 
sensitization!  I contend that Kodak should be producing THAT, and
distributing it to the public.  Or at the very least, putting a 
gelatin antihalation coating on HIE wouldn't kill them.

I HAVE used the product.  I hate grungy, blobby grain.  I hate
halation.  They don't fit my photography.  If they fit your
perception and style, well fine! Go to it! I will not criticize
what you choose to photograph or how, and certainly have no
interest in belittling you.  I expect the sdame in return.

Regards,

Edward M. Lukacs, LRPS, BA Art
Washington, DC, USA     



-- 
    _/_/_/_/ _/_/    _/ _/   | Edward M. Lukacs 
   _/       _/ _/ _/_/ _/    | eml@xxxxxxxxx 
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 _/       _/      _/ _/      | Washington, DC 20007
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Topic No. 2