more on Scala: grain

hi

in answer to Jamie's question: i find that the grain of scala is more noticeable than the grain of Fuji Sensia 100, Provia 100, and of course Velvia. The amount of grain is just sufficient to create detectable retinal rivalry in the 'noise' of a sky darkened by a green or red filter. Large expanses of smooth tone also have some slight visible grain, but in smaller objects or more busy textures there is no obvious grain. overall i don't find the grain annoying. On the other hand, i accept the maxim that 'grain is the brushstroke of photography' and i do not intend my photography to create the 'illusion of reality'. 

A surprising feature of Scala in my hands so far is that it seems to be less responsive to filter manipulation than are some other films. I have not had much change in clear sky densities using a K2 (Yellow 2) filter, but with a Red 1 filter (25A?) the sky is quite natural, with about a zone v to vi density. Clouds come out of the sky nicely, and there is an overall impression of increased sharpness. I have been taught that red filters increase overall contrast, but that does not seem to be the case with this film. With the Red filters, shadows have some detail, mid tones are well separated, and higher values are not blown out as with some transparency films, or with Scala unfiltered. I may start using a red filter as my 'standard' set up with this film. 

It may be that the skies in Philadelphia are just hazier than i immediately perceive, and need stronger filtration. We certainly have a lot more particulate matter here than in some other places in Pennsylvania, if the buildup of soot on my windowsills is anything to go by. 

Another possible reason for the apparent increase in quality is that the 3 stop correction factor brings the effective ASA to 25, which gets me into the f8-11 region where my Kodak lens is probably best. 

Also, relatively recent work by David Kachel in Photo Techniques (formerly Camera and Darkroom Techniques) indicates that red filters actually do reduce overall contrast, so i may not be hallucinating. 

It may be a bit grainy for viewmaster, depending on your tolerance and the degree of magnification.

ted


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