I am looking for opinions (yes, I know this is subjective) on the best print film for underwater photography. There is a lot of board talk about slides, but not much on prints. Since I know everyone will say, "Best print film for what?" here's my background and objectives.
I've been an amateur print (and more recently, digital) photographer for a little less than 50 years. I've been taking underwater photos since 1970 (with a big gap between 1972 and 1990).
My wife and I take a couple dive trips a year, typically to the Caymans or Bonaire. Because of the ecology of those two locations, I typically shoot seascapes and medium to macro marine life in 30 - 100 feet of water.
I use a Nikonos V with a single SB 105 strobe and either my 20mm or the 35 with the closeup lens attached. For the last decade, I have shot Fuji Reala print film.
I have listened to the debate between slides and prints. Although I might still be convinced to switch, my success with slides has not been breathtaking, so I stick with print film. I can live without the instant feedback of slides, I think print film has more latitude, and my local processor produces extremely good digital scans. I am an intermediate to advanced Photoshop user, and I turn my digitized work into 8 x 10s, printed on a good Epson photo printer, for framing at home.
I am not unhappy with Reala; I like the greens and blues that are missing in most Kodak print films. I'm just wondering if there is anything else out there I should experiment with.
Rich
I've been an amateur print (and more recently, digital) photographer for a little less than 50 years. I've been taking underwater photos since 1970 (with a big gap between 1972 and 1990).
My wife and I take a couple dive trips a year, typically to the Caymans or Bonaire. Because of the ecology of those two locations, I typically shoot seascapes and medium to macro marine life in 30 - 100 feet of water.
I use a Nikonos V with a single SB 105 strobe and either my 20mm or the 35 with the closeup lens attached. For the last decade, I have shot Fuji Reala print film.
I have listened to the debate between slides and prints. Although I might still be convinced to switch, my success with slides has not been breathtaking, so I stick with print film. I can live without the instant feedback of slides, I think print film has more latitude, and my local processor produces extremely good digital scans. I am an intermediate to advanced Photoshop user, and I turn my digitized work into 8 x 10s, printed on a good Epson photo printer, for framing at home.
I am not unhappy with Reala; I like the greens and blues that are missing in most Kodak print films. I'm just wondering if there is anything else out there I should experiment with.
Rich