Retro Minolta Dynax 700si

[StClair]

Hi, I am returning to film from digital and have forgotten many of the functions of my Minolta Dynax outfit and out of touch with recent film developments. I have heard of 160NC portra and Fuji NPH 400 but have no experience of these in the Minolta and need a quick reminder for some family functions coming up in a few months, (One of them a Wedding). I will try both films of course but would appreciate any comments / recommendations with these films in relation to my equipment, i.e. Minolta Dynax 700si with Tamron AF Aspherical LD 28-200 Lens - Minolta 3500xi flash, Minolta Vertical Drive VC700, and filters 1A and circ. Polariser. I used to be a great fuji film fan, however, as I remember the 400 films were very grainy, has this situation improved on recent films ? I believe there is also a 400 Portra availble.
Gordon.

[Miha]

Fuji NPH is now 400H

I like this film very much. It's a bit grainy, but any film in small format is grainy compared to digital

see: http://www.shrani.si/f/2/24/4PKiom9f/000042-2.jpg and: http://www.shrani.si/f/M/WT/4V2ZzUXI/000028-4.jpg

But it's very forgiving in mixed light: http://www.shrani.si/f/3X/8C/28mJcBuc/000009-2.jpg

All lab scans, shot with 90 and 28mm lenses.

Miha

[StClair]

Miha,
Thanks for detail and links, I will be trying to capture Max. sunshine to Min. darkish church, do you know how a 160 NC Portra would handle that range, (with Auto. Flash as reqd.). Is there an equivalent 160 Fuji. (I did like Fuji previously).
Regards, Gordon.

[Miha]

Fuji equivalent to portra 160NC is 160S. My experience in portra family is limited to 160NC in medium format. It's great film, but choose the lab that is going to develope your films wisely. Also, professional Kodak films print better on Kodak paper, Fuji looks best on Fuji Chrystal or Agfa paper.

Miha