[Leica] ISO400 slide films

[imx <imxputs@knoware.nl>]

Just completed a test with slide films: Kodak Ektachrome 400X, Fuji Provia
400F, Kodak E200 pushed to 400 and Kodak 100SW as a reference.
Colour rendition, sensitometric curves will be discussed later. Now the
grain and resolution issues.
Using the same pattern as with the high resolution BW test, these are the
results for resolution. (M6 with Apo 90 at f/4 at 3 meters)
Kodak 400X                  45 lp/mm
Fuji 400F                   55- 60 lp/mm
Kodak E200 pushed to 400    60 -65 lp/mm
Kodak 100SW                 60 -70 lp/mm

For grain pattern (microscope at 40/100/400 times enlargement) the
conclusion is more difficult.
Finest grain is for provia 400F and Kodak 100SW, with the latter one having
the finest grain and the tighest dye clouds. Provia's dye clouds are very
smooth and evenly distributed but also a bit vague. The E200 at 400 is
second by a very small margin, but shows higher acutance, so bringing more
sparkle and edge definition.
The 400X is having dye clouds at about two times the size of the Provia, but
its edge sharpness is very high, giving pictures with punch but with rough
fingerprint. 

All tests on tripod! Comparison shots handheld at 1/125 and 1/250 showed a
drop of resolution from 70 to above 30 (I managed in some shots 40 lp/mm).
Still excellent in itself. On close scrutinity the difference is not the
resolution as such, but the edge contrast at the 30 lp/mm threshold. here
the tripod pictures show extreme clarity and excellent edge sharpness, where
the handheld shots tend to some fuzziness at the edges and a less crisp
rendition of fine detail.
My choice: Kodak E200 pushed to 400. A very versatile film, can be used at
200 with almost ISo100 quality and at 400 equals the Provia and offering a
bit more edge contrast to suit the leica lenses.
The Provia is the choice without any doubt if you need the fine grain and
unobtrusive rendition of larger patches of uniform colour.
There is stil no substitute for a very good ISo100 if you have to pull the
last detail out of the negative.
KOdachrome comparison has to wiat because of long processing time!

Erwin