Re: [Leica] Fuji Superia and NPH

[Rolfe Tessem <rolfe@ldp.com>]

Herbert Kanner wrote:
> I have just read an article in Photo Techniques that reviews the latest 
> NPH (ISO 400) and compares it to NPZ (ISO 800).  This got me to 
> wondering.  I have been using Fuji Superia 400 as found in any chain 
> drug store and priced by B & H considerable below the price of NPH.  The 
> latter is classed as a "professional" film.  Does that mean it is 
> balanced correctly at birth and kept refrigerated?  If so, is this very 
> significant with color negative films, where prints are the object and 
> final color correction can be made when printing?  I understand its 
> importance for slide films.  I also wonder about the use of 
> "professional."  It can mean "keep refrigerated"; it can mean lower 
> contrast and saturation; it can mean both.  I know that Agfa Optima 
> calls itself "professional" has similar contrast and saturation to 
> Superia is sold off the shelf non-refrigerated.
> 
> The bottom line on which I would like advice is this: I do my own 
> printing on RA-4.  Would I notice any significant difference were I to 
> substitute NPH for the Superia 400 that I have been using?

NPH has lower contrast and saturation -- after all, Fuji bills it as a 
portrait film. I find that, in practice, it makes a great all around 
emulsion. I have had NPH in and out of 100 degree plus heat (especially 
a couple of weeks ago in France) and never had a heat-related problem.

I believe that the professional counterparts of the Fuji consumer films 
like Superia are the Fuji Press 400 and Press 800. Not all have a direct 
counterpart, however. I am an especially big fan of Press 800.

I print my own RA4 as well, and find NPH to be an exceptionally neutral 
film that is easy to print.

Rolfe

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Rolfe Tessem      |     Lucky Duck Productions, Inc.
rolfe@ldp.com     |     96 Morton Street
(212) 463-0029    |     New York, Ny 10014

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