gotta have more grain!!

[Hans Moleman]

so im filming a short segment thats going to be projected in a theater on a screen about 20ft diagonal. im set on using 16mm (thats the system theyve got), but when i did tests, the picture wasnt grainy enough. its supposed to look like ol timey stock footage, so im trying to find ways of degrading the image. i plan to shoot on 16mm tri x, but can anyone recommend other lab processes or methods to grain it up?

[Mattykins]

The Tri-X Reversal (7266) *I think that is the number for it* is a fine grain stock. So there would, inherently be less grain. PlusX is even slower and less grain.

The Double-X (7222) might be more the film to look into. It is a 250D. So faster than the Tri-X which - if memory serves me - is a 160T. The Double-X would have more grain to it - since it is a faster speed film.

As to lab processes, I can't think of any off the top of my head. You might want to call a Kodak Engineer though.

[CharlieG]

Try pushing your film a stop or 2. (ISO 400-800/1600) or start out
with a higher ISO film. The higher the ISO the grainer it gets from my experience.

[Hans Moleman]

okay, so I could shoot doubleX, rate it at 250 ISO and push it a third. Sounds like a good start.

[Mattykins]

I'd say the doublex would be a good start. 250 is what she is rated anyways.

Let me know if there is a difference between that and the TriX. I am curious to know myself.

[Hans Moleman]

I projected triX, and it just wasn't hitting it. I'm hoping the double x will add something

[Hans Moleman]

Can anyone point me to where I can find sensitometry curves or at least tell me the dynamic range of double X negative? The kodak site is a tad cryptic.

[Mattykins]

http://motion.kodak.com/US/en/motion/Products/Production/Spotlight_on_16/16mm_Film_Products/BW_Negative_and_Reversal/7222/tech7222.htm


I should have searched for that earlier for you. Kodak's website is near impossible to find anything on. The only way I can get through it is a Kodak sales rep walked me through the website when I first got into film.

[cyclone]

Pushing it a stop or two will definitely give you more grain. The lab will do free clip tests for you as long as the clips aren't over a few seconds.

[dory_breaux]

if you just want more grain and are doing a DI, do it in post. But, if you want to be a man about it and do it in camera, I'd jsut go with using a slower stock and compensating with ND filters.

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

if you just want more grain and are doing a DI, do it in post. But, if you want to be a man about it and do it in camera, I'd jsut go with using a slower stock and compensating with ND filters.

you mean a faster stock... :laugh:

[dory_breaux]

LAY OFF ME I'M WORKING! sorta.


yes i did mean a faster stock.

[Hans Moleman]

im considering now shooting tri x 8mm, and bowing up to 16mm for the print. I'm asking the lab about costs.

[mburgh]

You might try Super 8 stock, which comes in all flavors and is loaded with grain, especially if you push it. Pro8mm.com has a full range of stocks with processing deals. Question? Are you actually planning to project film or a dvd with the film on it?

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

The 8mm is going to have insane deep DoF. I'd shoot 16mm and underexpose by one stop, then push it one stop. If you are shooting Kodak b&w stock, you will see tremendous increase in grain.
(7222 & 7231)

Shooting color is all dandy, but the grain wont be as dramatic when pushed. Perhaps try a stop and a half under and push the equivalent.