what iso should i set my light meter too? , ektachrome 64t color reversal film,minolt

[flatlander]

hey guys im new to shooting super 8mm and im shooting with ektachrome 64t color reversal film and im not sure what iso to shoot on when i set my minolta light meter?please help!!!
ps im shootting out doors

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

Set it to 40. Read the following though!

The ISO/ASA of the film is 64.... but if you are shooting outside, which you mentioned, you'll need to use a filter.... since the film is tungsten balanced. This would most likely be an 85 or 85b filter.... which loses 2/3'rds of a stop. That means I'd rate the film at ISO/ASA 40 on the light meter.

PS: make sure your light meter's FPS matches the camera. If you are shooting 18 or 24fps, make sure it says that on the meter.

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

I love it when I see this identical post on cinematography.com and other forums... makes me feel special for answering a question in which the poster never returns to read.

Fuzzy feelings inside.

[PerroneFord]

LOL...

In all honesty, if I were looking for an answer to shooting on FILM, I'd likely take it to cinematography.xxx also.

But while we are here, Ryan do you compensate any in your shooting of film for density? I used to shoot my E6 underexposed by half a stop, and I'd overexpose my print film (usually Tri-X or whatever the Kodak flavor of the month ISO100 color print film was).

And yes, I am talking still film, so I don't know if the rules are different for motion picture film. I do notice that MANY pro Cinematogrpahers rated 5218 at ISO320 instead of 400 which coincides directly with my practices.

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

Still photography is just like film, or at least that is how I treat it. The only differences is characteristics of the film emulsions and of course the size of the format... I treat photography negative like motion picture negative, but am aware of the differences.

There used to be a company (do they still exist?) that would take motion picture film and roll it into photography 35mm format. DP's could then take stills on Kodak Vision stock using thier film SLR's and then experiment in developing or exposure. More cost effective in some ways then running the film through a motion picture camera. Cool huh?

To answer your question, it depends on the film/look... as always. What do I like genreally? On photography film and on motion picture film I've set my ISO half a stop lower... so I guess I do what you do. Underexpose by 1/2 stop. I like the density. It's gives the film a dark but smooth texture... I'm guessing it's the effect from nice blacks.

Although I don't print up later... I usually just throw a bit more light on the subjects or areas of interest. I guess that's why I work so well in the dark. :) I've never tried pushing the film back up in printing or etc. I figure it would take away the effect I was going for, unless that effect was more contrast... which it usually isn't. I like the smooth blacks and how the lower end of the density transitions when under by 1/2 stop.

Many pro-Dp's will rate their cameras or stocks differently for various reasons. Many like underexposing slightly, others like over... then again some just do it with lighting and print up or down.