Interested in turning your high quality medium format camera into a cheap 35mm? well, plop a roll of this film into your camera and get some cool low-def images! However, this E-6 color reversal film does have some redeeming qualities for those looking for more than resolution.
Rollei Digibase CR 200 (B&H, eBay) is a color reversal (E-6 developing) or ‘slide film’ in hobbyist terms. Characteristics include a warm look, which is very noticeable after using Fuji E-6 film like Velvia and provia; a wide dynamic range, almost like print film believe it or not, and a final plus; it’s pretty easy to scan as the film has almost no curl.
I like the warm look; again, it’s a welcome change from the bluish Fuji films, although it’s a far cry from Kodachrome as some people compare it to. Also noticeable is the neutral fine grain which is acceptable in my opinion, but only when exposing properly, highlight/shadow fixes in post can degrade even-toned areas in the picture; see the sky in the ‘tree’ shot below.
I only ran one roll of this through my Fuji GS645S, which is a medium format 120 roll film camera with a wide angle 60mm F/4 lens, so this isn’t a review, I just wanted to post some samples in case you were wondering how it looks with that size of film; I’ve only seen 35mm samples from my quick web searches. I’m guessing I could get a sharp 8×10 with a medium format camera, unfortunately, I’m also guessing 35mm film might not produce enough sharp detail for a good 5×7 print.
For those looking for a more traditional high ISO rated color reversal film, I’d recommend Fuji Provia 400X, unfortunately, it’s being discontinued in 2017, and prices are sky high.
Below are four samples of Rollei Digibase CR 200 color transparency film, plus a Provia 100F sample using the same camera.
Click yellow tabs Below to see larger versions. All are 3000 pixels wide, there is no resolution advantage from scanning at a higher sample rate.
Apartments Apartments, probably around F/11, 1/125 sec.
Creek bed Weak fall color, F/8, 1/125 sec.
Saguaro Saguaro cacti, around F/16, 1/50 sec.
Tree Overexposed by about a stop, but the sky still has color and detail after a little post processing; maybe F/8, 1/125 sec.
Trails This is a sample of Fuji Provia 100F, I downsized it to 3000 pixels wide to match the Rollei samples, but it will show much more detail at larger sizes. Notice the color and grain differences. F/11, 1/125 sec.
That’s it, thanks for visiting!