I bought two rolls of this film ages ago and since then the weather has been absolutely rubbish, dark, grey, and wet. Which, as it turned out, was perfect for reducing the contrast of this very contrasty film. So Washi S, you can read all about the film and its history here. That blog also includes some sample shots. And there is a data sheet here, with some shooting tips.
I decided to put my first roll in my Canon IV SB2 because it had an f1.4 lens and I have only used it once since getting it CLA’d. That is a shame and a tragedy in camera terms. I took it for a wet walk around Dalton Bank Nature Reserve to see some rural graffiti and into Leeds for some “lines”.
Once finally finished, I developed the film in Kodak D76. I have to say the processed film is one of the clearest I have ever seen. I think I am so used to Fomapan with the blue tint, I have forgotten what other films look like. Anyway, here are some of my results.
As you can see, the film is indeed very contrasty. VERY. I think it works well for the lines and patterns, but not so well for run of the mill shots. The blacks are very black and the whites are so white they are sometimes blown out. There are very few grey or mid tones. I love it, but for the next roll I will choose when to use it very carefully, maybe stick to lines, patterns, or architecture.
I think I will also choose a camera with a built in light meter to compare the results.
Ultra contrast even on a gray day. I don’t feel so bad about shooting mine on a full-sun day anymore.
I want to try that or even snow which is forecast soon, totally white whites.
Really like these. Wish I didn’t have such a stack of film waiting to be shot. I’d pick some up. Or, well, I can just add it to the pile.
I want to shoot the next roll on a sunny day, but that won’t be for a while so that saves me….or snow??
I really like it, I imagine it’s great for abstract architectural shots.
Yeah, I think if you have a plan it is great. It is not for random shots though.
For some reason I thought Washi needed to be processed in its own chemicals. Since I really like what I have seen using this film perhaps I will get some of my own to try now.
I thought so too. I think there is an older version that is literally washi paper. But the film one is easy.