Introduction

[darksheex]

I don't see any thread for introductions, so I'll start.

I'm an amateur photographer, who most would say is way too young to like film. Being 23 and just getting started (relatively speaking), I'm seeing everyone leave the party just as I'm pulling in the driveway. I should say I happen to LOVE Kodachrome. My dad literally has thousands of slides he took from around 1965-1975, and it subconsciously was his film of choice. I think digital is a fun medium, and I don't consider myself a member of the militant anti-digital camp, but there simply is no comparison in my eyes to the look and experience of film, especially Kodachrome. I look forward to participating in the forum, and perhaps, the project. I was able to acquire some fairly recent rolls of 200 for $10 each, and have been purchasing 64 while I can.

I do have one question though. Is there a different 64 processed for consumers and professionals, or is it all the same 64?

Tim

[Michael W]

Hi Tim, you are correct, there are 2 versions of 64 available. The pro version costs a few dollars extra. It's meant to have more exposure latitude. I've only shot one roll so far but I also thought it had a slightly different palette. Please don't ask me to give more details because that is just my emotional impression from looking on the light box. I like them both.
Well done on getting some 200, it's a beautiful film also. Wish I'd grabbed some more before it disappeared.

[rkinsella]

Hi everyone,

I started shooting Kodachrome about 7 years ago when I got serious about photography. I enjoyed 3 great years of shooting Kodachrome 25. Had 40 rolls in my freezer, and I was sad when I shot the last one. We just got back from a trip to Ireland. For weeks before the trip, I debated what film and what camera to take. Should I shoot some Velvia for the greens of Ireland??? Or maybe try and lug my 4x5 camera along? But I decided on my trusty Nikon FM2 and shooting all K64 with the exception of 1 roll of print film. In a way, shooting this film made the trip more "real" and almost more genuine. Just like seeing my Dad's Kodachrome slides from when he was in Paris in the 50s.
(which still look perfect by the way) Anyways, sent my rolls off to Dwayne's Photo and 3 days later they are already on their way back! Can't wait!!!

Matt

[Embedded_Coupler]

Just wanting to test my 50 mm Zeiss ZF-Planar, I have won three frozen Kodachrome 25 at an online auction today... To be honest: I have used mostly E-6 slide films since I started photography in 1979, among them the earliest such film in the green box. But upon direct comparison, after having scanned those treasures, there is a good reason that at this time, Kodachrome 64 had no serious rival. Agfachrome CT21? Nice colors, rough grain. Fujichrome RD100? Typical colors, noticeable grain. Ektachrome 64? Cold, moderate grain. 3 M/Scotch = Ferrania Color Slide 100? Junk, faded into red...

Now, for nostalgic reasons, I have purchased several rolls of Kodachrome 64 to take pictures of documentary value.

E-6 films have steadily become better over the past 30 years, while Kodachrome 25 and 64 have always been perfect (except for speed and scanning, which is a pain even with the Q60 calibration).

[Uncle Bill]

Hi my name is Bill Smith, a regular member of APUG and several Flickr Groups. I am an amateur photographer that shoots and prints mostly black and white, but when it comes to color and I want something that lasts, it's Kodachrome all the way.

Considering I prefer to use older SLRS/Rangefinders, Kodachrome gives me that perfect retro look you just can't replicate and I don't mind waiting a month to get the slides back to Dwaynes.

Cheers

Bill

[JBA]

My name is Jonathan Adams and I'm based in Tokyo. I've been photographing since getting my first camera, a Fujica ST605, for Christmas '76. I was able to bulk load and develop as much Panatomic-X, Plus-X and Tri-X as I could shoot using the school graphic arts facilities. At the time, this was roughly equivalent to shooting digital today in terms of getting fast feedback on the results of varous photographic experiments. This put me on a fast learning curve.

By '78, I had moved up to a Nikon F2 and a handful of Nikkors. This also coincided with my discovery of Kodachrome, from which time I was married to Kodachrome 64 and never shot any other film unless by special request. (I still have the portfolio of my best Kodachrome slides from about '78-'87, and will be getting them scanned soon.)

Fast forward to today. After over a decade hiatus, I returned to film photography about a year-and-a-half ago with the purchase of a Leica M6 and 35 Summicron Asph. Having no idea of Kodachrome's status, my first film-shopping excursion felt like a sudden panicked free-fall -- my beloved Kodachrome was nowhere to be found! I searched frantically to no avail.

Fortunately, we have today some of the finest films ever produced, but as much as I love Velvia, Astia and Provia, they still do not compare to Kodachrome. I'll be ordering a dozen or so rolls from Dwayne's this week and should have them in time to get some photos of cherry blossom season in Japan with my vastly expanded Leica arsenal.

I look forward to joining in the Kodachrome Project with all of you.

[lxdude]

As I posted for the first time today, I ought to introduce myself.
My name's Jeff. I started in early 1974 with a brand new Fujica ST801 w/55mm 1.8 lens. I started with Kodacolor, but was appalled at the lousy processing and the cost. I tried the mail order labs and got even more horrid results. One order came out all in shades of green. Then I read about slide film in one of the mags and found film plus processing was cheaper than print film, so I tried Kodachrome 25 and 64. They were some of the very first batches; K25's shadows had a slight greenish cast (remarked on by the magazines). First picture on the first roll, I was hooked.
I used just the normal lens for 3 years, spending my meager dough instead on film. I wrung that puppy out, with a reversing ring and extension tube for macro. I learned the fine points of exposure, coming to the point where I almost always metered incident off my palm + 1 stop. Like many (now) old-timers, I got so I could judge by eye how much more or less to give. Eventually, I got a 28mm and 55mm Macro. I didn't realize at the time just how good that Fuji glass was. Then came a Tamron 75-150 zoom, which was a bit of a letdown. A second 801 body rounded things out. Oh, and a green canvas military surplus gas mask bag to hold everything.
I did try other films, but always came running back to Kodachrome. Ektachrome: nice blues, too cold. Agfachrome: nice color, rich creamy whites, but not as fine grain. Fujichrome: False, overdone color and no depth. Blue skies often looked opaque. The only shots I liked were sunsets.
Thirty-something years later, the K-films of course look marvelous,the Agfachromes look great, the Ekta's are hanging in there and the F-films are showing lots of magenta.
I stopped shooting seriously about 1986 and got re-interested recently when I bought a little digital for snapshots. I had used a digital for work documentation in the late 90's (manufacturing QC), and was impressed with its usefulness as a tool. But it was slow and cumbersome to use for anything else.
After looking into modern DSLR's I realized I am (1) too cheap to spend a bunch of money on something that will quickly lose most of its value and possibly not even be worth repairing if it breaks in a few years, and (2) still in love with film.
And it's funny. Back in the day, I wished I didn't have to pay for bad shots. Wished I could get immediate feedback. Wished I didn't have to change film so often. Wished I could magically change film speed on a roll as needed. Digital solves all that. But now the greatest thing to me about digital is the wonderful film equipment that's so cheap.

This site is a great idea and a great resource, and I'm most grateful for it.

[matt8314]

I'm an amateur photographer, who most would say is way too young to like film. Being 23 and just getting started (relatively speaking), I'm seeing everyone leave the party just as I'm pulling in the driveway. I should say I happen to LOVE Kodachrome.

It's not too unusual for a 23 year old to like film. Especially if we are talking about that young, hip crowd that seems to think that plastic cameras (Holga, Lomographic Society, Diana, etc) are the ultimate in cool. However, liking Kodachrome is a little more unusual for a young person. Most young film buffs gravitate toward color and B+W negative films since slide films are viewed by young people as hard to shoot and more documentary in nature rather than artistic (in other words, unhip). At least this is what I have noticed.

[Ektagraphic]

It's not too unusual for a 23 year old to like film. Especially if we are talking about that young, hip crowd that seems to think that plastic cameras (Holga, Lomographic Society, Diana, etc) are the ultimate in cool. However, liking Kodachrome is a little more unusual for a young person. Most young film buffs gravitate toward color and B+W negative films since slide films are viewed by young people as hard to shoot and more documentary in nature rather than artistic (in other words, unhip). At least this is what I have noticed.

I beg to differ :). I am 14 and I have been shooting Kodachome for about a year and a half. I don't call film or even those Lomo plastic cameras "hip". I shoot film (slides) because I love the quality and the nostalgia of shooting film. Digital cameras have been around for a good part of my life, and I hope to never own one. One of the very first films I shot about 4 years ago at 10 years old was Elite Chrome. I loved slides from the beginning. I don't have a photographer in the family that tought me why film and photography was so amazing...I just learned myself. It all started out when my Great Grandmother was moving and I came across the slide projector and all of the old slides. I immidiatly caught the slide fever! I don't know where my love for film comes from. I love to do many many things the old way. I wrote with a fountain pen when I was about 10 too. I listen to most of my music on Vinyl. I think years ago they had the right ideas about everything. Today...I am not so certain(digital cameras that can loose 1000 photos at a time....I have seen it happen what a site :eek:). Anyway, you all know a little more about me now. Long live Kodak ...and long live Kodachrome!

[Ektagraphic]

.........I am also starting to get into Double 8 and Super 8 Movies. I really, really wish that I could still get Kodachrome movie film :mad.............

[Dan_KR64]

At age 8 I started in photography. That was 34 years ago. I have been shooting Kodachrome since age 13, the first Space Shuttle landing in California on KM-25.

But life was rough growing up, I left the house at age 15 and was homeless for a time. At that age, I got caught the one and only time I ever shop lifted. I was shoving a dozen rolls of Kodachrome in my jacket in a grocery store......the manager thought I was really odd since it was not candy or beers.

I wish I could live to be 150 years old. I have enough ideas and desires to fill that span with ease.

But for now, several hundred rolls of Kodachrome, this project and all the cool people I have met because of it will more than suffice..:-)

[the Kodachrome Kidd]

Greetings everyone out there on this most wonderful site!!! My start in photography began with a 110 Film camera shooting prints and then a 126 later.My very first 35mm camera was a "Auto Focus" Keystone camera.The equipment i owned slowly got better as i kept my interest in shooting photos.I shot my first roll of 35mm Slides in 1987,and i was hooked!!! Later that year i shot my very first roll of Kodachrome 64 and i saw how different the colors looked compared to the Ektachromes i had been shooting.
My very first "Real" 35mm SLR was a Olympus "OM-PC" which i purchased used from Adorama Photo in N.Y.C. It was a good camera but the one flaw was that it needed batteries,which seemed to die just when you needed it most.Later,i met a person who influenced me photograpically;His name is William Myers and he took me under his wing and showed me the ropes as far as taking pictures go.His camera of choice was the Pentax K1000,and it is indeed a great camera,at least to me.Kodachrome became my film of choice,and continues to this day.This film will continue to be the film i use,at least until we cant buy or process it anymore...
I too do things the "Old Way"...I too,buy and listen to vinyl records.I own a digital camera,but i have "Stored" it,as i feel that every shot taken is better taken is better when put on film.I still use cassette tapes,and still use a 8 Track tape player/recorder(!)These things are fun to use,and yes,i agree that "they got it right" in the old days.Today,its all about "Getting it RIGHT NOW".But, i still like film.It just seems right.Digital?No thought process.Just aim,shoot and then look at the back of the camera.Phooey!!! Give me Kodachrome!!!:D

[LeadMan67]

I first starting shooting in 1978 using a 126 camera with Kodachrome (that's what dad shot - what else?). I graduated to a Minolta SRT-201 in 1981 and shot Kodachrome, both KR and KM, continuously until about 2001 when I lost interest in photography somewhat and had other things to do. I still have the old SRT and bought another one about 1987 (a used 202). Both still take excellent pictures.

I did shoot some Fujichrome, on and off, during the last 7 years or so and the results were OK, but the slides didn't quite have the "aura" of Kodachrome. I've never owned a digital camera and don't see the need right now.

My wife and I just went on a trip to Paris and I decided to switch back to Kodachrome and will stick with it again. There just is no substitute. We had "Kodachrome Skies" for the first four days; the film is remarkable. Time to buy some more.

[lxdude]

Dang, Ektagraphic, you are one amazing kid! To read your posts I wouldn't have a clue you were just 14.

Enjoy what we have while we have it, try everything while you can, and have a blast. Even if one day in the distant future digital is all there is, you'll draw from your experience constantly. The basics really don't change.
For example, the person who can expose a slide film manually, using experience and a simple meter or none at all, and get perfect results, is a person who can get the most out of the most sophisticated latest-everything metering system. And never be controlled by it.

And it's funny. Some people look at my old Pentax or Nikon equipment and roll their eyes. Many of the younger ones though, are intrigued, finding the old stuff cool, ("Whoa! The finder comes off?") wanting to know what it is about film that keeps me using it. They are also impressed at the viability of the old stuff; i.e., how well built it is and how well it works. Some, looking at all the brassing and wear, are impressed it works at all. While technophiles may discount film, these young people tend to see it as a very valid and equal alternative for self expression.

So there's hope for this world yet. ;^)

[Brian Kim]

Began taking pictures in the mid-70s. Break. Began again in '77 and thru '84, primarily because of my sister's children. Break, ie. maybe 10 rolls in 20 years? Began again this past June '08 for a family trip.

Two Nikon FE's and five lenses - 'everyday' use - 35mm f/2 and 85mm f/2 and 'entertainment' use - 55mm f/2.8 macro, 105 f/4 macro, and 24mm f/2.8.

For me, my favorite pictures become prints, so the easiest and most enjoyable route for me remains film. My favorite is Kodachrome.

I shoot film, since for me, it's more affordable and the workflow is easier to manage. I love shooting transparency film. I still love Kodachrome, and sometimes use Ektachrome. I also shoot B&W. Just depends.

I don't shoot much, maybe two or three rolls a month.

[geraldgee]

Hey everybody!

Gustav from sweden here! 25 years old, living in central Gothenburg (second largest city of sweden) I am an amateur photographer who have mostly been shooting digital. I have however come across a few vintage cameras lately including som really old Agfa isollete and Zeiss Ikon 6x9 cameras which my grandfather gave to me yesterday actually. The Agfa seem to be working but the Zeiss seem a little shady. I also bought some 35mm cams, for instance a nikon F4 with a 50mm/1.8 lens. Now thats a sturdy camera for a low price! About 100$

My first encounter with kodachrome was actually through shooting super 8! Something I still do sometimes. Have a roll of tri-x in the freezer actually. Anyway, since they sadly discontinued K40 in super 8 a few years ago. I thought I'd try shooting som 35mm K64. This happened by accident. I was visiting my mom and dad recently in the small town where I grew up. Where going to celebrate my grandmothers sisters 90th birthday. I needed to pick up some film and was thinking of some b&w. As i saw it , this was a clear case of documenting relatives that you seldom meet, not just shooting a few pictures for fun and then forgetting them on your harddrive. Sending them in to oblivion...

So, I went in to this small town, situated in southern sweden, Kodak certified dealer to pick up some b&w. I however quickly changed my mind when i saw that they stocked kodachrome. Laying there behind the counter among Fuji slides and kodak b&w, 5 rolls o kodachrome 64. I instantly decided to grab one. The young (weekend worker) girl behind the counter reminded me that they where quite expensive, unaware of the included pre-paid mailer. This felt like the perfect time to use such a film. Timeless colours, and unmatched archival qualities. Perfect suited for such an event.

Arriving at the scene the dining room was spacious with large windows running from the floor al the way to the ceiling meaning; pleanty of daylight in the room, hence a good situation for shooting with a low light film like K64, without the use of flash.
The slides arrived today from dwaynes sent via Lausanne in Switzerland. This is still the adress where you send prepaid mailers for most European Kodachrome users. It is the sent from there to Dwaynes. had them back today meaning a turnaround time of about 2 weeks and 2 days. Not to bad if you ask me. I don't have a slide projector yet but I intend to buy one in the near future as well as a scanner.

The last three weeks i have been looking on the homepage on one of the biggest professional photo dealers in Sweden called Scandinavianphoto. They have one shop here in Gothenburg, one in stockholm and a few other places as well. You can see how much they have in stock at each facility and how much they have dedicated to sales through the internet. I am surprised to see that they are selling quite alot! About 50 rolls at least in total the last 2-3 weeks. And as to what i can see, they are stocking up more and more. Could the sales be increasing in springtime?:rolleyes: Hmm...

Any ways, the slides looked great and i am eager to shoot more. It would be a great time to do so, contributing to the kodachromeproject by photographing as much as I can afford this summer. Taking pictures of Gothenburg and perhaps also Stockholm. You can get som pretty descent discount if you by 10 rolls or more at Scandinavianphoto.

So what do you say?! Anyone intressted of seeing any kodacrome prictures from sweden?:D