Kodak Ektar 100 Film Review: Vivid Color and Fine Grain

Kodak Ektar 100 is a color negative film prized for its vivid color saturation and exceptionally fine grain. According to a review from Blue Moon Camera and Machine featured on PetaPixel, the film serves as a key alternative for vibrant analog photography, especially with the scarcity of Fuji Velvia slide film.

History of the Ektar Name

The Ektar name first signified Kodak's highest-quality professional lenses starting in the 1930s. The name reappeared on a line of films in 1989, which was discontinued in 1997. Kodak reintroduced Ektar 100 in September 2008, initially in 135 format before expanding to 120, 4x5, and 8x10 sizes. The company promoted it as having the finest grain of any film on the market at the time.

Color and Grain Characteristics

The film's most notable trait is its bright, saturated color palette, which provides a punchy contrast to the softer tones of Kodak Portra films. Landscape photographers favor Ektar for this vivid quality. Its other major strength is fine grain. The review notes that even when scanning 4x5 sheets at maximum zoom, grain was not visible for focusing, contributing to exceptional sharpness. This combination allows for very large, detailed prints with minimal visible grain, especially in medium or large formats.

Slow Speed for Creative Control

Ektar's ISO 100 speed is a feature, not a limitation, for certain photographic styles. The slow speed makes it a favorite for pinhole photography and long exposures using ND filters, where a fast film is unnecessary. The review points out there are few slow-speed color films available, making Ektar a valuable option.

Regarding reciprocity failure, Kodak's data sheet suggests no correction for exposures up to one second. Corrections remain minimal up to about 10 seconds. For a metered 30-second exposure, the review recommends adding an extra stop, extending it to roughly one minute.

Considerations and Availability

Ektar's vivid saturation can sometimes render skin tones too saturated or ruddy, making it less ideal for traditional portraiture. However, the review suggests it can be effective for environmental portraits or subjects with bright features like colorful hair or blue eyes, where enhanced color is beneficial.

The film is widely available in multiple formats, which the review highlights as a significant advantage.

Blue Moon Camera and Machine recommends the film for fall landscape photography and is promoting a sale. The article concludes by stating the shop offers film, development, printing, and cameras, with a discount for PetaPixel members.