I’ve shot both Kodak Portra 800 and Lomography CN 800 extensively over the past few years, so I thought I’d share some things I’ve found in case you’re trying to decide if you want to try one of these films.
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Why 800 speed?
I use a lot of 800 speed color negative film and I tend to push my black and white film to 800 as well because I shoot the majority of my film inside my home. It’s also great for action photos, and I love taking photos from the car. Its therapy for me.
Kodak Portra 800
Lomography CN800 tends to be more saturated, and exaggerated on all fronts with a cyan tint to it. While Kodak Portra is a little bit more sedated and known for its true to life color profile.
Lomography CN 800
Processing
I use Unicolor C41 chemicals to develop my color film. In the past I have used Cinestill C41, but I just prefer the result and process of Unicolor. If you want me to do an article on my process, let me know.
If you are processing your own film, keep in mind that both of these films tend to curl like crazy. This can be a bit frustrating when scanning.
Kodak Portra 800
In post processing, I tend to use Adobe Photoshop to do any touch ups like removing dust, or lifting shadows a little bit. After all these years I have come to notice that Portra 800 tends to have magenta in the shadows that I have to adjust, while Lomography CN800 tends to have a more cyan tone. Sometimes it has had a brutal cast that has to be removed in post as well.
Taking Photos with These Films
By now I can recognize the look of Kodak Portra 800 and that is helpful when I am in the moment taking a photo and trying to picture how it will come out in the end.
Portra tends to have what I call a Fruit Punch tone in the shadows. You can see it in these two examples. Sometimes it can be difficult to remove that and sometimes I like it. Lomography CN 800 does not have that.
Nikon F2 Kodak Portra 800
I really love the saturated look of Lomography CN800 in the spring time here in Florida because it suits the crazy colors blooming.
I mostly shot Lomography for a while because it was more affordable, however at the time of writing this, both films are around $19 U.S. If I am going to pay that much for one roll of film, I’m going to choose the one that is more reliable and gives me the look I want.
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Here is my full review for Lomography CN800 film. Here are some articles where I featured Kodak Portra 800.
Kodak Portra 800
Lomography CN800
Lomography CN 800
Final Thoughts on Kodak Portra 800 & Lomo CN800
If you are looking for a more vibrant and warm feel for your work, give Lomography’s CN800 a try. If you want a more reliable, true to life look, or if you take a lot of portraits, I would recommend Kodak Portra 800. Especially if you shoot in low light or action.
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Buy Kodak Portra 800 film HERE.
Give Lomography CN800 a try HERE.
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