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Shooting 800T Film: Mastering Day and Night Photography

The journey of shooting 800T film begins with the thrill of acquiring a roll of this unique and somewhat rare film stock. My adventure started when I purchased my first 800T on Shopee Malaysia. This Cine Styled motion picture 800T 35mm film roll had been modified by removing the motion picture remjet layer. This modification simplified development in traditional film labs and allowed for faster processing times compared to the original Kodak Vision3 500T. As usual, I had the film developed by Darkroom8, one of the film labs in Malaysia. They scanned the images within 2 hours, which was incredibly efficient.

Driven by curiosity, I set out to explore the full potential of this film by developing it at box speed. However, I didn’t stop there. I decided to push the boundaries by experimenting with different ISO settings within the same roll, changing ISO halfway through the shoot. This approach allowed me to understand how the film responded to varying light conditions and ISO settings, providing a comprehensive insight into its versatility.

One key lesson I learned from this experience is that shooting motion picture film is all about hunting for the perfect light. The unique qualities of 800T film—its ability to capture fine details and produce stunning colors—are best showcased when you master the interplay of light and shadow. Whether it’s the soft, diffused light of an overcast day or the dramatic, contrasting light of a city at night, finding the right lighting conditions is crucial to unlocking the film’s full potential.

Experimenting with 800T film has been an enlightening experience, offering a new perspective on film photography and the creative possibilities it holds. Each shot taken with this film tells a story, enriched by the film’s unique characteristics and the careful consideration of light in each scene.

Guess what? I actually failed to shoot 800T film at night compared to my previous experience of shooting 500T film photography at night. That’s why I might need to get another roll and try again! I have a feeling that my CR2 battery is depleting as my film camera is not focusing whenever I half-pressed my shutter button.

Why I Shoot with 800T During the Day

800T Film ISO500 Photo Sample
Contax G1, Carl Zeiss Planar T* 45mm f2, ISO500 - Kuala Lumpur, May 2024

Shooting 800T film in the daytime might seem unconventional, as this film stock is primarily designed for low-light conditions. However, my curiosity about how this rare 800T film would perform in daylight led me to experiment. After a little research and some advice from a friend, I set my ISO to 500 and ventured out without using the 85c filter typically recommended for daylight shooting. The results were stunning, with a unique bluish tone that added a cinematic quality to my photos. Probably I might try shooting ISO800 on one roll straight for the second 800T film project. 

Most of my shots were taken at f8 to f11, providing good depth of field and sharpness. During a photo walk in Chinatown KL, I explored street photography using layering techniques. Chinatown’s vibrant, bustling environment offered the perfect backdrop to experiment with 800T film in daylight. The film’s sensitivity allowed me to capture intricate details and textures, creating images that felt both nostalgic and modern.

Why I Shoot with 800T at Night

800T Film Halation Test - Remjet Removed
Contax G1, Carl Zeiss Planar T* 45mm f2, ISO800 - Kuala Lumpur, May 2024

The primary reason for purchasing 800T film was to capture its unique characteristics at night, particularly the signature red halation effect around bright light sources. This effect, combined with the film’s fine grain, makes it ideal for nighttime photography. I was eager to experience the look and color tone that 800T film could produce under fluorescent and tungsten lights.

Armed with my Contax G1, I set out at night, often shooting with the aperture wide open at f2 to maximize light capture. Using ISO 800, I found that 800T film excelled in low-light conditions, producing rich, detailed images with minimal grain. One particularly memorable shoot was on a rainy night in Bukit Bintang, where the reflections on wet surfaces added an extra layer of depth to my photos.

Having previously shot several rolls of Kodak Vision3 500T, I was familiar with the challenges of nighttime film photography. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how well 800T film handled these conditions. Despite my initial fears that my photos would be blurry, the results were crisp and vibrant, capturing the essence of the city’s nightlife.

Tips for Shooting 800T Film in Daylight

800T Daylight Street Photography Malaysia
Contax G1, Carl Zeiss Planar T* 45mm f2, ISO500 - Kuala Lumpur, May 2024

When shooting 800T film in daylight, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind to achieve the best results:

  1. Adjust ISO Settings: Set your ISO to around 500 to balance the film’s sensitivity with the bright daylight conditions.
  2. No Filter Needed: While an 85c filter can help correct the color balance, I found that shooting without it gave a unique bluish tone that added character to the images.
  3. Aperture Settings: Use a smaller aperture (f8-f11) to ensure a greater depth of field and sharper images.
  4. Look for Interesting Light: The film handles contrast well, so look for scenes with dynamic lighting to make the most of its capabilities.

Tips for Shooting 800T Film at Night

800T Film Project Malaysia
Contax G1, Carl Zeiss Planar T* 45mm f2, ISO800 - Kuala Lumpur, May 2024

To make the most of 800T film’s strengths at night, consider the following tips:

  1. Embrace the Red Halation: Seek out bright light sources like neon signs, streetlights, and fluorescent lights to capture the distinctive red halation effect.
  2. Wide Open Aperture: Shoot with a wide-open aperture to allow as much light as possible onto the film.
  3. Stable Shooting: Use a tripod or stable surface to minimize camera shake, especially in low-light conditions.
  4. Rain and Reflections: Don’t shy away from shooting in the rain. The reflections and wet surfaces can add an extra dimension to your night photos.

Comparing Day and Night Shooting with 800T Film

Shooting 800T film in daylight versus nighttime offers two distinctly different experiences, each with its own set of challenges and rewards. During the day, the film’s unique bluish tones can create a dreamy, cinematic look, especially when shooting street scenes or portraits. The high sensitivity of the film allows for fast shutter speeds, reducing the risk of motion blur.

At night, the magic of 800T film truly comes alive. The red halation around light sources adds a surreal, almost otherworldly quality to photos. The film’s fine grain ensures that images remain sharp and detailed, even in low light. Whether capturing the vibrant energy of a city street or the serene beauty of a quiet alleyway, 800T film performs exceptionally well at night.

Best Settings for 800T Film

To get the best results with 800T film, it’s important to use the right settings for your camera and shooting conditions. Here are some general guidelines:

  • ISO: 500 for daylight, 800 for night
  • Aperture: f8-f11 for daylight, wide open (f2.8 or larger) for night
  • Shutter Speed: Adjust based on lighting conditions; faster speeds for daylight, slower for night
  • Focus: Manual focus can help ensure sharp images, especially in low light

ISO800 Film Photography Tips

Whether you’re a seasoned film photographer or just starting out, here are some additional tips to help you make the most of Kodak 800T film:

  1. Test Rolls: Shoot a few test rolls in different lighting conditions to understand how the film responds and to refine your technique.
  2. Keep Notes: Take notes on your settings and conditions for each shot. This will help you learn and improve over time.
  3. Embrace Grain: While 800T film has fine grain, some grain is inevitable, especially in low light. Embrace it as part of the film’s character.
  4. Developing: Ensure your lab knows how to handle 800T film, especially if it’s a modified version like Kodak Vision3 500T without the remjet layer.

Conclusion

800T Film Halation
Contax G1, Carl Zeiss Planar T* 45mm f2, ISO800 - Kuala Lumpur, May 2024

Shooting 800T film in both day and night conditions can be a rewarding experience, offering unique visual qualities and challenges. Whether you’re drawn to the film’s distinctive bluish tones in daylight or its magical red halation at night, the 800T film provides endless opportunities for creative expression. By following these tips and techniques, you can master the art of shooting 800T film and capture stunning, cinematic images that stand out from the crowd.

Just to be safe, please purchase the branded CineStill 800T film. This way, you avoid the risk of damaging the film lab’s machine with an imitation 800T if something goes wrong. I didn’t know about this until I read an article about 800T film imitations.

Exploring the streets of Chinatown KL during the day or the vibrant nightlife of Bukit Bintang, 500T and 800T films have become my go-to choice for capturing the essence of urban life. Well, 800T is significantly more expensive than 500T, so shooting with 500T saves you more money. The journey of discovering its capabilities and pushing the boundaries of traditional film photography has been both exciting and fulfilling. So grab a roll of CineStill 800T 35mm film on Shopee or Amazon US, hit the streets, and start capturing your cinematic masterpieces.

Stay tuned for the next roll and happy shooting 800T!

800T Film Samples

Eastman 5219 800T Remjet Removed
Contax G1, Carl Zeiss Planar T* 45mm f2, ISO800 - Kuala Lumpur, May 2024
800T Night Film Photography Malaysia
Contax G1, Carl Zeiss Planar T* 45mm f2, ISO800 - Kuala Lumpur, May 2024
800T Film Night Test
Contax G1, Carl Zeiss Planar T* 45mm f2, ISO800 - Kuala Lumpur, May 2024
800T Film Night Photography KL
Contax G1, Carl Zeiss Planar T* 45mm f2, ISO800 - Kuala Lumpur, May 2024
800T Film Grain Test
Contax G1, Carl Zeiss Planar T* 45mm f2, ISO800 - Kuala Lumpur, May 2024
800T Film ISO500 Street Photography
Contax G1, Carl Zeiss Planar T* 45mm f2, ISO800 - Kuala Lumpur, May 2024
800T Film Contax G1
Contax G1, Carl Zeiss Planar T* 45mm f2, ISO800 - Kuala Lumpur, May 2024
800T Film ISO500
Contax G1, Carl Zeiss Planar T* 45mm f2, ISO500 - Kuala Lumpur, May 2024
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