The Girls of Summer

[MovieStuff]

With all the recent discussion regarding Kodachrome and everyone freaking out about how we won't have its "look" any more, I thought I would share a few of these images from some transfers we did. I dug around in my sample files and found a few different Kodachrome samples that range in dates from (approximately) the 50s to the 90s, just to show how Kodachrome, itself, has changed quite a bit over the years. Enjoy-


16mm Kodachrome circa 1950s
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16mm Kodachrome circa 1960s
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Regular 8mm (I think) Kodachrome circa 1970s
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Super 8 Kodachrome circa 1990s or later
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My opinion is that Kodachrome just got more and more plastic and shiney looking as the years went by. If Kodachrome hadn't been discontinued, I think we would be seeing neon skin tones and glow in the dark eyes by the year 2010.

Roger

[Angus]

I think the lighting conditions may have something to do with the differences in those scans...have to admit that first one is beautifully composed as a still picture!

Do we know for sure that K40 has not changed in the last 30 years? I remember somebody contending that he reckoned it had become less grainy.

[Evan Kubota]

It's difficult to generalize based on four samples, although I realize it's an opinion ;) What's worth noting is that even the example from the 1950s looks quite good. Will Ektachrome last as long?

There are far too many variables including the camera, the person operating the camera, the setting and lighting conditions, as well as the transfer, to judge how the 'look' has changed.

BTW, do you know what the two 16mm frames were shot on?

[Uppsala BildTeknik]

What's worth noting is that even the example from the 1950s looks quite good. Will Ektachrome last as long?

It is all about how the films are stored, I have seen much younger Kodachrome looking like shit.... 8O

[tlatosmd]

The Kodachrome colors (not grain) look I know from those films I've shot myself is in the 1960s and the 1970s still.

Do we know for sure that K40 has not changed in the last 30 years? I remember somebody contending that he reckoned it had become less grainy.

That was me, and I guess that was between 1990 and 2000. Finer grain and less saturated colors in the end.

[Scotness]

Nice pics but I got to admit the contrast of Kodachrome makes me want to puke - it's like looking at the world through some weird glasses where a third of the information is denied you. It suits period things but apart from that personally I can't see too much use for it

Scot

[Patrick]

That high contrast of Kodachrome can be it's saving grace when filming in overcast conditions. On a dull day, K40 injects more life into what would usually be a rather bland scene. Obviously, those vibrant colours help too in these conditions - though the colours become more subtle under cloud cover.

However, on a bright sunny day, that same high contrast can be your worst enemy. Badly burnt out highlights when trying backlit or sidelit shots is not a good look.

[tlatosmd]

Another thing, Roger, what do you know about the particular film speeds of those sample stills? I guess that's another factor, just like lighting conditions.

[Scotness]

That high contrast of Kodachrome can be it's saving grace when filming in overcast conditions. On a dull day, K40 injects more life into what would usually be a rather bland scene. Obviously, those vibrant colours help too in these conditions - though the colours become more subtle under cloud cover.

However, on a bright sunny day, that same high contrast can be your worst enemy. Badly burnt out highlights when trying backlit or sidelit shots is not a good look.

Yeah but how many low contrast days are there in Australia ?? :lol:

Scot

[timdrage]

Some nice shots, thanks for posting!

I think we would be seeing neon skin tones and glow in the dark eyes by the year 2010.

I'd be all for that!

[MovieStuff]

It's difficult to generalize based on four samples, although I realize it's an opinion ;) What's worth noting is that even the example from the 1950s looks quite good. Will Ektachrome last as long?

Good point. I guess we'll find out!

There are far too many variables including the camera, the person operating the camera, the setting and lighting conditions, as well as the transfer, to judge how the 'look' has changed.

I agree to a certain extent but the shot of the girls shows a level of shadow and highlight detail in direct sunlight that I have yet to see in any modern Kodachrome, and this is AFTER a video transfer, which typically increases the contrast. I think there is quite a difference.

BTW, do you know what the two 16mm frames were shot on?

No but you bring up an interesting thing I should do. I realize that since we are documenting the footage for clients, it would be really great (as an historical record) to ask them what cameras their footage was shot on and store that info along with the samples. I now wish I had. Good idea.

Roger

[soundboy]

The example from the 1950's looks the best, or has the color faded?

[filmo]

All of the older shots are in focus and composed well. The 1990's shot is simply bad. Thus it's not really that great a comparison.

I'm sure I could pull frames from contemporary Kodachrome footage and find more compelling material.

The 16mm stuff will look better because of the greater image size.

[Alex]

If Kodachrome hadn't been discontinued, I think we would be seeing neon skin tones and glow in the dark eyes by the year 2010.

Roger

Could still happen, even if Kodachrome is no longer available.

I dug around in my sample files and found a few different Kodachrome samples that range in dates from (approximately) the 50s to the 90s, just to show how Kodachrome, itself, has changed quite a bit over the years. Enjoy-

My opinion is that Kodachrome just got more and more plastic and shiney looking as the years went by.

Roger

There's still other issues to consider.

Time of year, tree growth in the surrounding area, (which can creates horrific contrast issues) angle of the shot as it relates to the sun.

However, it's possible that the Kodachrome II was better able to handle contrast than Kodachrome 40 as I have also seen a film shot in the late 60's on super-8 that seemed to hold together quite nicely on contrasty days and the camera set to auto-exposure.

Maybe it's Ozone hole and atmospheric conditions related???

[MovieStuff]

If Kodachrome hadn't been discontinued, I think we would be seeing neon skin tones and glow in the dark eyes by the year 2010.

Roger

Could still happen, even if Kodachrome is no longer available.

Guess it depends on whether Iran manages to cobble together an A-bomb.

However, it's possible that the Kodachrome II was better able to handle contrast than Kodachrome 40 as I have also seen a film shot in the late 60's on super-8 that seemed to hold together quite nicely on contrasty days and the camera set to auto-exposure.

Maybe it's Ozone hole and atmospheric conditions related???

I dunno but I totally agree about KII. I really preferred that stock to the modern Kodachrome.

Roger