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Potsdam 100 Review
Lomography’s Potsdam KINO 100 is often lauded as a fine-grain black and white film, drawing inspiration from classic German cinema. However, after using this film during the New Forest Fairy Festival at Burley, I find myself somewhat underwhelmed by its performance thus, this is my Potsdam 100 review.
Pros and Cons List
A quick pros and cons list can help you quickly gauge the strengths and weaknesses of the film.
Pros:
- Classic black & white aesthetic with a cinematic feel.
- Well-suited for bright, outdoor conditions.
- Offers a unique, vintage look that some may find appealing.
Cons:
- Grain is more visible than expected for a 100 ISO film.
- Higher contrast than anticipated, leading to harsh shadows and highlights.
- Requires extensive post-processing to achieve polished results.
Comparison with Other Films
| Film | Grain Quality | Contrast | Ease of Post-Processing | Overall Aesthetic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potsdam KINO 100 | Visible, more than expected | High, harsh shadows & highlights | Requires significant effort | Classic, vintage, cinematic |
| Ilford HP5 Plus 400 | Fine, but with a classic texture | Moderate, well-balanced | Easy to moderate | Versatile, classic B&W |
| Kodak Tri-X 400 | Prominent, but pleasing | High, but manageable | Moderate | Gritty, iconic B&W look |
| Fujifilm Acros 100 | Extremely fine, smooth | Low to moderate | Minimal | Clean, modern B&W |
Tips for Shooting with Potsdam KINO 100
- Exposure: Consider overexposing slightly (e.g., shooting at ISO 80) to reduce contrast and grain.
- Development: Experiment with different developers to see if a softer developer reduces the grain.
- Shooting Conditions: This film may perform better in less contrasty lighting, such as overcast days or shaded areas.
Grain and Sharpness: Not What I Expected for a Fine Grain Film
One of the key selling points of the Potsdam 100 is its supposed fine grain, but my experience suggests otherwise. I developed the film at box speed using Ilfosol 3, a developer known for preserving fine details. Despite this, the grain was more prominent than I anticipated, especially after scanning the negatives into a digital format. I used my Canon EOS 5DS R with a Sigma 105mm lens for the scans, a setup that typically delivers exceptional sharpness and clarity. Unfortunately, the graininess was more pronounced than I would have liked, detracting from the overall image quality.
Film Photography Shooting Conditions: Bright and Clear, but Results Fell Short
All the shots were taken on a bright, sunny day with clear blue skies, perfect conditions for capturing crisp black and white images. I used my trusty Canon EOS 300v, a reliable 35mm SLR that usually pairs well with most films. Despite the ideal conditions, the results from the Potsdam 100 were less than stellar. The contrast was higher than expected, which made some images appear overly harsh, particularly in the shadows and highlights.
Post-Processing: A Tedious Affair
One of the most frustrating aspects of using this film was the amount of time I spent in post-processing. I found myself constantly tweaking the images in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to reduce contrast, sharpen the images, and generally make them more visually appealing. While I’m no stranger to post-processing, the level of effort required for these images was more than I typically expect from a film touted for its fine-grain and classic aesthetic.
Final Thoughts: A Disappointing Experience
Overall, Lomography’s Potsdam KINO 100 left me with mixed feelings. It’s an “okay” film, but I can’t say it lives up to the expectations set by its marketing. The grain was more pronounced than I would have liked, and the high contrast made for a challenging post-processing experience. While some photographers might appreciate the film’s character and unique look, I found it to be more trouble than it was worth.
For those considering trying out this film, I would recommend being prepared for some extensive post-processing if you want to achieve a polished result. For now, I’ll be sticking to other black and white films that better suit my style and workflow.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Film Type | Black & White, ISO 100 |
| Camera Used | Canon EOS 300v |
| Developer | Ilfosol 3 |
| Scanning Equipment | Canon EOS 5DS R, Sigma 105mm Lens |
| Shooting Conditions | Bright, sunny day with clear blue skies |
| Grain Quality | More visible than expected; not as fine as advertised |
| Contrast | Higher than expected; required extensive post-processing |
| Post-Processing Tools | Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop |
| Time Spent in Post | More time than usual; significant effort to reduce contrast and sharpen images |
| Overall Impression | An okay film; disappointing due to unexpected graininess and high contrast. Requires significant post-processing to achieve desired results. |
Personal Verdict
Personal Verdict: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5) “While Lomography Potsdam KINO 100 has a unique aesthetic, the prominent grain and high contrast made it difficult to work with. It might appeal to those seeking a vintage, gritty look, but for my workflow, it required too much post-processing to be worthwhile.”
You can see the results of my efforts in the gallery below.
