Range of Fuji Astia

I've mostly shot Fuji Provia on my 4x5, but am giving Astia a try on an upcoming trip. I likely won't have time to test it much prior to leaving, so I thought I'd ask what folks here have experienced regarding Astia's range. Provia seems to give 3.5 - 4 stops of latitude. Does Astia offer another 1/2 or full stop, or is it about the same? With Provia, I typically expose to keep the highlights under control and let the shadows fall where they fall. Is this a good approach with Astia as well?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Hi Rick: five stops with Astia, and yes, expose for highlights. I always place highlights of important detail on Zone VII-VII.5 and let everything else fall.

Ditto for what Michael says. I'd also point out that it scans beautifully. While some don't use it because it doesn't look punchy on the lightbox, I say "who cares" when the goal is to scan it, since the extra latitude is most welcome and one can adjust color balance and saturation to taste in PS.

Michael, Danny - thanks, that's what I was looking for. The reason behind trying Astia is specifically for the scanning issues. Provia does well most of the time, but higher contrast shots become problematic. And as my PS skills have improved over the years, I'm comfortable starting with a 'subdued' tranny and punching it up where necessary.

Rick - I went through the same thing as you. While I still shoot transparency film most of the time, I've been shooting neg for the past few years at those times when the contrast range is simply too great. Not in "bad" light, but simply when there are deep shadows (even in soft light) from which I want to pull detail. I recommend Fuji Pro-160S for its huge range (9-10 stops) and low saturation.

I've got a writeup on my website; see here:

http://www.dannyburk.com/drum_scanning_color_negative_film.htm

Rick, I switched from Provia to Astia about three years ago based upon the recommendation of Guy Tal. It was a very positive move for me for two reasons. I really appreciate the dynamic range and the more neutral color pallet. My experience with scanning this film has been excellent.

I use an ISO of 80 with this film. I have found that the slight over-exposure produces a transparency that scans very nicely. It then is a fairly starightfoward 'workup' in PS.

Big Pine Creek

Clear Dawn-Mount Whitney

It is a fine film, and will serve you well.

-PB

Preston, Danny - thanks! 9-10 stops would be fantastic. Unfortunately, as much as I hate scanning, having positives to view on the light table makes things much easier. I probably scan only about 1/3 to 1/4 of what I shoot. Preston - your shot of Mount Whitney is gorgeous! Can't wait to get back out that way.

This is great info. Preston, thanks for the links to photos done with Astia. I'm going to have to try some!