Portra 400 / Fuji Pro 400H Comparison

The Darkroom Film Index: thedarkroom.com/film-index/
In a dramatic turn of events, Jason realizes portra 400 and fuji pro 400h aren't that different after all.
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Cameras: Hasselblad 501c
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[@PrestonTalkZZZ]

I'd say the biggest difference between the two films is one is still being produced

[@PissBoys]

Mark my words, we’ll see Fuji stop all film production in the next 4-5 years. They’ve already publicly stated their intent to throw all their weight into their medical and pharmaceutical arms.

[@ignaciotovar6078]

This was brutal

[@jstnhpkns]

I came here to write this!

[@TheNegative]

LMAO!!!

[@thelilcanadiankid]

:(

[@mister-monkeyman]

Baxter needs his own show called the Barkroom

[@Primojay]

I appreciate you a lot for this

[@mitchellhughes5180]

Nicely done

[@DogsandFilm]

Baxter's appearances: 1. 00:19 2. 01:53 3. 02:45 4. 04:52 5. 05:54 6. 06:58 7. 07:53 Thanks amigos

[@joecadzow4482]

This is his channel

[@Amphibax]

Tank you

[@KonSimpl72]

PSA, bruh.

[@ModernAtomX]

Hello again old friend

[@DogsandFilm]

@@ModernAtomX hello amigo

[@MrHaydnSir]

“especially the reds, oranges, knees and toes” you never fail to make me laugh out loud, genuinely 💛✌️

[@Notso_Wild_Bill]

Big grins, he even makes herpes funny.

[@edshotsdotcodotuk]

Wedding photographers loved 400H as the white dress comes out white and not a bit yellow. Honestly that’s it. Everything is just more neutral when it comes to printing. It can be warmed up in post whereas Portra can’t easily be cooled. Worked at labs for over 15 years and had most wedding photographers shoot Fuji on the day and some may go for Kodak for the engagement shoot for that warm vibe.

[@areallyrealisticguyd4333]

I think the neutral tones work best with Instax and Provia 100f but seems to be more situational with color negative. Almost always found myself wanting Portra over 400h in like 98% of situations. Still sucks that it's gone and even worse is that it's being price gouged despite Fuji confirming there was enough supply for awhile.

[@lanycera]

Idk man. I don't think it's just wedding photographers...I genuinely prefer the Fuji tones over Portra, and I mainly shoot portrait and editorial. It's also retains colours so much nicer when overexposing.

[@edshotsdotcodotuk]

@@lanycera of course not only wedding photographers :) they just benefited more than others. I also prefer Fuji's more true to life look preferring Superia 400 for my colour work back in the day.

[@edshotsdotcodotuk]

@Linda Ultramax 400 may be the closest thing these days. Not as heavy a yellow/warm cast as most Kodak stock. Fuji C200 is now manufactured in the USA so almost certainly made in the Kodak factory and some do believe it's just Gold 200 inside. Yet to see enough results or used it myself to determine what is like exactly.

[@mattbass]

I would sell my soul for a video with more comparisons between lab scans and the home scans

[@jakobmueller2065]

So sad that 400h is gone, always preferred it over Portra, especially for Darker Skin which Portra often butchers

[@flannelcommander]

Ektar handles darker skin tones much better than 400H. At least in my experience in the studio

[@MattDueskable]

Ektar and Pro Image (sadly only 35mm…) are infinitely better than Portra--160 is the only speed that holds a torch

[@ellielee201]

I'm still salty to this day that 400h was cancelled

[@kleanish]

was the KKK photographed on 400H or something?

[@ThePhotoDept]

As an expert, I have to say this is the best film comparison video ever made.

[@madacenyc]

That serial killer line had me dying 😂

[@kevlarnegative]

I must say, It makes sense now. Daniel Milnor made a point on his channel that almost no film is actually rated at box speed but around half a stop or a stop under advertised, so technically overexposing by roughly one stop would mean exposing correctly. (Sorry for my grammar) Thank you for your film sacrifice. For science!

[@davidm5790]

It’s more nuanced than that. In terms of exposure, dan’s point was more about black and white high iso films. When you shoot film, the light causes a chemical reaction which varies depending on the amount of light and the film negative. Other factors include development chemicals and temperature. So for color film, shooting portra, for example, one or two stops over exposed increases saturation and provides a better rendition for portraits. It isn’t simply about increasing the exposure of the image. The reason why so many people are confused by Dan’s video is because the factors are so varied in the outcome of a film photo that simply reducing it to: over exposing = better, doesn’t explain it well enough (not that he said that)

[@tiansili]

No, overexposing means exposing for shadows in this case with film latitude preserving highlights.

[@gabrielgavalo5601]

Talk technical to me. I love this. Great coverage on both film stocks. Great execution and of course top notch humor. I’m addicted to your videos

[@wilferrero244]

Wouldn't be opposed to seeing a comparison between your two favorite b&w film stocks

[@briglnai]

seconded: Kodak T-Max 100 vs Ilford FP4 plus

[@BrackDynamite]

@@briglnai a better comparison would probably be delta 100 seeing as FP4 is a classic cubic grained film (like Tri-X, HP5).

[@TheBigpimpballer]

I’d love to see Kodak Gold vs Superia. It sucks because right when I found my film stick to use as my work horse, they cut the supply two months later. It is what it is at this point I guess. Ektar is a solid fill in choice I just wish I had different box speeds to start with.

[@areallyrealisticguyd4333]

Superia Premium definitely feels like a solid choice. Doesn't have the green casts like regular superia does but has grain similar to Pro400h. Too bad it's only sold in Japan for some reason

[@jameshammond89]

love it mate, great stuff

[@injeolmi6]

I like Thursdays thanks to you, Jason. Thanks.

[@orangepeel79]

Just discovered your channel. Photography needs this seriousness. Important work. Well done. 🙃

[@facuaw]

This is a really good video, i would love to see more like this!

[@MWigforss]

One of the most important questions of our time; Thank you!

[@simonpeter8480]

this is exactly what i needed! thank you baxter, i mean jason

[@KieranJDodd]

Very cool and informative video Jason, it'd be interesting to see the difference between a scan at home and a lab scan side by side. Keep up the work.

[@JfhuTheJedi]

I'm saving my last Pro 400H for photography in the forest or when I go back up to Oregon. I really like the greens that it produces in a forest.

[@ai-man212]

So, you're an Oregon Transplant?

[@Kevon420]

swagg.

[@IllKeepALightOn]

I love the personality that comes through… “… the only way I can feel anything anymore.” Makes the channel more fun and unique

[@Zecamilleo]

Portra 400 still exists, pro 400h it's just a memory. that's the difference between then.

[@Zeoklis]

I can't even remember his na- I mean film speed

[@quasarcreator]

I got 13 rolls in my fridge, still exists for me..... for now :'(

[@lemon58421]

@@quasarcreator Me too ! 4 packs of 5 rolls in the fridge :-) and still good till 2023

[@yinansun6881]

Waiting for this for years

[@victorprinciotta1250]

Jason! Love your videos but no mention or test for the fourth emulsion layer with 400h? It was specifically developed to combat the frequent mixed lighting in Japan (esp. fluorescent light) which is probably why it rendered the night shot better. Also, Kodak was developed with white skin in mind and Fuji with (relatively) browner skin in mind.

[@TheCactusTheif]

Great video as always, Jason, but when is the video on 110 film?

[@nicin9669]

Hes back finally 🤟🏽🤟🏽🤟🏽

[@SpacemonkeySTI]

thanks for the video!!!!!

[@louisrimmer6544]

It’s so funny the Portra vs pro400h argument. One this I know is that if you live somewhere incredibly green like Wales, or the U.K. more generally, the tones of pro400h pop like firework, even on slightly overcast days. They’re both just so good though

[@RobbieMaynardCreates]

Another awesome video and comparison. I started to come around on Pro 400H now that its dead and gone. Such a damned shame that I was too cool for it when it was here. RIP.

[@mannyfigueroa815]

You’re so real. Subscribed.

[@themaestro7922]

Lots o' work went in to this. Thanks for making me feel I just spent months stuffing my freezer with 400h when i could've stuck with Portra.

[@alanherbert93]

I mean this in a complementary way, Baxter lowkey built like a scantron

[@artieghosh529]

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN

[@Seimstudios]

This was so good and fun. As someone who makes digital emulations as well as shoots film, I've learned that even the same stock is often so different depending on processing etc. I would also love to see a digital side by side in these scenes as a modern control, but I know you would feel filthy for doing it.

[@jonnyclark1916]

This was such a good comparison

[@Hk843]

Great comparison! Guess I will be using lomo metropolis

[@lukemoll2521]

Would love to see HP5 compared with another B&W film (Tri-X?)

[@fatherdeha]

wish every film comparison video was like this exactly

[@jamesbarker9774]

Just picked up a 5 pack of 120 Pro400h to take to Vermont. Really excited it give it a try

[@endnami]

miss it so much!

[@acr6715]

Using my lunch to watch this, it's gonna help me get through the day

[@AselaArt]

Great Video! I'd love see an Ektar vs Ektachrome comparison in 120 and 35mm.

[@dirtywater5336]

the subtle, dry humor was appreciated

[@SergioMusel]

Greener tones of Fuji Pro 400H is probably to make skin look whiter, which is very much sought after in portraits around Asia🤓

[@nimbarkcj]

Just wanna say that I'm a big fan of yours

[@Sreybk]

I am getting ready to send exposed rolls of Ektar 100, Fuji Superia X-TRA 400 and some Kodak Ultra 400 to The Darkroom. They do good work. Another good video.

[@szelag]

Really good A/B comparison. Would totally be interested in more of this. How about with... slide film?

[@chadolson5537]

I am happy to see Monica in your video. You should include her more often. Personally, I have found Fuji film to be much better than Kodak, although I shoot both. I shot some black and white Fuji Acros II 100 that looks like digital (very clean) and some regular Fuji Superia x-tra 400 color stuff that looks great that I get at my local lab.

[@DLivingston]

I happen to order some Pro400h the day before they made the announcement. It sits in the freezer because I am not much of a fan... Thanks for the comparison though, its nice to see the two side by side here.

[@BrunoBelcastro]

Nice one mate. I just loaded a roll of Pro 400H into a back and it’s cloudy. So now I know that back will stay out for another day 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@aribetterlari]

OMFG Daddy Jason and Caleb uploaded todayyyyyyyyyyyy

[@RJGarrish]

Can you do a video on how you do those cool 3d parallax edits with your photos at the end of your videos?? Ive been dying to find a way to do that!

[@Zorvosnagy]

Okay my only question is how you do that zooming effect on the last shoots of this video?! amazing!

[@Pilgrxm]

Found a full box of Pro400H at the camera store the other day, I’m taking it with me from Texas to NY today if this plane will ever take off. Hoping for some cool shit.

[@goranpancevo]

0:28 Guy Fieri finally recognized as a philosopher! :) Awesome @grainydays :D

[@ckott99]

I myself have pondered the Big Question. But since I don't have a camera with a swappable film back, the Big Question I couldn't answer. Thank you! But now of course it doesn't matter much. I have a few of rolls of 400H left in my freezer stock. Yes indeed, 'overexpose' (de-rate the exposure index rating) to get the best results, that's been my general experience for color negative film.

[@Gneisenau2]

Provia & Ektachrome, both pro level ISO 100 slide films and somewhat famous for their way of blue color rendition. Could be a very interesting comparison.

[@Nashvillejasonwain]

Would love to see a comparison of all the different flavors of portra

[@capowafy1]

Dude I love your content!!! But giving that guy a “dunking tutorial” made me laugh so hard!!! So Good!

[@birdie399]

The difficulty with film stock is that every roll is so expensive. You can’t buy film at the supermarket checkout anymore. Thanks for the video.

[@cathydixon5852]

Unfortunate but true. I try to make those film shots count

[@astragalizont]

Hey, the effect on the endcard is so nice, could you tell us the name or the way to do it? Nice comparison thanks for that!

[@gustsmith9188]

So, I finally tried your method of exposing fuji pro 400h at ASA 200 on a couple of rolls. The results were the best I've ever gotten from that film. Too bad I discovered this with only a few rolls left in my freezer. Anyway, great comparison.

[@fotogrami26]

I use Kodak Portra 400 Film Simulation on my XT4 because of you. 😁

[@sircitrus]

great video as per. still sad about what happened to lando

[@neonvertigo7710]

would love to see a comparison between lomo 800 and Portra 800

[@___shanaaa]

easily becoming my favorite youtuber lol

[@arvinchau1030]

Nice comparison. The lab owner told me pro400h is actually a 200iso film. Maybe that’s why shooting at box speed makes its shades grainy. I would say the ture value of pro400h lies on its ability of being pushed to 1600iso and still maintain a relatively neutral color comparing to portra 400/800.

[@thestephengilmore]

I’d like to see a comparison of Portra and Lomography 400 or even Portra 160 vs Ektar!!

[@jarodjohannesson3126]

A lot of work went into this

[@awolphotos]

Yes I have

[@resiyun]

Nice, you got a REAL Hasselblad back.

[@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY]

Yes, I always over exposed pro400h! Havent used it for a while but forget about it, pro400h is too pricy now. I am comparing provia 100 and Ektarchrome. please do this one as well!!

[@Jakob8]

I'd love a provia VS ektachrome vid just like this!

[@FranciscoRamirezAraya]

Never been so early, lets gooo!!

[@rhyanpaul]

30 years ago it was all about NPH160 and Pro160s - that’s what all my commercial clients wanted. Some days they were lucky if they got Gold100 that had been sitting on the studio window ledge all summer……

[@erwnalejo]

That Lomo Metropolis diss had me dying 🤣🤣🤣

[@technol-bismol3778]

Now definitely something that would be interesting is Ektachrome vs. Velvia

[@DLivingston]

How about we get a comparison of Portra 800 to Cinestill 800t.

[@Vangalther]

kind of obvious

[@snakeytales]

I’ve made one, feel free to check it out.

[@AntonioManaligod]

What's your audio setup? I have the same mic but you're settings make your voice sound so crips and clean

[@filipecostapt6427]

Fuji Pro 400H is a great film for night or interiors. It would be great to see a video shooting 400H in those conditions, especially shooting only interiores, before it gets completely impossible to buy it at reasonable prices

[@KNURKonesur]

I would ask that question if I could affotd colour film! As a sworn b+w shooter I wonder why HP5 is so good but can I get the same results with cheaper film? :D

[@wewuwewu]

now i know what those interchangeable backs r for

[@mylesinthesky]

more comparisons at night or under tungsten light would be nice because it seemed that the Fuji Pro 400H looked a lot more pleasant in the last shot.

[@TomasWatchReviews]

you still gonna edit it in photoshop the way you like while processing negatives. It there still a difference..?

[@jmm117kgb]

Can you review the panorama wide pic camera? Seems like it's one of the worst/interesting ones out there with the cropping and all. Really would like your take on it

[@MrChrodo]

Adox Color Implosion for wedding photography! Yeah, considering how Fuji and Kodak were similar priced, i don't get the praise 400H received. Then again, what else did Fuji had in 120 with ISO400?

[@scotthullinger4684]

I always liked to use Kodak film, but then have my prints made in a lab which used Fuji photo paper. But I also liked the Fuji film itself.

[@istapleton11]

I think inherently film stocks overexposed by like a 1/2 stop tend to get the negative density better than when shot at box speed. It’s a subtle difference but unless you’re shooting with a very specialized film stock that way of doing it, in my mind, makes the negatives come out the way it was intended.

[@dylanhill6736]

I love Fuji Pro 400H! Often I use Portra 400 for special projects.

[@JustinRobles13]

I'd love to see an Ektachrome vs. Provia 100F comparison.

[@rebeccasuur]

Laughing about myself thinking what a great idea it was zu take photos of actual color charts. Would never have thought of this. Must be the reason you are sitting on this side of the camera and I on the receiving side.

[@leejamesphoto]

Im glad you covered the 'reds, oranges, knees and toes' most people leave that out but you know your shit

[@fionngijsemans4475]

I feel like Gold 200 and Fujicolour C200 might be an interesting comparison, the budget side of things for all us non-hasselblad owners

[@tosackymadafaka9451]

Hi, what light meter app are you using?

[@elementalview1]

I'd say the common denominator for both films is your dry humour (Canadian spelling). Very timely video as I'm starting to shoot film again and I snagged 15 rolls of 400H exp 12/23. Good to know that there is always Portra 400.

[@fakename287]

Kodak Gold vs Fuji Superia, since they seem to be the standard recommendation for "cheap" film stock (Might be hard to compare since box speed is different)

[@sebastiann7467]

maybe Fuji C200 is worth a shot

[@titofly00]

i dont really dig the looks of both rated at box speed. but if I had to chose I would need to know wich one does Baxter prefer, just that.

[@anthonydirienzo1354]

I would like to see Ilford Hp5 Plus next to Kodak T-max....

[@crashkewl]

How did you do the 3D zoom in at @7:50 ?