Portra 800 as a landscape film?

On a lovely late Autumn walk in Eryri, North Wales I opt for Kodak Portra 800 as my film choice for the day, but is it any good for landscape photography.
Equipment Used
Nikon F80 and 28-105 D Nikkor
Kodak Portra 800 (rated at EI800) and home developed in Bellini C-41 3 bath chemistry
Scanned with Olympus EM5 MkIII and Panasonic 30mm f/2.8 Macro (Standard 20Mp mode)
Preview App
Mark II Artists Viewfinder (iOS only on the App Store)
Vlogging Equipment
GoPro Hero 10
iPhone 14 Pro
Rode Wireless Go II Microphone
Incidental Music (Epidemic Sound)
- Against a paler sun
- Tidal flow
Etsy Shop
steveonionsphoto.etsy.com
Contact Details
Email: [e-mail] Twitter: Steve_ONions / steve_onions Instagram: steveonions1 / steveonions1
KZbin: / @steveonions

[@simonbarnes7124]

As was said in a previous comment, this is a no nonsense channel with no fluff or padding just straight honest content. It's why it's my favourite. Absolutely superb images Steve. The tonal range and colours are wonderful. Film is expensive but the price tag slows us down even further which can be a good thing. Just got home from a hard day's graft at the Fujifilm lab, had my tea and just relaxed into this great video. As a Welshmen I will always call Snowdon and Snowdonia by it's English name.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Simon, I was pleasantly surprised with the colours from the film and the grain isn’t much more intrusive than the 400 version.

[@nigeldawson5960]

The honesty and sincerity of this channel is unparalleled. Plus, the production narrative moves along in a constructive way without all the razzmatazz nonsense of the “influencer” fools. And that panorama stitch together was excellent. (I rarely do color film work these days, only Ektachrome, but I appreciate what Steve has done here.)

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Nigel, I’m glad you liked it 👍

[@erichstocker8358]

The cost of color film is the major reason that I generally don't shoot color film. I use my digital cameras for color and concentrate my film cameras on B&W. However, when I new film like Harmon's Phoenix comes out then I order it and shoot it. I don't mind spending some money to support new films and especially a company like Harmon. I wish Adox would distribute a color film again! Enjoyed the video very much.

[@innstikk]

As I don't develop yourself (yet), it is actually cheaper with colour film as b&w development is 65% more expensive due to manual processing

[@oudviola]

I've tried one roll of Phoenix so far. Very retro look but I quite like it. They are still working on it so it's not the final look yet.

[@SteveONions]

Luckily I do all my own developing so cost isn’t an issue but it’s still a big commitment compared to shooting digital.

[@SteveONions]

I’ve got 2 rolls to shoot but haven’t been out with it yet, maybe a cityscape using a smallish compact camera.

[@oudviola]

@@SteveONionsPhoenix 200 is pretty grainy and has no anti-halation layer, so will get haloing around city light sources. I shot at box speed, to not blow sky highlights, but for city/street perhaps slow half a stop down, or do some exposure bracketing. Have to manually adjust colors when scanning, default won't work well due to different color base. Good luck!

[@dahy_4567c]

waiting for Snow : New Snow boots to try out...from Canada...🎬🧦🥾

[@impressionsoflight9263]

Beautiful!

[@pixelpeter3883]

Loved that little timelapse :-)

[@m.j.morgan4684]

Simply stunning, thank you.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you too!

[@chrisloomis1489]

Well Steve ; you are one of maybe my favorite photography channel , I come along and enjoy that lovely Welsh countryside , and have been for years with you. I thank you Steve. The PORTRA 800 looks very nice , the grain structure is not bad ... I am surprised. Love the color shots with the small reeds and leaves , and the mountain and meadows. Lastly ; I have to say right now I am falling in love with 6x6 Medium format , I am getting my Rollei Wide 55mm F4 tuned up , the inner Film Glass updated with improved new coated glass ( minus small scratch or two ) after 60 years , and then a few other small things. Steve, the texture and feel of the medium format is totally different. Maybe that is only the Distagon 55mm F4 , or my Tessar 75mm F3.5 rendering. So much to learn. Thanks again Steve, the walks are so peaceful. Chris

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Chris. I’m glad you enjoy the videos. There’s definitely a different look between 135 and 120 that isn’t just down to the film size, the lenses have a huge impact on the results. I also like the look from Tessar designs and my favourite of all time was the 75mm Solinar on the Agfa Isolette III. The way the edges soften is quite sublime and nothing like the drop off you get with a cheap 35mm design.

[@101jumpit]

Moggies and Mongels are some of the finest animals walking Steve 😃

[@DizinEire]

Cracking vlog Steve. I haven't used any of the Porta range, but can see why you do. Do like the images at 4:39 and 8:32, but the pano would be the one for the wall. We're up in Donegal for the Yule, hoping for some wild weather. The task is to get some pano's on 6x12. Have a good Yule Steve. Cheers Diz

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Diz, hope you have a good break and manage to get something with the panoramic (despite the awful weather that seems to have settled on us!).

[@naturligfunktion4232]

It is really inspiring that you use any kind of weather to your advantage. I have never seen it like that, and this perspective has made me really inspired to go out and shoot film

[@SteveONions]

Good! 😀

[@kevinbrowne3089]

Riot of colours! Love it.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Kevin.

[@brianlaunchbury4491]

Wonderful pictures.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Brian.

[@roykropp155]

Very nice series of images. Thank you!

[@SteveONions]

Glad you like them Roy.

[@deflatedrubberduck]

Great images and video Steve.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 🙂

[@jamesbarnes3063]

Thanks for taking me along, great images. Happy Christmas

[@SteveONions]

Thanks James, you too!

[@renepirolt]

Beautiful landscape and fabulous images, especially the pano. Thanks for the inspiration, Steve!

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it Rene.

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Another cracking episode Steve. All the best for '24.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Paul, all the best to you too.

[@Andy-rk9mu]

super nice footage and photos

[@SteveONions]

Thank you very much Andy.

[@tricolourlab]

Simply stunning Steve, I’ve always loved the Portra colours.

[@SteveONions]

You and me both!

[@innstikk]

Excellent video and photos!

[@SteveONions]

Many thanks!

[@Morinaka25]

From what i remember, Portra 800 has a different look than 160/400 because it still uses the older formulation of Portra from the Portra NC/VC period.

[@SteveONions]

I believe that is the case, I’m very pleased with how it works and have recently tried it in 120 too.

[@v-g-z3689]

I personally think you are one of the best landscape photographers out there on KZbin at the moment, really enjoying your videos! Kodak Aerocolor IV would probably be very suitable for your needs, I´d love to see you having a try with that one.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😊

[@oudviola]

Beautiful images!

[@SteveONions]

Many thanks!

[@BVRainer]

Lovely colors, some beautiful images.

[@SteveONions]

Many thanks

[@joerg_koeln]

Very nice composition as always. Thanks for sharing.

[@SteveONions]

Many thanks Joerg.

[@thomasfarley2688]

Lovely images as usual. Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Thomas, all the best to you too.

[@CrispyFloorCeiling]

Absolutley beautiful shots, all the way! Someday i'll come to snowdonia and expose tons of hundred of meters of portra there! Man this is so beautiful!

[@johnmarriott9166]

Another super production Steve. You always give me something to think about. Thank you and all the very best wishes for Christmas and New Year 👍

[@SteveONions]

Thank John, all the best for the festive season to you too 😊

[@mawavoy]

Thanks for showing what portra 800 looks like. The images are gorgeous!

[@SteveONions]

Glad you liked it!

[@utekopka7920]

Thank you so much for this great video! Stunning images, and the Portra colors are beautiful. Wishing you and your family a merry Christmas and all the best for the new year!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you! You too!

[@LarryParamedic1]

Wow, the punch of the colors with Portra 800 are fantastic! Thank You for sharing..

[@SteveONions]

You’re Welcome Larry, the colours are surprisingly strong and the contrast probably the highest in the Portra range.

[@katebr1737]

Really enjoyed this video. The Autumn colours were beautiful and the film panoramic shot worked wonderfully.

[@SteveONions]

Thank Kate.

[@AliasJimWirth]

Some nice images, Steve. Nice outing. Have a Merry Christmas.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks, you too James.

[@janetkopper3507]

Stunning captures Steve ! I think I need some Portra 800 😮

[@SteveONions]

Yes you do Janet 😊

[@azfactor7875]

Your choice of film was richly rewarded. Lovely images. And I really liked the leaves and reeds in the water even lacking the polarizer. And it looked as though the GoPro got to spend some time climbing trees. 😉

[@SteveONions]

Many thanks Bob.

[@raybeaumont7670]

Cheers Steve. I really like the views from above Capel towards Snowdon and down the Ogwen Valley. I just wish I was still able to get up there. I can still find a few interesting subjects not too far from the car - enough to keep me happy. Have a great Christmas and a photogenic New Year. All the best from The Rhondda.

[@SteveONions]

I’ve been shooting very close to home lately and enjoying the challenge of finding scenes where there’s very little drama

[@onesuper9457]

Lovely images! My favourite was the contrasty view at 11:00. Well done!

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kenblair2538]

Great video, Steve. Loved all the images. Yes , I to, love Portra 800. Photographed the Fall colors last year, (ISO500) and I love shooting hand held. Thanks , KB

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Ken, I’ve got some in 120 which I’m looking to try in the Bronica.

[@jumpingjohn280459]

I think these are some of your best shots Steve. After seeing the beautiful pano from the iPhone 14, I’m thinking that I should start using my phone motor often! Thanks for another inspiring video.

[@SteveONions]

The iPhone is my most used camera and the output is so good that I rarely take another camera on holiday any more.

[@thenutter2003]

great photos as always steve your so right about the cost of colour film i have to send my colour film of to be developed and scanned and can add £15 + on top of the price of the film so can soon add up. hope you have a great Christmas and new year.

[@SteveONions]

I couldn’t shoot it if I had to send it off to be honest. I rarely shoot E6 for this reason unless I do enough to buy a kit and process at home.

[@jasongold6751]

What a lovely surprise! So close to Holidays! Entrancing! The colors quite lovely. Thank You! The 800 sort of rare here, plus the price! I find shooting film(I do!) one somehow, doesn't need 16GB memory card! I used a short roll, remaining 5~7 frames of a special event, capturing one of my best images! It was 5! Happily I march off, with my Rollei, holding 12exposures! Takes me weeks! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year! All the very best!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Jason, the colours from the 800 were exactly what I hoped for. All the best for the festive period 🙂

[@SloopJohnBee-vq6dw]

Great shots, great light, great locations and compositions as ever. Have has to re subscribe as I lost my previous KZbin account 🙄 Have taken advantage of some good light myself of last; unfortunately it doesn’t happen often enough around here. 👍❤️

[@SteveONions]

I was still surprised how low the shutter speeds were early on, only later was I able to pick my aperture freely.

[@izzyleicanut9190]

Love the composition and the natural colours . Never tried the Portra 800 though. The place is indeed lovely . A sight for sore eyes . Perhaps you may want to do an overnight camping with Robin one day and get the early morning fog and sunrise ?

[@SteveONions]

I’d like that, I’m fortunate enough to be only an hour and a half’s drive so I can get there very easily.

[@jeff8289]

Hi Steve. I've been following you for years, but with out a doubt, these are the most stunningly beautiful landscapes that I have ever seen! That's coming from someone who lives near Olympic National Park in Washington, US. Perhaps I should book a trip there someday ;-)

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Jeff, that’s very kind of you to say. Ask the best for the festive period.

[@jhenline7813]

What a wonderful outing Steve. Particularly like the one at 4.40 also the one with the sunlit trees in their glowing autumn colours. Love the softer colours of Portra. Such a pity colour film has become so expensive, as like you, I prefer the magic of film over digital.

[@SteveONions]

I’m resigned to using film and digital for colour, best of both worlds despite the cost of the former.

[@autisticlife]

Thank you for ths video. The landscape and how you filmed it was very good. Like you I use Portra 800 for landscapes particularly in autumn and winter. I keep a roll loaded in a camera called a Ricoh Mirai, it is a late 80's bridge camera. The Mirai's lens works well with Portra 800 and this is how I have used this camera for the past few years.

[@SteveONions]

I’ve got a few more rolls of 135 and also 120 for the Bronica. The price makes me think carefully about how I shoot it which is no bad thing.

[@lensman5762]

Beautiful photography, Steve. Amazing how the 800 reproduces near perfect hues of autumnal colours. It is also a sobering thought how much colour film photography cost these days. Once you add the development costs, even if you developed it at home, you are touching 80p per exposure for 135 format. Forget 4X5 or god forbid 8X10 due to the cost.

[@SteveONions]

It does focus your thoughts when deciding which outfit to take. I could have got some excellent images with the digital camera but I doubt I’d have liked them as much.

[@brycepinson8641]

Very nice work Steve. Portra 800 is one of my favorite films, but the price is substantial, and I wish it were available in 4x5 (though I doubt I could afford more than a box every few years).

[@SteveONions]

I did wince when ordering 5 rolls Bryce hence the reluctance to take so many frames. It’s such a lovely film though that even if I got one excellent image from the roll I’d be happy.

[@Phil_f8andbethere]

Wowser - every image is a corker Steve!. I used to shoot Portra 400 a lot, and did try 800 a few times - they are in my view the perfect colour films as they have so much exposure latitude. I stopped using them because of the cost!!. But, having seen this, it makes me want to dig out the F80 and shoot a roll. All the best, Phil.

[@SteveONions]

I had a break from colour films for the same reason but they are just so lovely when shot right that I’m prepared to put up with the expense.

[@wolfganggerlach1868]

Wonderful photos and compositions! I like the color in the Porta 800. Have to try it myself. In my opinion I think that your white passepartout is unfortunately too thick in connection to the size of the photo, but your photos are always very good! Merry Christmas and kind regards from Sweden

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Wolfgang, all the best to you too 😊

[@paulevans1047]

Another great video Steve , May ask where you started this hike . I would like to walk that route if i visit wales in the future

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Paul. This one starts and ends at the large car park adjacent to Llyn Crafnant. The road up there is single track and twisty but it’s well worth it at any time of year (and it’s also a great sunrise location too).

[@danncorbit3623]

Storybook images. Bravo! A digital technique learned from film is to limit shots to a specific number. It does take discipline since the limit is self imposed, but I believe that it results in better images. A similar technique is to spend several minutes composing each image. The first technique works better for me because it becomes a game.

[@SteveONions]

Well said!

[@larrylindell1027]

Very nice images. I’m also interested in how you develop, scan and convert to positives.

[@SteveONions]

Maybe one day I’ll do a video Larry, I keep changing my setup so I’d be forever remaking the video!

[@Buzz2646]

Lovely scenes. In a way, I enjoy film photography over digital photography. Perhaps it’s nostalgia. I always enjoyed deciding what film and ISO speed to bring with me. And there was a certain pleasure waiting for the film to be processed and looking at the results, even if the results were somewhat disappointing. But life was also a bit slower in the film days. Now life seems hurried, and digital photography seems suited to the “hurry up” lifestyle. I think I’ll sit back, enjoy your video again with a nice scotch. Cheers from Canada

[@SteveONions]

I also like the waiting before seeing if it’s come out properly, I also fret less over each shot, just take the picture and move on.

[@dtowers7557]

Great video fantastic images if there was a advertisement for using film this would be it truly inspiring video

[@SteveONions]

Thank you, I should be on a commission from Kodak!

[@RobertVE3VPL]

Have you ever posted a video describing your procedure for scanning and processing colour-negative film?

[@SteveONions]

I haven’t Robert as my process is always changing. I’ve recently upgraded my scanning setup and want to improve the post processing next year so maybe I’ll have something to show at some point.

[@wochenendedestodes9015]

Wonderful pictures. I by myself don't shoot colour films anymore. I can't develope them myself and the local lab's aren't good. I would have to send it to a special lab and that's to expensive. So I stick to analog bw and digital colour. Have a nice christmas Steve.

[@SteveONions]

Developing and scanning is definitely too expensive, I couldn’t shoot much film if I didn’t do my own processing.

[@RobinWhalley]

Great video. Great shots. And great film. I can't believe it's £19 a roll though! I think my pension is in my film freezer.

[@SteveONions]

You could buy a lot of freezers for the cost of what’s in yours Robin!

[@photog1529]

Always liked the way Portra 400 rendered landscape scenes, but have never tried the 800 variant. Your images may just have inspired me to take out the credit card and give it a try.

[@SteveONions]

I was pleasantly surprised too, the grain pattern is not intrusive and the colours are superb.

[@rahmadhimawan_photography]

i like it, beautiful place.. looks my place sir 🙏☕

[@SteveONions]

Yes, thank you

[@robert_may]

Ah ha, someone else trying out different faster film options in this dreary (so far) Welsh winter 😅 Looks like you managed to find some nice light though! I've been experimenting with pushing various B&W film stocks to 1600 due to the lack of light. Such a shame there's no faster colour film stocks any more really.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Robert, I got lucky with the weather and this autumns colours have been spectacular.

[@CBSDailyBread]

Wonderful video Steve. Do you recall the EI rating you used for Portra 800 for your images in this video?

[@SteveONions]

Thank you. I shot it at 800 to retain as much colour as possible but I do carefully meter to ensure no underexpose. In the case of the Nikon F80 the matrix metering is excellent but I’ll often tilt the camera down to exclude a bright sky nonetheless.

[@sunnzboz9482]

Imho the reed photo works brilliant without the polarizer as you have all the reed reflected on the water.

[@SteveONions]

Good point, had I carried the polariser I may have just used it gently to take some of the glare away.

[@davidellinsworth3299]

Lovely those Steve... Have you ever thought about trying Kodak Aerocolor IV 125.... available re-spooled/branded as Flik Film Elektra 100, Santa Colour 100, Film Washi X and Luminar 100?

[@SteveONions]

I’ve not tried that David, one more for the list!

[@davidellinsworth3299]

@@SteveONions I've two in the fridge waiting to go.... once this weather does one. Merry Christmas Steve

[@ivandimarco2004]

Why don’t you try the Kodak Vision 3 films? Much cheaper than the Portra line and not hard to develop. I had beautiful results with Portra 800 overexposed by 1 stop but it’s too pricey as you said. Vision 3 50D, 250D and 500T (the latter used in combination with an 85b filter) from Analogue Revival is what I use today for my landscape photography. I started to bulk load them and it pushes the price down even further. It’s worth giving them a try and maybe it could be interesting for a new video 😊 merry Christmas and happy new year Steve!

[@SteveONions]

I’ve been thinking about using the Vision range recently as the ECN2 kits are becoming more common and the process is quite straightforward. I’d need to shoot a fair bit to make it cost effective if I’m also shooting C-41 and 120 stick is harder to find.

[@philparker97]

Some lovey colours and great compositions, and somehow, the grain of the 800 doesn't detract from the final production nor does it give it a 'retro' look that some photographers are introducing into post-processing.

[@SteveONions]

I did like the colours the film gave me and agree that the grain isn’t too intrusive, it adds some character.

[@johnmarriott9166]

Lovely scenes, beautiful country. I like all your interpretation of the compositions. One niggle though, the one at the lake with the fence posts going into the water, that little fir tree to the bottom left draws the eye way too much. Sorry to be a critic, I do not mean it in a derogatory way, just the way I see it mate.

[@SteveONions]

I’d never considered that John but I can see what you are saying, thanks for the feedback 👍

[@valdezapg]

@ 2:16 I'm going to guess anyway. Is it Velvia 50?

[@SteveONions]

😊

[@AlmightyUniden]

In my opinion, Portra 800 gets even better if you push it 2 stops in development! The colors go absolutely bonkers! I shoot it in 120 with basically no grain

[@SteveONions]

I’ve never tried that, could be next on my list 👍

[@quite1enough]

I regret so much that I didn't bought more than one roll of Portra 800 back in 2021😭 but even back then it was expensive Surprisingly small grain for high speed film.. also, how it handles overexposure, like 1 stop? Wanna try to shoot it as 400, but for example afaik Ektar 100 doesn't have any specific benefits from that, and i totally have no idea about Portra 800..

[@SteveONions]

I shot it at 800 as I wanted the speed and also to retain more of the colours. It’ll handle plenty of overexposure as some of the midday scenes were at nearer 200 to get plenty of shadow detail.

[@davidligon6088]

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a camera color profile or Lightroom post processing profile to mimic Porta 800? Beautiful shots! Love the colors.

[@SteveONions]

I’ll bet you could get close to emulating it but I’d miss the fun of shooting it 🙂

[@letmebereal]

Digital is so last year.

[@SteveONions]

😊

[@robdixon5016]

I just bought a roll of Portra 800 as I have never shot it before. After seeing your video, I am very excited to try it out. Great video Steve as always.

[@SteveONions]

Hope the shoot goes well Rob, it’s a great film.