Elitechrome 400 EL: Absolutely Retro

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The entire Kodak Elitechrome series belong to my favorite films. From the EB to the EBX, ED, and EL; they all have great features once you know how to use them well. The EL with its 400 ISO hardly gets any attention, which is also because of the fact that it is more uncommon. But that is about to change with this. Here’s some e-love.

Credits: wil6ka

I love the ED in E6, so I wouldn’t cross it. I think the EBX is misspent on panoramas when crossed. And the EB has such an impact, when combined with LC-Wide and LC-A – best combo ever. I wrote a review about the Kodak Presschrome before, great in E6 and X-Pro. So now the EL.

With it’s ISO 400, it is the most light-sensitive film among the chromies. There were higher ISOs for slide films, but they disappeared first from the market, probably because the sales did not compare with those of the ISO 100 and 200. I also think that the color couplers shift earlier at higher ISO ranges. But for us Lomographers, that isn’t a problem – it’s rather the opposite. I think the E6 shots with the EL look softer, and due to this more like film. Like someone with a reflector is walking in front of the lens to give the pictures more glow. I like it a lot. In the meantime, you should overexpose your ELs a bit because they absorb much more light as expected. But in the dark area, it definitely has more contrast than ED or EB.

Credits: wil6ka

If you cross it, the EL has a green tone, a bit earthly than the ED or EB. Basically, it also does not pump as much light and contrast to the images like its chrome siblings, something similar I’ve noticed in the Ektachrome at higher ISO areas. The picture is also much grainier and supports the retro touch of the film.

So, I like it! And whoever gets the chance to get a pack of EL in hands, you should grab some for he is a worthy member of the Elitechrome family.

Credits: wil6ka

This film review was written by Lomographer wil6ka. Check out some more films in the Online Shop or Gallery Stores worldwide.

written by wil6ka on 2014-03-14 #gear #test #film #review #retro #kodak #xpro #elitechrome-el
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6 Comments

  1. hervinsyah
    hervinsyah ·

    I really wanna see it real x-pro color when it still fresh film. I got 10 roll of EL and all of it were expired, so the x-pro color turn out like color negative film

  2. hervinsyah
    hervinsyah ·

    @gizmonox I shoot my expired Kodak EL film with normal aperture (1/16) when it sunny day www.lomography.com/homes/hervinsyah/albums/2024939-kodak-el… . I don't know maybe @wil6ka could answer your question

  3. wil6ka
    wil6ka ·

    @gizmonox hey giz, I think that really depends on the enviroment. If it's a bit darker outside you maybe should overexpose a little. It really depends, what kind of results you wonna have. I think a certain retro darkness is the true quality of an older film. it's not to be like the new ones...

  4. yohane
    yohane ·

    Is EL-2 as a Mark on the Film Frame?

  5. wil6ka
    wil6ka ·

    @yohane I would have to look it up - It could also be el 400 for the iso - do you have processed a film and it shows EL2?

  6. yohane
    yohane ·

    @wil6ka Take a look: www.lomography.com/homes/yohane/albums/2210351-kodak-dia-fi…
    I ask because I unfortunately forgot which film I was using back then.

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