By bearing the term "Normal Color" in it´s name, the Kodak Portra 160 NC accepts to be seen as a boring film. But it actually isn't...
Unlike its cousin, the Kodak Portra 160 VC (where the VC stands for vivid color), the NC’s “Normal Colour” tag suggests it being less good. But the Kodak Portra 160 NC has some characteristics where it outshines its vivid relative.
Skin tones and subtle sands and green don´t come out as over saturated as they do with the VC.
The NC is a perfect film for capturing portraits, not only because of its color attributes, but also due to its 160 ISO.
In my experience, the lack of saturation is compensated by most scanners even without changing color settings.
When using the Kodak Portra 160 NC with toy cameras like the Diana F+ or the Holga, it strengthens the dreamy effect with its subtle colors. When using it with high quality cameras such as the Seagull TLR, the NC produces very sharp pictures due to its low grain.
tHE Low ISO is useful for multiple exposures too.
I wasn’t so keen ON using the Portra NC after I tried the VC because I thought I would be disappointed. But I wasn’t. So I just can recommend buying the Kodak Portra 160 NC.
4 comments
susielomovitz
perfect grain for me!
paper_doll
lovely pictures. what camera did you use?
thedice
I just loaded this in my Holga directly after using the VC. Both for the first time. I can't wait to see what turns out. I don't doubt the color will surprise and delight me. Good to know what I have to look forward to.
imushie
Nice article ! However, i still have a question.. One day i bought Kodak portra 160nc (medium format) for my Diana and i didn't cover the little red window, the all photos came out with huge light leaks and with the colours all changed. Is it really necessary to close the red window, even though it is 120 film?