I am leaving for Honolulu in a couple of weeks, and want to know what speed of film will work best in Hawaii. I have read in "Oahu Revealed" that it is best to have pics developed while we are there. Something about the colors. Is this true? Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

I have no idea what the book says about having film developed here, but your average, run-of-the-mill one-hour photo technicians here, just as on the mainland, are mostly young kids who received a few hours of training and are left alone to their own devices. My daughter was trained as a "one-hour photo technician" for her first job. She had no official training in color correction or interest in adjusting a customer's photos. Her job was to get the film processed and out as quickly as possible. I've watched the kids behind the counter at local processing locations and can see no difference in their procedures that would guarantee you better color. They put the film in, the pictures come out. You'll probably pay more here, though.

I prefer digital, but husband is old-school and shoot 35mm. He normally sends his film to a mainland processing company in CA that he has been using for years. He has recently beguin using Fuji films exclusively. I know he likes the Reala and NHG Fuji films, but I'm not sure which of those two are the low-contrast one he uses in the sun. I do know he shoots 100 ASA when the sun is bright.

I believe that someone is trying to get more business for the local film processors! I have tried them, but the processing all seemed the same to me, but cheaper on the mainland. Film speed depends a lot on your camera and lens combination. If an SLR with a fast lens (that is, not a telephoto or zoom), 100 ASA is fine. Lower numbered ASA film gives sharper resolution, and less contrast, but unless they are blown up large, there's not that much difference. If using a "point and shoot" camera with a telephoto/zoom, stick with 400 ASA (or 800, if trying to extend the range of your flash, say with shots of performers on stage at a luau. I shoot Fuji slides and prints (and I also get loaded onto CD's, when processing, for the day when I switch everything to digital). But Kodak is fine also, the tones are slightly different than Fuji, it depends what you like. Most people probably can't tell the difference, actually.

Putting 800 film through the airport X-ray machines will damage it, both in a carry-on or suitcase. The X-ray machines are different. When checking luggage I have been asked if I have 800 film inside.

People are telling you to develop film when on the island to help you avoid damaging X-ray machines. It is not a covert ploy to get more business to island developers! That's silly.

I use 400, sometimes 200. If you want the best results when taking shots of ocean water with your 35MM, use a polarizing filter on your camera.

I use Costco for film developing. They do a great job, no complaints. It's fast and the price is right. I'll sometimes use Long's Drugs for developing. Both places do a good job.

Digital cameras are what I use the most these days, but when I want a wide-angle shot, nothing beats a good 35MM camera.

Sesamee

I'm getting ready for a trip soon and have also been exploring different films. A few different people (one from here, actually) highly recommended trying a new professional quality film by Kodak called Kodak 400 UC (Ultra Color). I'm no professional by any means, and wondered how expensive this would be. I checked at some of the NYC camera shops (on-line) and it was going to be roughly $6 a roll, 36 exp. Then I went to Wal-Mart, looking for some other supplies, and happened to see this same film on their shelves. It was sold in a package of three (36 exp.) for $12. I talked to the photo lab manager there and also at another private photo shop in my town, and they both concurred that this is some really nice film for color and that it would be an excellent choice.

Aloha plemonss,

I have always used Kodak's regular 400 speed and my pics always turn out fantastic... just enough speed for action, and the color is wonderful.

Have a great time!

200 or 400 Kodak or Fuji will get you thru most shooting requirements. Fuji will give you better blues and greens, Kodak for yellows and reds, in my opinion. There are some new super saturated Kodak but I haven't used. You don't really need 800. Do not put any film in your checked baggage, try to have all film handchecked everytime. Only been turned down once. Put in ziplock in clear or no containers. Costco if they have where you are going is your best bet. Cheaper than most one hour.

I don't know if they make this statement in Oahu Revealed, but I know in their other books they say the reason to get your film done in Hawaii is because they're more familiar with Hawaii's colors there. I myself find it hard to believe how vivid things are in Hawaii sometimes and someone on the mainland who doesn't know may end up dulling them down...try getting a red, green, or black sand beach done right! And here in LA, just the difference between Costco and a good lab is marked. If I have film that I can't get done in Hawaii I always take it to a good lab and have had pretty good luck.

I can't imagine why you would need anything over 400 for daytime shooting. And I accidentally sent several rolls of 800 speed film through the walk-through xray at the airport like six times and they came out fine. But the checked luggage xray is stronger I think. So, who knows? Shoot digital!

love
roxy

Thank you everyone for your help. Once again you have been a great source for information.

About a year ago I started preparing for what I thought was an inevitability: going digital. So, even though it cost (substantially) more, I asked for my film photos in both prints and on a CD, and invested in some software (Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro). Then, it really didn't matter how good the processor was; I could manipulate the colors in almost any way I chose. If photos are important to you, I suggest you do the same. And, as long as you're buying film, buy the best you can, with the lowest ASA the anticipated lighting situations will allow. In Hawaii, that might be 100, depending on lens speed etc.

And BTW, the inevitable has happened. I got a new digital SLR a few weeks ago; wow, what fun!