The innovative AGFACOLOR VISTA shows life from its most attractive side: roses so finely structured that you would like to pluck them right out of the
The innovative AGFACOLOR VISTA shows life from its most attractive side: roses so finely structured that you would like to pluck them right out of the picture and violets that are really blue without the infamous red tinge. Even indoor shots under fluorescent light no longer have an annoying green tint. But that is not all: thanks to the improved color shading, the pictures seem more vivid, realistic, and even more lively.
The lab I use gives me this stuff, and I started using it because (a) I was unhappy with the development of Kodak Portra where I live, (b) I had piles of it lying around everywhere, and (c) the best lab convenient to me uses Agfa equipment. 'Seemed like trying it would be worthwhile. I have a mixed evaluation. The color saturation is fairly intense, the film has excellent exposure latitude, and its fairly sharp. However, it is extremely grainy--I mean, extremely: you can produce "vintage" looking photos without meaning to. Do NOT use this for photographing people with ruddy complexions--it makes them look like life-long drunks, all red and blotchy. Do not use it for subtle colors.
My guess is that this was formulated for Uncle Joe to take vacation pictures and Granny to get good shots of Little Tommy's birthday. If most of your shots contain an average array of colors and hues (and the people you care about don't come from ruddy stock), you'll probably be happy. Otherwise, you really have to learn the films weaknesses and accomodate them in setting up shots.
This is a follow-up review. After using this film more and more, its faults become more and more noticeable. Namely, the grain. Critical sharpness is not quite there when compared to Fuji Superia X-tra 400 or Kodak High Definition 400 (I know the High Definition costs a lot more, but the Fuji is comparably priced).
Also, I previously wrote that skin tones are warm and smooth, but now I think they are a little too warm. Faces come out orange far too often. Ironically, this problem was most severe when I had the film printed on an Agfa machine.
But lest I be too harsh, I still think this stuff is far preferable to Kodak Max, and I would use it once in a while if I had it on hand.
Strengths:
color saturation
bargain price
I've gotten 29 exposures from a roll of 24!
Weaknesses:
graininess
not as sharp as Fuji
Similar Products Used:
Fuji Superia X-tra, Kodak High Definition, Agfa Vista 200, Kodak Max
I bought a 6-pack of Agfa Vista 400 for $9, which works out to $1.50 a roll. Bargain priced, for sure. This is a very good quality film - very saturated colors and sharp. I think the color is the strongest point of Vista 400. I photographed my friends who were wearing some very unique, bright colors - royal blue and a warm green, and the pictures reproduced those colors so accurately. Skin tones are also very smooth and pleasing. I find that this film has a somewhat warm, golden bias to it.
Many people like to compare this film to Fuji Superia X-tra 400. While Agfa Vista has its unique strengths, it doesn't quite beat Fuji in my book because Vista has a visible grain, even in daylight exposures. It's not an ugly grain, but it's there. And since in my area Fuji Superia X-tra can be had at almost the same price as Agfa Vista, I opt for the Fuji. However, those who don't like the cool bias of Fuji have a great alternative in Agfa.
Rating Reviewed by: Canon EOS Rules(Unregistered User)
(Casual)
Review Date August 7, 2003
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for Less than 1 month
Visitors rate this review 1.00 of 5,
1 votes
Review 4 of 17
Price Paid:
$3.00
from Walgreens
Summary:
(Note: This review is on Walgreens Studio 35 400 film-same film, just packaged for Walgreens in a different box.)
This has to be a great film-it's sharp, gives you nice colors, it's not grainy, it's got nicely saturated colors, and it's cheap, too! Next time you're at Walgreens, why not give this film a try-it's only $3 (or 2 rolls for $5!)
Strengths:
Inexpensive, great color, fine grain. very sharp
Weaknesses:
Not quite as good as Fuji's ISO 400
Similar Products Used:
Kodak MAX (400 & 800), Fuji Superia 400 (old and new) & 800, Agfa Vista 800
Rating Reviewed by: George Muscat(Unregistered User)
(Casual)
Review Date April 3, 2003
Overall Rating 3 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for Less than 1 month
Review 5 of 17
Price Paid:
$2.00
from Ted's
Summary:
This film performs well in bright sunny conditions. However in overcast condition, the film appears to perform as a lower iso film. Like a ISO370 or something.
This may just be the film processors experience will developing this film. I not sure.
Strengths:
Small grain. Good brightness.
Weaknesses:
Need to overexpose this film in overcast conditions, more than products like Kodak Royal Gold 400
Green colors to me are dull in this film.
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