Have you ever wondered what it’s like to shoot on the same film stock that Hollywood uses? With Kodak VISION3 film and the ECN-2 process, you can bring that cinematic quality to your photography or filmmaking projects. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious hobbyist, understanding the ins and outs of ECN-2 film processing can elevate your work to new heights. In this post, we’ll dive into the history of Kodak VISION3 film, explore the differences between tungsten and daylight-balanced films, and share how we hand-roll our own VISION3 film at Brooktree Film Lab. Plus, we’ll walk you through our ECN-2 processing technique, so you know exactly what goes into making your shots look incredible.
The Legacy of Kodak VISION3 Film
Kodak VISION3 is more than just a film stock; it’s a piece of cinematic history. Launched in 2007, VISION3 was designed to provide filmmakers with enhanced image quality, superior color reproduction, and greater dynamic range. It quickly became the gold standard for motion picture film, used in countless Hollywood blockbusters such as ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’, ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, and James Bond ‘No Time to Die’!
But VISION3 isn’t just for the big screen; photographers and filmmakers alike have embraced it for still photography, thanks to its stunning results and beautiful colors.
Tungsten vs. Daylight Balanced Film: What’s the Difference?
One of the first things to consider when shooting with Kodak VISION3 is the film’s color balance. VISION3 is available in both tungsten-balanced and daylight-balanced versions, each designed to excel under different lighting conditions.
Tungsten Balanced Film: This type of film is calibrated for shooting under tungsten lighting, which is typically around 3200K. It’s ideal for indoor shoots where artificial lighting dominates. The result? Warm, true-to-life colors that capture the scene as you see it. If you shoot tungsten balanced film outdoors in daylight without any filtration, your photos or footage will likely have a noticeable blue cast.
Daylight Balanced Film: Daylight balanced film is designed for shooting in natural light, around 5500K. It’s perfect for outdoor shoots, delivering crisp, vibrant colors that pop in sunlight. Whether you’re capturing a bright afternoon or a sunset scene, daylight balanced film ensures that your colors stay accurate and vivid.
Hand-Rolling Kodak VISION3 Film at Brooktree Film Lab
At Brooktree Film Lab, we’re all about giving our customers the best possible experience with motion picture film. That’s why we hand-roll our own Kodak VISION3 film, ensuring the highest quality and consistency in every roll. Each roll is carefully reviewed to meet our standards so you know you’re getting a film that you can trust.
Our ECN-2 Processing: Following Kodak’s Recipe to Perfection
Once you’ve captured your shots, the next step is processing your film using the ECN-2 process. At Brooktree Film Lab, we follow Kodak’s published recipe to the letter, ensuring that your film is developed with the precision and care it deserves. ECN-2 processing is designed specifically for motion picture film, providing a wide dynamic range, excellent color accuracy, and the subtle grain that makes VISION3 so special.
Our team of experts handles each batch with meticulous attention to detail, so your final images come out just the way you envisioned them. Whether you’re working on a personal project or something bigger, our ECN-2 process will bring your vision to life. Due to these unique development steps ECN-2 film does take longer to process, but I am sure it will be worth the wait!
Ready to Shoot Your Motion Picture Film?
There’s something truly magical about working with motion picture film, and with Kodak VISION3 and the ECN-2 process, you can capture that magic in every frame. Whether you’re shooting stills or making your own indie film, Brooktree Film Lab is here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to take your photography to the next level? Explore our range of hand-rolled Kodak VISION3 film and start creating cinematic masterpieces today!
Need something additional? Reach out to Brooktree Film Lab. Our team is always here to help make sure your film needs are always met.
