Travelling through Scotland: Reflx Lab’s 120 Kodak Vision 3 50D with Pentax 67II
Travelling through Scotland: Reflx Lab's 120 Kodak Vision 3 50D with Pentax 67II
Diary
Travelling through Scotland: Reflx Lab’s 120 Kodak Vision 3 50D with Pentax 67II
Reflx Lab generously provided me with some Kodak Vision 3 5203 50D film in 120 format, and I must say, it’s a gem that often goes overlooked in its 135 format. While some may find the results to be on the paler side, I was intrigued to try this film after watching Oppenheimer at an IMAX cinema. Its exceptional resolution and captivating 3D effect caught my attention.
You might recall my previous experience with Reflx Lab’s Kodak 500T film on my Rolleiflex 2.8F, which yielded fantastic results. If you haven’t seen it, I encourage you to take a look. This time, I brought along the 50D 120 film on my journey to Scotland in the UK. The weather had its share of drama, with fair and sunny days followed by heavy rainstorms in John O’Groat. I eagerly waited for the perfect opportunity to test this film.
One drawback worth mentioning is that this film is daylight balanced, which means using it on overcast days may result in cool color tones that I personally try to avoid. Additionally, with an ISO speed of 50, shooting handheld without a tripod becomes challenging, especially with the limitations of an f/2.8 lens. If any of you have experience with this film, I would appreciate your feedback and insights in the comments section.
For those interested in trying out this film, I’ve provided a link below where you can purchase it, along with Reflx Lab’s 250D and 500T options in 120 format. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter and enjoy a discount on your first purchase!
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Finally, during our visit to a beach in Thurso, the breathtaking scenery and limited number of locals made for a truly enjoyable experience. After finishing a roll of Kodak Ektar 100, I swiftly loaded a roll of Reflx Lab 50D into my Pentax 67II. Carrying this camera was a bit cumbersome, as it allowed me to capture only ten shots per roll. Additionally, its weight restricted me to bringing just one lens — the SMC 90mm f/2.8, offering versatility for landscape and portrait shots.
One of my captures features Ka hei, showcasing how this film beautifully preserves details from highlights to shadows, even behind her sunglasses. Kei had a blast playing in the water, and I couldn’t resist capturing his joy.
To capture the expansive view, I opted for a smaller aperture like f/8 or f/11, but with the ISO 50 limitation, I settled for f/5.6.
By the way, do you have a fondness for sprocket holes? Personally, I don’t mind them, and a little cropping can make the images truly stand out.
Reflx Lab’s 50D film impressed me with its outstanding skin tones and authentic, true-to-life colours. While it may not deliver the punchy colours of Kodak Ektar, it offers a more pastel and rich palette compared to Kodak Portra 160. I would describe the film’s rendering as “comfortable and relaxed,” perfectly capturing the essence of the scene. Please keep in mind that this film can only be processed using the ECN-2 method. It’s advisable to check with your local lab beforehand to ensure they offer this specific processing service.
Next time, I plan to explore the film’s compatibility with urban landscapes. Stay tuned for more exciting shots!
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