Bokeh and film type

[Roberto]

Today I've been hit by a tought (sometimes it still happens.. )

Is the bokeh of a picture depending not only by the lens, but also by the film type that we're using, maybe because of grain, contrast etc. etc.

Does that make any sense?

Rob.

[whickus]

rarely, but mostly no. the way an image looks out of focus is 99.9% due to the optics used in making the image. the only way the film type might influnce it is due to the tonal range of that particular film, but that influences the entire image, not just the out of focus areas. changing film types cannot give more or less dof at a given aperture. nor can it make the bokeh swirly if the lens usually gives non-swirly bokeh.

[Roger Hicks]

Originally Posted by whickus

rarely, but mostly no. the way an image looks out of focus is 99.9% due to the optics used in making the image. the only way the film type might influnce it is due to the tonal range of that particular film, but that influences the entire image, not just the out of focus areas. changing film types cannot give more or less dof at a given aperture. nor can it make the bokeh swirly if the lens usually gives non-swirly bokeh.

I'll second that -- though I'll add that of course a faster film may allow a smaller aperture.

Cheers,

R.

[CK Dexter Haven]

I think it does. I'm finally down to using combinations of lens+film for that reason.

If i use a very fine-grained film, i'm careful to either use a lens with smooth/simple/uncomplicated bokeh to avoid double lines/nissen. If i use a grainy film, like Tri-X, the grain breaks up the bokeh and nissen isn't as easily noticed. Sometimes it even adds to the effect. I have a picture of Amelia Earhart in the 20s, probably shot with a 4x5, where the bokeh would have been horrid if shot with fine grained film and/or color film. But, the B+W grain makes it look nice. It's just 'classic' in some way.

This is an issue i started to believe was related to digital.... Bokeh seems to be far more egregious with digital images than with film.... Digital reveals the optics. Film grain makes it more graphic and painterly.

This is a recent shot, with a combination i'm going to be using a lot from now on.



I found it first in a series of pictures by another flickr member.....

[Roberto]

Here you go! I read my mind Dexter.. I came to the same conclusions: harsh bokeh can live with grainy films, smooth with fine grain emulsions..

Rob.