Amber D100

The film material “Amber D100” distributed by RETO Project is produced by Kodak and is a color negative film that was originally developed for the analog production of motion picture films. The film material is available as “Kodak VISION3 50D” from Kodak itself. However, it is also offered under the Amber brand for analog photography.

Unlike digital photography, the use of film requires special films for daylight and artificial light, since the white balance cannot be easily adjusted. This film is specifically for daylight photography.

Amber specifies the film’s sensitivity as ISO 100, while according to Kodak’s data sheet, the values are slightly different. In daylight, the sensitivity is 50, while in tungsten light it drops to 12.

Developing the film

Developing the film stock in the C-41 process is necessary to obtain the finished images once the film is full, although Kodak’s stock should normally be developed in the ECN-2 process. However, due to the remjet coating already removed from the base material, the C-41 process is also possible.

In the photo lab, development is less complicated because the C-41 process is standardized and can be done by yourself with the right chemistry. Unlike black-and-white films, the development process for color films is standardized. It is possible to take the film to Rossmann or DM-Markt for development with the Amber D100. After development, the film strips with the captured images are returned.

It is possible to make prints in different sizes after taking the pictures or to digitize the pictures. At many photo labs there is an option to make prints. For digital processing, the film strips can be scanned to be digitized.

Considering the budget, there are a variety of devices for digitizing negatives that offer different features and quality. After digitization, the photos can be further processed in digital form or shared on social media.

Formats

35mm format is the only format available with the Amber D100. With a normal image size of 24×36 mm, 27 photos can fit on the color film.

The cartridge containing the film stock is not DX encoded. Modern 35 mm cameras use DX encoding for automatic film speed adjustment. Without manual adjustment capability, the use of the film with the camera is limited. However, a DX sticker is included that allows the film to be used in these cameras as well.

Manufacturers such as Lomography, Rollei, Olympus, and Agfa have offered suitable still cameras for the 35mm format.

Storage

It is important to note that the quality of subsequent photographs can be affected by the storage conditions of the unexposed film stock. Storage in cool and dry environments is optimal, while locations with high humidity or direct sunlight should be avoided.

To counteract potential quality loss, it is recommended that the exposed film be developed in a timely manner. Kodak recommends developing the material within a six-month period, which also applies to the Amber D100.