After trying Lady Grey and X-Pro Chrome (35 mm films), redscale was the way to go. I was initially skeptical about the red tones but I was awed by the interesting red effects...and am now converted.
Following the first time I used Lomography Lady Grey and X-Pro Chrome (yes, I am slow on the uptake, having found a good film I tend to buy in bulk the way my parents bought fruits and toothpaste), I decided to buy 3 rolls of Lomography Redscale XR 50 – 200, (it comes in rolls of 3) of film. I took these shots (2 rolls) all in Melaka, Malaysia — what would be a better place, as the city is full of red buildings as well!
It was quite interesting to see how the photos turned out. My observations:
Early morning (8am – 9am):
Muted reds, no strong contrast, almost grainy, black/silhouettes are stark, almost purplish on my screen.
Noon time – 3 pm on a sweltering hot (30 degrees +) day:
Yellowish contrast, sun rays looks yellow, whole photo has yellow tinge.
Afternoon, 4 pm onwards on a cloudy day:
I found this time to have the most interesting outcomes. Some of the photos look sepia-ish and some shots have the totally yellow tinge + black, with no reds, while others are almost the same as in the early morning with little contrast.
In sheltered areas such as doorways with no direct overhead light:
All the photos are really with no contrast in areas where the sun is not overhead, where I took the photos they turned out quite dark, so best is to have a nice overhead sun!
I am super happy with the results of this redscale film despite my earlier misgivings.
Camera: Superheadz (unable to adjust any ISO speed, just press shoot button!)
Film: Lomography Redscale XR 50 – 200 35mm
Location: Melaka, Malaysia
I’m really, really surprised with the results of the redscale film as I thought it would produce slightly boring photos with little contrast. I imagined too that the red might be too glaring, but the subtly grainy effects with non-boring different tones make me now want to take many, many rolls of red…
And that could very well turn into a reality, but after I complete my journey with X-Pro chrome and black and white film, and possibly my last roll of Ferrania Solaris 800. I took about 200 photos using Ferrania Solaris and was disheartened to hear that the factory in Italy had stopped production last year. I am a lover of grainy effect + pinkish tones, so hopefully, there will be a film someday that is able to be my constant companion.
PS: I am now also a fan of the round mirrors used on one-way street….now I can have the fisheye effect!
Load up the Lomography Redscale 100 35mm film and achieve the warm-tinged effect produced only by exposing the negative on the reverse side! You’ll get breathtaking square shots evoking intensely warm, honey hues. See our selection of Lomography films here.