Analog Amsterdam

Can you help us keep film affordable?

Analog Amsterdam is on a brief holiday. Shipping of orders will continue in week 15!

About Motion Picture Film

Shooting motion picture film stocks is an affordable alternative to other professional films, especially other colour negative films. However, since these film stocks are originally not intended to be used by the photographer, handling and processing these films might need a little extra attention.

Because motion picture stocks are usually shot at 24 frames a second (and at times even more), the film needs to be more resilient than the average still photography film stock. For example, using regular film at a high speed could lead to static discharges exposing the film. Though not the case for Double-X black-and-white film, the colour negative Vision3 films made by Kodak feature an additional removable jet-black layer, also called the remjet layer. This layer protects against scratches, static discharges, but also halation. Because Cinestill removes this layer, their films are prone to static discharges and the (in)famous halations.

This remjet layer also means processing Vision3 as any other colour negative film, using the C41 process, takes extra precaution. Instead of C41, the films are designed for the ECN-2 process; a process similar though not identical to C41, with an additional step to remove the remjet layer.  Though cross-processing ECN-2 film in C41 is possible and will lead to good results, the remjet layer must be removed in a separate step, and if this is not done perfectly beforehand this layer could partially disintegrate and contaminate processing machines at labs.

Film director Cristopher Nolan next to a motion picture camera loaded with Vision3 film stock

Processing Motion Picture Film

ECN-2 kit for home processing by Bellini Foto

So, how do you process this beautiful film? There are a few options:

Lab Development

As mentioned before, not all labs can handle motion picture film. Double-X and other BW films require no special process and can be developed at any lab that processes BW film.

Vision3 colour films do require a special process. This community driven list is a valuable source for ECN-2 film qualified labs near you. Also contact your local lab before sending Vision3 film to them to avoid damaging any equipment and other films.

Home Development

If you have experience with developing colour film at home, handling Vision3 should be an easy task for you. The easiest step to take is to purchase an ECN-2 kit made by Bellini Foto. Alternatively, you can process with C41, adding a step to remove the remjet layer either before or after the other steps. This is a relatively easy step, for which there are many guides available online. Remjet remover can be made at home with just baking soda and water. Note that you should rate the film speed +2/3 ASA if you intend to develop ECN-2 film in C41 chemistry.

⚠ Notice About the Film ⚠

Please consider the film sold in this store as experimental. Though Analog Amsterdam works carefully to have a light-proof, scratch-free environment and process, the rolls remain the result of a handwork process and are therefore subject to variations, faults, and imperfections. 

Always store your rolls in a dark and dry place and load in subdued light.

About Motion Picture Film

Shooting motion picture film stocks is an affordable alternative to other professional films, especially other colour negative films. However, since these film stocks are originally not intended to be used by the photographer, handling and processing these films might need a little extra attention.

Because motion picture stocks are usually shot at 24 frames a second (and at times even more), the film needs to be more resilient than the average still photography film stock. For example, using regular film at a high speed could lead to static discharges exposing the film. Though not the case for Double-X black-and-white film, the colour negative Vision3 films made by Kodak feature an additional removable jet-black layer, also called the remjet layer. This layer protects against scratches, static discharges, but also halation. Because Cinestill removes this layer, their films are prone to static discharges and the (in)famous halations.

This remjet layer also means processing Vision3 as any other colour negative film, using the C41 process, is impossible. Instead, the films are designed for the ECN-2 process; a process similar though not identical to C41, with an additional step to remove the remjet layer.  Though cross-processing ECN-2 film in C41 is possible and will lead to good results, the remjet layer must be removed in a separate step, and if this is not done perfectly beforehand this layer could partially disintegrate and contaminate processing machines at labs.

Film director Cristopher Nolan next to a motion picture camera loaded with Vision3 film stock

Processing Motion Picture Film

So, how do you process this beautiful film? There are a few options:

Lab Development

As mentioned before, not all labs can handle motion picture film. Double-X and other BW films require no special process and can be developed at any lab that processes BW film.

Vision3 colour films do require a special process. This community driven list is a valuable source for ECN-2 film qualified labs near you. Also contact your local lab before sending Vision3 film to them to avoid damaging any equipment and other films.

Home Development

If you have experience with developing colour film at home, handling Vision3 should be an easy task for you. The easiest step to take is to purchase an ECN-2 kit made by Bellini Foto. Alternatively, you can process with C41, adding a step to remove the remjet layer either before or after the other steps. This is a relatively easy step, for which there are many guides available online. Remjet remover can be made at home with just baking soda and water. Note that you should rate the film speed +2/3 ASA if you intend to develop ECN-2 film in C41 chemistry.

ECN-2 kit for home processing by Bellini Foto

⚠ Notice About the Film ⚠

Please consider the film sold in this store as experimental. Though Analog Amsterdam works carefully to have a light-proof, scratch-free environment and process, the rolls remain the result of a handwork process and are therefore subject to variations, faults, and imperfections. 

Always store your rolls in a dark and dry place and load in subdued light.