Cross Processing Color Guide 255

At times, we use different color tones to express different moods. For example, we will choose bright blue for joy, deep red for nostalgia, indigo for darker moods. Some films have similar color tones, you can choose according to your preferences. But there are still subtle differences and my article will discuss in greater details.

However, I would like to clarify something upfront:

Every x-pro film development is unique, even if the same film is used. Camera, lens, ambient lighting, ISO setting, lab used, etc. will affect the final results. Therefore, the chosen photos might not be the most beautiful. But I had included every possible shooting combination such as different sky colors, indoors/outdoors, cameras for your reference.

I had personally used all the films discussed below. But there are so many types of slide films out there. These are for reference purposes, you need to try out to see if you like the color shifts.

Photography is on a best effort basis, hence no price comparisons or hard sell here (wouldn't that take the fun out of photography?).

But first things first: what is cross-processing? Cross-processing (also known as 'x-pro') is the procedure of deliberately processing one type of film in a chemical solution intended for another type of film. As particular chemical solutions are optimized for specific kinds of film, you will get unpredictable and interesting results when they are combined differently. Now, let's move forward to the cross-processing color guide!

Blue

Agfa Precisa CT100 - The legendary Agfa slide film turns beautifully blue after x-pro. To be exact, it makes all colors vivid but natural. It is a great performer in both strong and low lights. Ever since production shifted from Europe to Japan, the colors turn more greenish, especially for night and indoor shots.





Photos taken with the EU-produced film. 1-3: Minox 35GT, 4: LC-A





Photos taken with the JP-produced film. 1-2: Natura Classica, 3-4: LC-A

Lomography X-Pro Chrome 100 - It makes all colors more vivid, without too much color shifts. You would be tempted to take random shots of the skies, the children, and continue right into the night! It is not affected by low light.

Kodak EliteChrome 100 - Similar to Agfa CT100, it is perfect for taking blue skies. Capturing portraits during sunny days will also look natural. Under the dim twilight lighting, colors will appear more natural. There are green color shifts for indoors and night shots, be careful if taking portraits.

Green

Fuji Sensia 200 - The greens of expired Sensia 200 feels comfortable, unlike the glaring greens when the film is fresh. There is a solemn mood when used in cloudy days. At night, it can express different colors and is not monotonous.

Kodak EliteChrome 200 - The color shifts are in between green and blue. And the whole frame is filled with this depressing color tone. This gives the photo a vintage feel. When shot indoor, one color dominates, therefore the subject should be something with high contrasts.

Fuji Provia 400F - This is my most frequently used film. Besides the slight tinge of green color shifts, it is fast enough for different lighting conditions. Although not as vivid as X-Pro Chrome 100, there is a certain profound depth in the greenish blue skies. Despite the slight green cast, it is still suitable for portrait skin tones.

Fuji Provia100F - Under sunny conditions, it has greenish blue color shifts. On cloudy days, indoors and at night, it is bright green. Therefore, it is more suitable for the great outdoors.





1-2: Lubitel 166+, 3: LC-A , 4-5: Holga 120 WPC

Yellow

Lomography X-Pro Slide 200 - At night, yellow is dominant! There is pale yellow color cast on sunny and cloudy days with a tinge of greens. Therefore, when using X-Pro 200, blue skies will appear a mesmerizing green.





1-3: Sprocket Rocket, 4: Lubitel 166+, 5: Minox 35GT

Red

Fuji Velvia 100F - It is red hot, like burning orange color tones. On sunny days, vivid colored items will retain their colors while others will be painted red. Everything is red indoors and at night. Velvia 100F is great for expressing summer sensations or vintage feel of old neighborhoods.

Fuji Sensia 100 - Its reds are deep reds. As if the skies are holding back some words, there won't be very strong feelings. It is orangey red when shot indoors. My personal opinion is that it is more suitable for landscape shots as it would be too red for portraits.





1-2: LC-A, 3: Minox 35GT

Fuji T64 - Its reds are pinkish red, just like looking at the world through a pair of pink sunglasses. Indoor and cloudy day shots will have a purple tinge, very warm feeling.





1: Holga 135BC, 2: LC-A, 3: Holga 120 WPC, 4: Lubitel 166+

Purple

Fuji Astia 100 - This is one of the rare films with purplish red color shifts. Under sunny conditions, it has a unique charm. Indoor and cloudy day shots will be dominated by purplish red color shifts, under lighting, it is closer to orange colors, like Sensia 100.

Conclusion

Like I mentioned in the beginning, cross processing has too many variables. I can only provide an approximation. No point arguing with RGB values as each photo is uniquely yours! Enjoy the process of being surprised every time! I hope that after reading this, you will grab a suitable film before heading out!

Which film did you bring out today? P.S. I still want to try E100 series!

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