After a year experimenting with a range of slide films, I've come back to K200 as an all-purpose film. For me, ISO200 is a perfect speed, and the consistently solid colours (especially reds and yellows) that K200 gives without having to worry about refrigerated storage make it my first choice. I've read a lot of criticism of this film; let me give my 2 cents worth on 3 points often raised: Firstly, why is grain size such a big issue? No-one ever criticsed Monet for having overly large brush-strokes...grain is part of what makes a photograph an interpretation of reality, not a blind copy. Secondly, although K200 can appear a little warm in bad light, it's a lot better than the blue cast you get with most other films. Finally, waiting 2 weeks to get films processed is, for an amateur like me at least, part of the anticipation that lets you re-live the photographic experience again, something digital cameras are taking away altogether.
If you like Kodachrome colours at all, please try this film; it was narrowly saved from extinction last year and is probably still on Kodak's incomprehensible hit-list.
Strengths:
Great colours in almost any light, even fluorescent
Sharp grain
30+ years archive life
Despite being a regular Fuji user I approached this product with an open mind. I have only shot two rolls of this film on a holiday to Argentina but the results were so poor that they will be last two rolls of Kodachrome I ever shoot. The grain was much, MUCH more noticeable than equivalent Fuji films with a similar ISO rating (ie Sensia 200). Additionally the colour rendition was very poor. The colours lacked the saturation of equivalent Fuji products and the biggest fault of all was the very strong pink cast when used in cloudy conditions (which as mentioned before is exactly when you are going to use a faster film like this). Compared to Fuji Provia or Fuji Sensia this was a very poor film.
Strengths:
None that I can see
Weaknesses:
Where do I begin?
- Grainy
- overpriced compared to Fuji Sensia
- dreadful pink cast that spoiled some otherwise good photos
- lack of colour saturation
After reading countless negative reviews about this film, it is safe to say I had very low expectations of K200. Well, after reviewing my slides from the first roll I shot...I was actually fairly pleased with this fim. I am a huge fan of Kodachrome films, with K25 being my all time favorite. The sharpness of K200 is great! Very sharp! I also liked the warm colour palette. As always, the reds were excellent. But as I expected...the film is very grainy. I found this not to be distracting on close ups, but a major factor on landscapes. Almost to the point of being unusable. But the film does have that classic "Kodachrome look." I don't think I'll shoot many rolls of K200 in the future. I'll continue to use my stock pile of K25, and also shoot K64. I give this film an above average review mainly because of its sharpness, and the K-14 process. It would be great if Kodak improved the grain structure...until then...no 4 or 5 star rating here.
It''s hard for me to imagine that this is the best seller of the Kodachromes. I pick up a roll every few years and am always amaized at the excessive grain. I wish KR 64 and KM 25 were up for review as I would give both 5 stars but this film get a 2, only because I love the Kodachrome process. Long live Kodachrome! RIP old friend KM 25.
Rating Reviewed by: Mark Drutz(Unregistered User)
(Expert)
Review Date July 7, 2001
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Value Rating 4 of 5
Visitors rate this review 3.67 of 5,
3 votes
Review 5 of 20
Price Paid:
$8.00
from B&H Photo
Summary:
A little grainy, but very sharp. Warmer than K64, but good for cloudy day when extra speed and warmth are needed. Pushes nicely to ISO 500. Great for shooting animals.
Strengths:
Good color and sharpness for its speed. Pushes nicely to ISO 500.
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