Being a lover of 35mm film photography, I've been keen to try out the new CineStill range of film stock with either my Nikon FM2 or Nikon F3. So I purchased a roll each of their CineStill 50D, CineStill 800T and CineStill BWXX 135 film from the marvellous Analogue Wonderland.

So far I've only managed to shoot a roll of Cine Still 50D. ​It is adapted from Kodak Film stock by a family-run American business, who have established a way of removing the remjet layer from movie film stock - making it possible to be developed in traditional C41 chemicals and therefore available as 135 film stock.

As the name suggests, this emulsion has a film speed of ISO 50 and is colour balanced for daylight (hence the D). Being balanced slap-bang in the middle of the kelvin colour spectrum, it is clearly designed to be used on bright sunny days, when it will produce the most amazing colours with fine grain and wonderful detail. However, it can be disappointing on overcast days, when it will naturally produce dull images with a green tinge to it.

I shot the film with my Nikon FM2 in a variety of venues, and in different daylight conditions. The image below, demonstrates the green tint you can get under cloudy conditions. In my view, this is a minor problem that can be corrected with either using a filter on your camera or as a last resort in digital processing.

I have been scanning my negatives with a small Kenro scanner, but have recently not been pleased with the results. So to test its quality I sent the roll to Analogue Wonderland for both developing and scanning. I have been blown away not only by the quality of their work, but by their friendly and professional customer service. I will definitely be sending my images to them for scanning in the future. To be fair to Kenro, I think I may have damaged my scanner when I tried to clean it during lockdown!

Overall, CineStill 50D is a brilliant emulsion that I will use again. Indeed it could well become a favourite for bright, sunny days.

I have CineStill BWXX in my Nikon FM2 and will post a blog on how I get on with it. I plan to even give it a go with some off-camera flash portraiture too.

I have a roll of Kodak Portrait 400 in my Nikon F3 but when that's done, I plan to load it with a roll of CineStill 800T and do a some night photography in the city. So watch this space!

Finally, just to say that I highly recommend Analogue Wonderland for both purchasing your film stock and trusting them with your developing and scanning requirements. They are simply great at what they do!

Posted by Clive Larrett Photography on 30 June 2022

Saltcoats was chosen to represent Scotland in the live television broadcast of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacon Lighting ceremonies, which took place throughout the United Kingdom. The ceremony took place on the pier of Saltcoats Harbour on 02 June 2022  and the beacon was lit at sunset by Councillor Jim Montgomerie, after he had been interviewed by the legendary Scottish Weather/Television presenter, Carol Kirkwood.

However, festivities started much earlier in the evening, with the arrival of Carol and the BBC Scotland film crew. An early spectator who claimed his spot and marked the boundary for all other spectators was Jimmy Miller (below), a previous Saltcoats Town Councillor. He was accompanied by a very happy-looking sovereign.

Carol arrived early for rehearsals, and whilst the BBC Scotland film crew were setting up, she took the opportunity to meet the locals - especially veteran members of the local Royal British Legion and Councillor Jim Montgomerie.

Below: Having completed his part of the set up, a BBC Scotland cameraman takes a break before rehearsals.

Above: The BBC Scotland Crew ready and waiting for the live feed on national television whilst Carol Kirkwood talks to the school children; and (below) as a background to the interview and lighting ceremony, music was provided by a Scottish Pipe Band and traditional Highland Dancing by Rachel Ferrie.

Above: Councillor Jim Montgomerie being interviewed by Carol Kirkwood and Below: There was a festive vibe to the occasion and the crowd were clearly enjoying themselves. Everyone looked forward to sunset and the lighting of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacon.

Below: Councillor Jim Montgomerie lights the beacon

Above: The Tartan worn by Rachel Ferrie is the Saltcoats Tartan - the blue of the sea, the beige of the sand, the black of the coal, the white of the salt and red for the sun combined with a deep and rich purple, the traditional colour of Scotland.  It was registered in 2001 and was produced in conjunction with Baxters Jewellers (Saltcoats).