Film for large canvas prints from my Rolleiflex TLR

[bgprest]

I'm planning on taking some pictures on my Rolleiflex (6x6) that I plan to have drum scanned and printed on stretched canvas enlarged up to around 44" square. These are going to include some pictures of my house (from unique angles) as well as some of the trees and other foliage in my yard.

I'd appreciate advice as to what (color) film would be the best to use. First off, should I use transparency film or print film. And then, what specific film would you recommend?

I'd also appreciate your recommendations on sources to have these stretched canvas prints done (hopefully near me in the Plano / North Texas area).

Any other advice you can provide will also be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Brian

[venchka]

Film's cheap. The scanning and the printing will be the major expenses. Use a variety of films. Kodak's Portra 160 speed film is nice. They make two versions: NC (natural color) and VC (more saturated). Fine grain-should't be a problem. Fuji makes similar film, 160S and 160C. The Fuji site can tell you which is normal and which is more saturated. That covers negative film. Fuji's tranparency films are good as well. Velvia 50 (saturated) is probably the fine grain champ. Expose at E.I. 40. Provia is more natural.

Shoot it all. Figure out wihich photos you like best from the various films. Make sure you can find a lab to develop your film.

Tripod!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck!

[venchka]

You may be able to find your lens tested here:

http://www.hevanet.com/cperez/MF_testing.html

Scroll down to the TLR lens tests.

[humminboid]

Brian:

Your TLR with any film will produce better quality than any 35mm camera/lens combination in captivity, but film is a bit scarce for the beautiful creatures. Whatever color neg film you can get the most economically will do just fine. Fine grain is a non-issue.

The Xenar and Tessar lenses on the Rolleis will do brilliant work, if they haven't been beat up.

I would recommend any ~ 100 speed neg film you can buy for your camera. 200 is good, and 400 ISO today is as good as the 100 of just 15 years ago. We used 400 for making up to 14X16 trial exhibit photos...from 35mm negs.
Not the best; it was all we would issue to our Highway Patrol officers, but acceptable in all respects, and you have ~2 1/2 X the negative area to play with.

As was suggested, tripod, then meter carefully. Cable release, if you have one. If not, I'd suggest buying one. I bet you will love what your Rollei does for you.

[venchka]

Another thought: my favorite 120 color negative film: Fuji Reala 100.

If you can't find decent 120 film locally, Freestyle Photo and B&H are the best online sources.

Be sure and lest us know what you end up using and the results.