What is tungsten film?

Tungsten film is a type of film that is designed to produce color-correct images taken under artificial lighting.

Unlike the human eye, photographic film cannot adjust to different light conditions and that’s why we choose our film stocks based on our intended shooting environment.

Most standard films are daylight-balanced, so they capture colors accurately when used outdoors or with electronic flash. Light temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) and these film stocks are usually around 5500K. The higher the Kelvin rating, the whiter the light will be – that’s why photos taken with standard films have relatively good white balance.

Photos by cfehse, sierravictor, amsiglela_yallehei, koduckgirl, grazie, mlchaelbexley, hodachrome

Tungsten film is around 3200K, and was developed for photographers who utilize studio lights. When used indoors, it gives color-balanced outcomes even under harsh artificial lighting. When used outdoors, tungsten film produces a strong blue cast that is beneficial for experimental photographers or filmmakers who have to shoot night scenes during daytime.

Lomography Golden Rule #10 states, don’t worry about any rules. Tungsten film was made to be used under tungsten lights, but that doesn’t limit its capabilities. Dare to take advantage of its unique qualities indoors or outdoors, under natural light or artificial ones – you might end up liking it even more!

Photos by vici, fayeusokoi, kimpy05, oriolphotography, mont0417

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  • What are the different photographic film formats?

    What are the different photographic film formats?

    The three main types of film format are 35 mm, medium format and large format. More unusual formats also exist such as 110 and 127.

  • What is 126 film?

    What is 126 film?

    126 film was launched by Kodak in 1963 as a way to simplify the process of loading and unloading film into cameras. Its name comes from the negatives’ dimension of 26.5 mm square. Although companies ceased mass production of 126 format around 2007 to 2008, its cartridge is still known and loved today.

  • What is APS film?

    What is APS film?

    Advanced Photo System or APS film was introduced in 1996 as a “high-tech” or modern alternative to the 126 and 110 film formats. It was 24 mm wide and it introduced many innovations, like the ability to choose exposure lengths and print sizes. Production of new APS film was ceased in 2011.

  • What is the difference between panchromatic and orthochromatic film?

    What is the difference between panchromatic and orthochromatic film?

    Orthochromatic film is made with blue-sensitive silver halide crystals, while panchromatic film adds other chemicals to increase the film’s sensitivity into the green and red parts of the spectrum.

  • What is a half-frame film camera?

    What is a half-frame film camera?

    Half-frame cameras shoot 18×24 mm photographs on 35 mm film. This means you can take up to 72 images on one single roll and save a lot of film!

  • What are LomoChrome films?

    LomoChrome is the name given to Lomography’s experimental film stocks. There are currently four LomoChrome film stocks available: LomoChrome Purple, LomoChrome Turquoise, LomoChrome Metropolis, and LomoChrome Color ‘92.

  • Where to get film developed?

    There are a lot of places that can process and develop your 35 mm color negative film such as local drugstores or one-hour photo labs.

  • What is the processing method for Redscale and LomoChrome films?

    All Lomography color films are processed using C-41 chemicals. This includes Lomography RedScale XR and our popular range of color-shifting LomoChrome films – LomoChrome Purple, LomoChrome Metropolis and LomoChrome Turquoise

  • What is cross processing?

    What is cross processing?

    Cross processing (or “X-pro”) is the procedure of deliberately processing film in a chemical solution intended for a different type of film. As each chemical mixture is optimized for a specific kind of film, you will get unpredictable results when combining them differently.