CineStill 800T: How a Repurposed Motion Picture Film Became a Still Photography Favorite

Key facts

• CineStill 800T is derived from Kodak Vision 3 5219 (Vision 3 500T) motion picture film.
• The film is a tungsten-balanced color negative emulsion known for latitude, fine grain, and accurate colors under tungsten lighting.
• In 2012, brothers Brandon and Brian Wright began beta testing Vision3 500T with the remjet backing removed prior to exposure.
• The remjet layer, if not removed, ruins C-41 chemistry and can damage film and processing equipment.
• Motion picture labs typically require minimum film lengths, making 36-exposure rolls impractical to process alone.
• CineStill 800T was initially available only in 35mm; a successful Indiegogo campaign helped bring it to 120 format.
• The film's red halation glow results from the absence of the remjet anti-halation layer, causing light to bounce off the pressure plate.
• Under daylight, the film produces a blue cast unless a warming filter (85 or 81) is used; overexposing by one stop and rating at ISO 400 is recommended for normal colors.
• The film can be rated up to ISO 3200 with a three-stop push and has been shot at ISO 1000 without pushing.
• Blue Moon Camera and Machine in Portland, Oregon, stocks the film and offers lab services; PetaPixel Members get 10% off.