Shooting at Box Speed, Pushing 1+

[Daniel Schutte]

Hi everyone,

Apologies if this has been asked previously.

I am set to shoot a folk horror short film in a few months. We're on 35mm 2-perf, and I'm keen to explore some different looks that can be attained with the medium.

Pushing during development is often suggested as a means of brining out grain and increasing contrast, but I'm hesitant to do this in the traditional fashion, as pushing by a stop does not actually double the ASA - the film is still being deprived of light, even though subsequent compensation during development might make the negative appear thicker.

Instead, I'm considering shooting at box speed, pushing by a stop and then scanning down a stop to negate the push. In theory this will give the "pushed " look, while still providing the film with the light it actually needs.

I am lucky enough to be able to shoot a test roll before filming commences, but I am curious to hear the opinions of more experienced DP's before trying this.

[Phillip Mosness]

No personal experience, but are you planning to shoot with 5219?

I found a test that might help.

And here's a 2 perf test rated at 1250 pushed +2

 

Edited August 27, 2025 by Phillip Mosness