Manufacturer vs. Personal ISO/ASA Ratings

[Book/TV Project]

It is fairly common for a still photographer, after doing some tests, to adopt a "personal" ISO/ASA for a film that is different from the speed recommended by the manufacturer. Do cinematographers do this? I should point out that I am talking about the adoption of a particular speed to get "correct" exposure, not about deliberate under or over exposure.

[John Pytlak RIP]

It is fairly common for a still photographer, after doing some tests, to adopt a "personal" ISO/ASA for a film that is different from the speed recommended by the manufacturer.  Do cinematographers do this?  I should point out that I am talking about the adoption of a particular speed to get "correct" exposure, not about deliberate under or over exposure.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

The film manufacturer's EI rating is a suggested starting point. With a color negative film, you may rate the film slightly lower (overexpose slightly) to get better shadow detail and finer grain. Or you may underexpose slightly to reduce shadow detail or enhance the grain structure:

 

http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/support/h1/exposure.shtml

 

http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/support/h1/structure.shtml

 

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/tib/tib5209.shtml

 

Choosing the film type and exposure index helps determine the "look" you get.