Kodak Colorplus is a popular color negative film that has been around for many years. It is known for its vivid and saturated colors as well as its affordability. With 36 exposures per roll, Colorplus allows photographers to capture a good number of images before needing to change film. However, the exact number of photos that can be stored on a roll of Colorplus depends on several factors. In this article, we’ll take a look at what determines the photo capacity of Colorplus and provide estimates for how many images you can expect to get from a roll.
Image Size
The most significant factor that determines the number of photos per roll of Colorplus is the image size you are shooting at. Colorplus 35mm film has a fixed length and width, but cameras allow you to set different image formats which cut different amounts off the edges. The common options are:
| Full Frame (FF) | 36x24mm |
| Leica (L) | 36x27mm |
| Universal (U) | 24x36mm |
As you can see, the full frame 35mm format takes up the entire width of the film strip and provides the most exposures. The Leica format is a slightly larger square crop, sacrificing some length to gain additional height. The universal or “half frame” format only uses half the width of the film, but doubles the length and number of possible exposures.
The number of photos per 36 exposure roll on Colorplus in each format is:
| Full Frame | 36 photos |
| Leica | 27 photos |
| Universal | 72 photos |
So if you want to maximize the number of shots on Colorplus, using a camera that can shoot half frame would allow you to get 72 photos on a single roll. However, the smaller half frame negatives may limit your options for printing and enlarging photos.
Camera Settings
In addition to image format, certain camera settings can also impact the number of photos per roll:
– ISO Speed – Colorplus is available in ISO 200 and ISO 400 speed ratings. The faster ISO 400 film is more light sensitive, which means you can use faster shutter speeds and smaller apertures. This allows you to shoot in lower light conditions. However, the tradeoff is that ISO 400 film will produce slightly more grain in your photos. If you need to shoot in very dark environments, you may get a few more images from a roll using ISO 400 over ISO 200.
– Exposure Settings – Using slower shutter speeds or wider apertures will allow you to shoot in lower light, but will use up more of the film per image. If you use very fast shutter speeds and stopped down apertures in bright light, you may be able to squeeze a couple more photos per roll.
– Flash – Using flash will allow you to shoot in dark conditions while using fast shutter speeds and smaller apertures. This can conserve film and allow you to get more images per roll. However, flash may not be appropriate for all types of photography.
– Bracketing – Bracketing your exposures (taking multiple shots at different settings) is a good practice to ensure you get the shot you want, but it does use up film faster. If you want to maximize images per roll, avoid unnecessary bracketing.
Getting the most photos per roll requires maximizing your light efficiency through both camera settings and shooting technique.
Condition of the Film and Camera
The age and condition of the film as well as your camera can also impact the number of images you can shoot:
– Old/Expired Film – Color film slowly degrades over time. Very old or expired film can have reduced sensitivity, which limits your effective ISO speed. This would result in fewer total photos, especially in low light conditions. Check the expiration date and store film properly to maximize its shelf life.
– Old Camera – Similarly, an aging, malfunctioning camera can lead to wasted exposures. Issues like light leaks, shutter inaccuracies, focusing problems, and processing errors can result in more wasted shots. Routinely service and clean your gear.
– Damaged Film – Small perforations run along the edges of 35mm film and allow it to advance properly through your camera. Damaged perforations from improper handling or storage can prevent the film from winding correctly and result in lost frames. Inspect film before loading.
– Subpar Processing – Faulty processing machines or chemicals can damage film and images. Choosing a reputable lab can ensure quality processing and maximize your keepers.
Proper handling and storage of film, paired with a camera in good working order, will help optimize your shots per roll.
Subject Matter
The actual subject matter you are photographing can also impact efficiency in shooting:
– Action Shots – Fast moving sports, wildlife, or vehicles require faster shutter speeds and predictive focus/timing. You may miss more exposures of fast action, resulting in more wasted frames.
– Bracketing – Certain tricky lighting situations like sunsets and landscapes may require exposure bracketing to obtain the desired look. Bracketing minimizes wasted shots but uses more film.
– Portraits – Portrait sessions involve more prep time and test shots for posing and lighting, which can use up film. But portraits allow more control to maximize keepers.
– Experimental Shots – Creative shots involving motion blur, panning, light painting, double exposures, etc may require some trial and error. This can result in more wasted frames while experimenting.
The easiest way to maximize film is to shoot static or slow-moving subjects using consistent lighting. Fast action and challenging lighting require more bracketing and skill to avoid wasted images.
Shooting Discipline
Having discipline in your shooting approach can help you make every shot count:
– Previsualization – Visualize your shots in advance and compose intentionally before depressing the shutter. Don’t shoot randomly.
– Focus – Use manual focus techniques and focus brackets to maximize keepers. Autofocus can miss in tricky conditions.
– Shoot Deliberately – Shoot more slowly and deliberately, not machine gun style. Frame and expose each shot purposefully.
– Vary Compositions – When shooting a scene or subject, look for multiple compelling ways to compose and vary your shots.
– Minimize Bracketing – Only bracket exposures when truly necessary. Don’t just bracket every shot as a default.
– Watch Your Backgrounds – Be aware of distracting or cluttered backgrounds and adjust your composition or angle as needed.
Following the mantra of “shoot less, shoot better” rather than spraying and praying will help boost your keeper rate.
Optimal Shooting Habits
To maximize images per roll of Colorplus (or any film), employ these best practices in your shooting:
– Load your camera in subdued lighting to avoid fogging unexposed film.
– Select ISO 200 speed for low grain and high sharpness when possible.
– Choose smaller apertures (higher f-stop numbers) for greater depth of field.
– Use a tripod or monopod when appropriate to allow slower shutter speeds.
– Compose each shot carefully and intentionally before depressing the shutter.
– Focus precisely, especially in low light, and use focus brackets if needed.
– Minimize unnecessary exposure bracketing when you can properly expose a shot.
– Pick ideal lighting conditions and avoid shooting in dark environments.
– Select compressed image formats like Leica or half frame when the quality tradeoff is acceptable.
– Avoid extremely fast moving subjects when possible to minimize wasted frames.
– Manage backgrounds and compositions thoughtfully.
– Store film properly and process with a reputable lab to preserve quality.
Following this general guidance will help ensure you get the most out of each roll.
Estimating Photo Capacity
Given all these factors, what is a good rule of thumb for number of photos on a 36 exposure roll of Colorplus? Here are some realistic estimates:
Full Frame Format
– Average conditions/shooting = 30-34 photos
– Ideal conditions = 35-36 photos
Leica/Square Format
– Average conditions/shooting = 22-25 photos
– Ideal conditions = 26-27 photos
Half Frame/Universal Format
– Average conditions/shooting = 60-65 photos
– Ideal conditions = 70-72 photos
Your specific shooting style and subject matter may put you on the lower or higher end of these ranges. Only extensive practice and discipline will allow you to achieve the maximum imaging capacity of Colorplus film. Having realistic expectations of 25-30 shots per roll under average real-world conditions is wise for most photographers.
Conclusion
While the 36 exposure Colorplus roll is capable of capturing 36 full frame images, most photographers will realistically get 25-30 shots per roll on average. Image format, camera settings, shooting technique, and conditions all play a role in determining the number of photos possible. Maximizing your shots involves picking half frame or square formats, shooting in bright light, minimizing bracketing, using fast shutter speeds and smaller apertures, following optimal focusing and exposure techniques, and maintaining your equipment. With practice and discipline, you can improve your keeper rate and utilize Colorplus film more efficiently. But being comfortable with a more realistic 30 shot average per roll is wise under normal shooting circumstances.
