Kodak Vision3 AHU First Look: Remjet-Free Revolution for Film Photographers?
Film photography just got a major upgrade with Kodak's Vision3 AHU—the remjet-free version of their iconic motionpicture stock. In my latest YouTube video, I give a hands-on first look: unboxing, shooting a roll on my Nikon F6, home-developing with standard C-41 chemistry, and scanning the results. If you're tired of messy remjet but crave that cinematiclook, this could change everything. This companion blog post dives deeper into the video's insights, from what AHU meansto real-world performance on stocks like 50D, 250D, and 500T. Watch below for the full demo, and subscribe for upcomingdeep dives like night shoots and comparisons!
What is Vision3 AHU and Why the Hype?
Kodak Vision3 is beloved for its fine grain, vibrant colors, and cinematic tones—think Hollywood films. The catch? Traditional versions have a remjet backing that protects against halation but requires special removal during development, often leading to messy tanks or lab fees. Enter AHU (Anti-Halation Undercoat), a remjet-free innovation that lets you process it like any color negative film using standard C-41 chemistry at home.
In the video, I unbox fresh rolls of 50D, 250D, and 500T AHU. These are daylight (D) and tungsten (T) balanced stocks, with ISO ratings from 50 to 500. The packaging is sleek and pro-grade, and the film loads like any 35mm canister—no surprises there.
Shooting Experience: Metering and Real-World Tests
I wasted no time: Loaded the rolls into my Nikon F6 and hit the streets at dawn for varied lighting. Shot the 500T first in low light (no sun yet), switched to 250D as the glow built, and finished with 50D in full sun. No filters for the initial test—shot at box speed to see performance.
Key takeaways:
Handling and Metering: Meters beautifully; the F6's matrix metering nailed exposures. For 500T in daylight (tungsten-balanced at 3200K), expect a blue cast without an 85B filter—Kodak recommends rating it at 320 ISO with the filter for correction. I skipped it here but plan a filtered test soon.
Dynamic Range and Contrast: Excels in high-contrast scenes. Dawn shots with deep shadows and bright skies showed no blown highlights or crushed blacks—far better than consumer films.
Halation and Flare: Minimal blooming around lights (e.g., street lamps showed slight halation in one angle, but nothing excessive). Sun flares were controlled, adding a subtle cinematic glow without it being overwhelming.
Pro tip: For best results, use a quality lens and avoid direct sun—AHU's anti-halation layer shines in mixed lighting.
Home Development: C-41 Simplicity
No remjet means no pre-wash hassle! I developed the film using standard C-41 kits: A quick pre-wash, then normal processing. Total time: Under an hour (including film drying), with no black gunk in the tank.
If you're new to home dev, AHU lowers the barrier—perfect for enthusiasts wanting cinematic results without ECN-2 chemistry or having to remove the remjet coating.
Scan Results: Colors, Grain, and Wow Factor
Scanned on an Epson Perfection V850 with SilverFast software (using Kodak Gold 200 profile as a base—no dedicated Vision3 yet). Tweaked white balance on neutrals for accuracy.
50D (Daylight, Low ISO): Ultra-fine grain, punchy colors, and insane sharpness. Handles bright sun and shadows flawlessly—ideal for landscapes or high-detail work.
250D (Daylight Balanced): Vibrant tones with pleasing grain. Dawn shots showed gorgeous pinks and oranges; high contrast (e.g., shadowed buildings vs. sunny facades) rendered beautifully.
500T (Tungsten, High ISO): Fine grain for 500 ISO; blue cast in daylight (as expected without filter), but corrects easily in post. Low-light alleys and pre-sunrise scenes popped with minimal noise.
Overall: Grain is tight and cinematic, colors natural yet vivid, and dynamic range rivals pro stocks. Some abstract shots (e.g., fountains, reflections) highlighted its artistic flair.
Drawbacks and Availability
It's not perfect—stock is hard to find right now (grab it when you can). The 500T needs that filter for daylight accuracy, and while grain is fine, it's not zero-noise digital. But for the price and ease? Game-changer.
Final Verdict: A Must-Try for Analog Fans
Vision3 AHU delivers pro motion picture quality without the remjet pain—I'm hooked and planning more tests. If you're into film, this could replace stocks like Portra for cinematic vibes on a budget. Thoughts? Switching to AHU? Share in the comments below or on the video!
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