CineStill 800T: A Feel for the Light
@ Dave on Cars
CineStill 800T: A Feel for the Light
How I shoot, scan and edit its unmistakably retro colours.
WHY I CHOOSE IT
CineStill 800T reminds me of old magazine pages: visible grain, expressive colours and bright highlights with red halos. I love it for cars, portraits and petrol stations, where reflections move across paintwork and faces.
COLOUR & TEXTURE
I usually add a little vibrance in post to give the colours more presence, keeping an eye on skin tones and reds. It’s my preference, rather than a rule.
The reddish halos are halation, a physical effect within the film. The softer glow can also come from the lens or diffusion. Together, they give light a beautifully imperfect character.
GIVE IT LIGHT
ISO 800 is a good starting point. I prefer a little extra exposure to losing detail in the shadows: bright signs can easily fool the meter while the subject stays too dark.
And it works in daylight too. Without a warming filter, its cooler tones can suit quiet scenes and minimal compositions.
THE SCAN MATTERS
I always ask Speed Photo Bovisa in Milan for TIFF scans, then make my final colour and contrast adjustments.
Like the results? That’s where I scan my film — and buy my next rolls.
Underexposed on CineStill 800T: shadow detail fades, colours become muted and grain feels more prominent.
What I shot with
Shot on Rolleiflex SL35 · Planar 50mm f/1.8
