Technical Data

Range of Agfa standard films

Agfa Vista 100

Agfa Vista 200
Agfa Vista 400
Agfa Vista 800
Agfa Ultra 100
-1 Agfa APS star 200
400 Agfa APS star 400
500
Agfa CTprecisa 100
This brochure contains information on the quality and features
of Agfa amateur colour films. More specific data, figures and
Agfa CTprecisa 200
charts are given in the appendix.
Agfa colour films are high-grade products for all applications
in amateur photography. The speed ratings available range
from the standard sensitivity, for normal and very bright
conditions, up to high sensitivity for bad to critical lighting
conditions or fast-moving subjects. The optimum material is
therefore available for any situation which may arise in nor-
mal practice.
General comments the treatment of the SXM crystals with precious metals (for example
gold, palladium or iridium).
Agfa Vista, Ultra and APS star with
EYE VISION technology • Better processing stability
A film's colour rendition is governed by a number of factors. The The new Agfa Vista films contain a new type of scavenger, which
emulsions' spectral sensitivity or sensitisation is particularly important, regulates the developing process. This further improves the processing
when it comes to reproducing true-to-nature colours with the maximum stability and therefore the reliability of the end result.
accuracy. By means of the EYE VISION technology incorporated in all
the Agfa Vista, Ultra and APS star films, it is now possible to match, to
a large extent, the films' sensitisation to the colour perception of the Directions for use
human eye. The effect is shown schematically in the following diagrams.
The EYE VISION technology achieves more accurate colour fidelity, and Film speed
largely eliminates the colour falsifications present in films with
Today’s ISO values are a combination of the former ASA and DIN
conventional sensitisation such as:
values. The following table illustrates this point.
• an unpleasant green cast with fluorescent light (e.g. neon tubes),
ISO ASA DIN In comparison to ISO 100/21°
• a shift towards red in certain blue-coloured flowers (hortensia, clematis,
100/21° 100 21°
delphinium etc.),
200/24° 200 24° twice as fast
• the brown rendition of particular green fabric colours,
400/27° 400 27° four times as fast
• the absence of texture in certain red colours (e.g. roses).
800/30° 800 30° eight times as fast
spektrale Empfindlichkeit des Auges In principle, all these speeds are for all photographic situations that
might occur under normal circumstances (e.g. people, portraits,
landscapes, groups, buildings, holidays, animals, plants, flowers,
documentation etc.). Nevertheless, it is still worthwhile observing a
number of simple rules in the choice of the film speed.
ISO ISO ISO ISO
Blau Grün Rot
100/21° 200/24° 400/27° 800/30°
Lighting
– Bright, e. g. cloudless × ×
– Medium, e. g. overcast × ×
400 450 500 550 600 650 nm – Weak, e. g. dawn × ×
Moving subject*
spektrale Empfindlichkeit der Film-Emulsionen – Almost motionless × ×
Vista herkömmlich – Medium-fast × ×
Ultra – Fast × ×
APS star Lens*
– High speed × ×
– Low speed × × ×
Blau Grün Rot Flash (medium light output)
– Small rooms × ×
– Large rooms × ×
* Depending on the lighting
400 450 500 550 600 650 nm
Camera setting
Modern cameras adjust themselves automatically to the film speed (by
reading the DX code). Cameras without automatic lighting control
must be set manually to the film speed stated on the pack.
The new Agfa Vista Exposure latitude
The secret of the outstanding image quality of the new Agfa Vista is
the even further improved Eye Vision Technology 3.0* Most cameras have automatic exposure control, which sets the most
The new Agfa Vista film – even more convenience and reliability by: favourable ratio of exposure time and aperture. Nevertheless, many
photographs are not correctly exposed, because the automatic control
• Natural colours of some cameras cannot cope with unusual or critical lighting conditions.
The crucial separation of green and red tones has been improved even Backlit shots are a typical example. Without lighting adjustment, the
further by the exact placement of substances which operate in and negative or slide may well end up being under-exposed by one or two
between the colour layers (inter-image effect). f-stops. Depending on the film type, Agfa films tolerate exposure errors
•Enhanced 3-dimensional quality up to 5 f-stops (under-exposure up to 2, over-exposure up to 3 f-stops)
To improve the depth and rendering of detail of Agfa Vista 200 the without noticeable reductions in quality (for exact figures see
number of light-sensitive sensors (that is, the silver halide SXM crystals) "Characteristic values and curves of various films" from page 5).
has been increased by 30%. A 3-D effect that is almost touchable!
• Improved stability
Whether exposed or unexposed – the stability of the new Agfa Vista
films has once again been improved. This was achieved by optimizing
*does not apply to ISO 800
2 F-AF-E7
Exposure notes necessary to make exposure or colour adjustments (for details see the
tables on page 4).
When in doubt, it is good to err on the generous side in the exposure of colour
negatives (i.e. stop up = lower f-number), but to be more cautious with slide X-ray checks
films (i.e. stop down slightly = higher f-number). In this way you are always
X-ray checks, which are inevitable before a flight, can sometimes
on the safe side: over-exposing a negative film and slightly under-exposing
cause problems. We have found that if an X-ray machine is marked
a slide film produces an increase in colour saturation.
“Film Safe“ and the checks do not exceed the usual number, then they
Daylight do not normally affect a film. Nonetheless films should never be
checked in with the normal luggage, but kept with your hand luggage.
Daylight is not just daylight. In the morning and in late afternoon the
Visual checks are always safer.
sun is at an angle. As a result, the light is warmer and contains more
red. At noon, on the other hand, when the sun is shining vertically, the This applies in particular to high-speed films, because the sensitivity of
light is colder and contains more blue. This quality of the light, which is a film to X-rays is proportional to its sensitivity to visible light.
known as the colour temperature, is measured in Kelvin.
Storage
All Agfa films are suitable for use in medium daylight, at a colour
Remember never to store films under moist or humid conditions. Neither
temperature of 5500 Kelvin. If the light is too cold, it can be adjusted
should films be exposed to heat.
with a red filter (e.g. R 1.5 or R 3), and if it is too warm, with a blue filter
(e.g. B 1.5 or B 3). These corrections should only be used with slide Unexposed films: The cooler an unexposed film is stored, the longer it
films. will last. Furthermore, we recommend keeping the film in the original
pack, which is moisture-proof (i.e. water-tight), so that the photographic
Flash qualities remain stable. Films that have been stored in a refrigerator
Electronic flash-guns and flash bulbs are suitable for medium daylight. should be kept at room temperature for about two hours before use, as
The guide number of the flash depends on the film speed. the atmospheric humidity might otherwise produce condensation on
the cold film. A car glove compartment is not suitable for storing films.
Tip: if a subject is dark or far away, you can achieve better flash photos
If the sun is hot, they can easily develop temperatures of up to 80°C/
by stopping up one step.
175°F. Fumes, such as formaldehyde, can also be harmful. They are
Artificial light released by furniture, cosmetics, adhesives and varnish. The camera
itself only provides inadequate protection. Instead, put your camera in
Artificial light, i.e. light from sources such as photographic lamps, a polyethylene bag if necessary.
electric bulbs or fluorescent tubes, has its own characteristics.
Photographic lamps have a colour temperature of 3400 K, electric Exposed films: Once exposed, a film should be developed as soon as
bulbs 3200 K. possible. The "latent" image (i.e. the pre-development exposure) may
otherwise deteriorate as a result of long-term storage or unfavourable
Agfa negative films and Agfa slide films are ideal for artificial light. For weather conditions, and this disturbs the colour balance.
best results a certain type of filter is required, depending on the light
source. However as each filter reduces the intensity of the light, this Developed films: The same safety precautions apply to developed
must be compensated as follows. films, i.e. they must be kept in a cool and dry place and protected from
harmful fumes and direct light.
Type of lamp Filter Adjustment
Photographic lamp 80 B + 1 2/3 f-stops Processing
Electric bulbs 80 A +2 f-stops Film development processes are standardized throughout the world.
Agfa films are “process-compatible” and are developed in the following
UV blocking filters
processes:
Each Agfa film contains an integrated UV protection filter which absorbs
Agfa negative films AP 70/C-41
any invisible UV radiation contained in daylight. It is therefore not
necessary to use a UV blocking filter, though it is useful for a physical Agfa slide films AP 44/E-6
protection of the lens.

Polarizing filters From production to the finished picture –

Agfa quality assurance
This type of filter is used either for the reduction of reflections, e.g. on
glass and water (though not metal), or for the production of certain Modern production methods and strict inspections ensure that no films
effects (e.g. a more intensive blue sky). Depending on the filter type, are shipped unless they are within Agfa’s extremely narrow tolerance
the exposure time needs to be increased by a certain factor (see the limits. To ensure that this high quality standard reaches the end user,
instructions for your camera or filter). Agfa has incorporated a number of features to enhance the stability of
its products.
Colour filters • High storage stability, which largely prevents any changes to the
Colour filters are intended for black-and-white photography. They are qualities of the film during storage, by the retailer or by the customer.
not suitable for colour, as they produce considerable colour shifts. • Extremely wide exposure latitude, which largely compensates for
any exposure errors that might occur in practice (e.g. with backlit
Long and short-term effects photographs or a weak flash).
Extremely long or short exposure times can affect the speed and colour • High resistance to processing fluctuations during development –
balance of the film. This is known as the reciprocity effect. fluctuations which can never be totally avoided, even if process
The reciprocity effect of Agfa films is excellent. If the exposure time is monitoring is very thorough.
within 1/10 000th and 1 second, the colours and speed remain the
same. However if the exposure is any longer or shorter, then it may be

F-AF-E7 3
Specific product details
UV filter layer + Supercoat
The charts and figures shown on page 5 to 8 are briefly explained
below, and the conditions of measurement are also described.
Blue-sensitive yellow layers
All the figures are averages of various production runs. For some
emulsion batches they may vary slightly from each other, in spite of Yellow filter layer
the very tightly main-tained tolerances.

Spectral sensitivity Green-sensitive magenta layers

Chart to define the colour sensitivity of an unprocessed film. References:
– Equi-energy spectrum Red filter layer
– Measured density: 0.5 above minimum density for
colour negativ films Red-sensitive cyan layers
1.0 above minimum density for
colour reversal films Anti-halo layer
Absorption of emulsion dyes
Chart to define the relative effect of a processed film on incident light. Base
With colour negative films, it measures the spectral sensitization of
the subsequent print material, with colour slide films it measures the
viewer’s perception under certain defined standard lighting conditions. Total layer thickness (without base): 16 µm
References: (Other films: see pages 5 - 7.)
– Neutral object of medium brightness
Emulsion base
– Minimum density
The film base consists of acetyl cellulose and has a thickness of 120
Colour density curves µm. The base of the films in the Advanced Photo System is made of
PEN (Poly Ethylene Napthalate), and is 90 µm thick.
Chart to define the density of dyes in a processed film, depending on
the lighting. References:
– Exposure: daylight 1/100th sec.
Characteristic values and curves of the various films
– Process: AP 70/C-41 or AP 44/E-6
– Densitometry: Status A or Status M Reciprocity effect
Sharpness Agfa negative films
International name of the chart: MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) Vista 100 Vista 200 Vista 400
which defines the sharpness of the image. The higher the transfer exposure
factor in %, the lower the loss during transmission of the light. /10000 -1
1
10 /10000 -1
1
10 /10000 -1
1
10
reading (s)
References:
Exposure adjustement
– Exposure: daylight 0 +½ 0 +1 0 +1
(f-stops)
– Densitometry: visual filter (Vλ)
Vista 800 Ultra 100
Granularity exposure
/10000 -1
1
10 /10000 -1
1
10
Granularity is the irregular density of an exposed and processed film reading (s)
surface. The numeric value is based on the RMS (root mean square) Exposure adjustement
method of measurement. The smaller the value, the finer the grain of 0 +½ 0 +½
(f-stops)
the film. References:
– Exposure: daylight Agfa negative films for the Advanced Photo System
– Densitometry: visual filter (Vλ) APS star 200 APS star 400
– Reading: diffused density 1.0 exposure
/10000 -1
1
10 /10000 -1
1
10
48 µm scanning aperture reading (s)
Exposure adjustement
Resolution (f-stops)
0 +1 0 +1
Numeric value which defines the resolution limit for the rendition of
the finest adjacent detail (e.g. lines in a grid). Resolution is a purely Agfa slide films
visual criterion, affected significantly by the contrast range. References:
CTprecisa 100 CTprecisa 200
– Lines per mm with a contrast range of either 1.6:1 or 1.000:1 exposure
/10000 -1
1
10 /10000 -1
1
10
reading (s)
Emulsion design
Exposure adjustement
Each type of film requires an individual emulsion design. The schematic (f-stops) 0 +½ 0 +1
diagram below shows the Agfa Vista 100:
Filtration (CC filter) 0 05Y 0 10Y 05C

4 F-AF-E7
Agfa Vista 100 Agfa Vista 200 Agfa Vista 400
Spectral sensitivity: Spectral sensitivity: Spectral sensitivity:
2.0
→ lg Sensitivity

→ lg Sensitivity

→ lg Sensitivity
2.0 2.0

1.0
Blue Green Red
1.0 1.0
Blue Green Red Blue Green Red
0

0 0

–1.0
400 500 600 700 400 500 600 700 400 500 600 700
→ Wavelength (nm) → Wavelength (nm) → Wavelength (nm)

Spectral density: Spectral density: Spectral density:

2.0 2.0 2.0
→ Spectral density

→ Spectral density

→ Spectral density
Medium density Medium density Medium density
1.0 1.0 1.0

Minimum density
Minimum density
Minimum density
0 0 0
400 500 600 700 400 500 600 700 400 500 600 700
→ Wavelength (nm) → Wavelength (nm) → Wavelength (nm)

Sharpness: Sharpness: Sharpness:

150 150 150
→ Transfer factor (%)

→ Transfer factor (%)

→ Transfer factor (%)

100 100 100

50 50 50

20 20 20

10 10 10
2 5 10 20 50 100 2 5 10 20 50 100 2 5 10 20 50 100
→ Lines per mm → Lines per mm → Lines per mm

Colour density curves: Colour density curves: Colour density curves:

4.0 4.0 4.0
→ Density

→ Density

→ Density

Blue Blue
Blue
3.0 3.0 3.0
Green Green
Green
Red Red
2.0 2.0 2.0
Red

1.0 1.0 1.0

0 0 0
–4.0 –3.0 –2.0 –1.0 0 +1.0 –4.0 –3.0 –2.0 –1.0 0 +1.0 –4.0 –3.0 –2.0 –1.0 0 +1.0
→ lg exposure (Lx · s) → lg exposure (Lx · s) → lg exposure (Lx · s)

Speed: ISO 100/21° Speed: ISO 200/24° Speed: ISO 400/27°

Granularity (x 1000): RMS 3.9 Granularity (x 1000): RMS 4.1 Granularity (x 1000): RMS 4.4
Resolving power: Resolving power: Resolving power:
Contrast 1000 : 1 130 lines/mm Contrast 1000 : 1 130 lines/mm Contrast 1000 : 1 130 lines/mm
Contrast 1.6 : 1 60 lines/mm Contrast 1.6 : 1 55 lines/mm Contrast 1.6 : 1 48 lines/mm
Exposure latitude: –1½ to +3½ f-stops Exposure latitude: –1½ to +3½ f-stops Exposure latitude: –1 to +4 f-stops
Layer thickness: 16 µm Layer thickness: 18 µm Layer thickness: 18 µm
DX coding: DX coding: DX coding:
Cartridge code: 135-12 = 01819 1 Cartridge code: 135-12 = 01820 1 Cartridge code: 135-12 = 01821 1
135-27 = 01819 7 135-27 = 01820 7 135-27 = 01821 7
135-36 = 01819 4 135-36 = 01820 4 135-36 = 01821 4
Negative code: 113 - 11 Negative code: 113 - 12 Negative code: 113 - 13
Further markings: Further markings: Further markings:
Symbols: 3 red triangles Symbols: 3 red triangles Symbols: 3 red triangles
Margin marks: AGFA VISTA 100 3.0 Margin marks: AGFA VISTA 200 3.0 Margin marks: AGFA VISTA 400 3.0
F-AF-E7 5
Agfa Vista 800 Agfa Ultra 100 Agfa APS star 200
Spectral sensitivity: Spectral sensitivity: Spectral sensitivity:
2.0
→ lg Sensitivity

→ lg Sensitivity

→ lg Sensitivity
2.0 2.0

1.0
Blue Green Red
Blue Green Red
1.0 1.0
Blue Green Red
0

0 0

–1.0
400 500 600 700 400 500 600 700 400 500 600 700
→ Wavelength (nm) → Wavelength (nm) → Wavelength (nm)

Spectral density: Spectral density: Spectral density:

2.0 2.0 2.0
→ Spectral density

→ Spectral density

→ Spectral density
Medium density

Medium density Medium density

1.0 1.0 1.0

Minimum density

Minimum density Minimum density

0 0 0
400 500 600 700 400 500 600 700 400 500 600 700
→ Wavelength (nm) → Wavelength (nm) → Wavelength (nm)

Sharpness: Sharpness: Sharpness:

150 150 150

→ Transfer factor (%)

→ Transfer factor (%)

→ Transfer factor (%)

100 100 100

50 50 50

20 20 20

10 10 10
2 5 10 20 50 100 2 5 10 20 50 100 2 5 10 20 50 100
→ Lines per mm → Lines per mm → Lines per mm

Colour density curves: Colour density curves: Colour density curves:

4.0 4.0 4.0
→ Density

→ Density

→ Density

Blue
Blue
Green
3.0 3.0 3.0
Green
Red Blue

Green Red
2.0 2.0 2.0
Red

1.0 1.0 1.0

0 0 0
–4.0 –3.0 –2.0 –1.0 0 +1.0 –4.0 –3.0 –2.0 –1.0 0 +1.0 –4.0 –3.0 –2.0 –1.0 0 +1.0
→ lg exposure (Lx · s) → lg exposure (Lx · s) → lg exposure (Lx · s)

Speed: ISO 800/30° Speed: ISO 100/21° Speed: ISO 200/24°

Granularity (x 1000): RMS 5.0 Granularity (x 1000): RMS 3.8 Granularity (x 1000): RMS 4.1
Resolving power: Resolving power: Resolving power:
Contrast 1000 : 1 115 lines/mm Contrast 1000 : 1 140 lines/mm Contrast 1000 : 1 130 lines/mm
Contrast 1.6 : 1 40 lines/mm Contrast 1.6 : 1 60 lines/mm Contrast 1.6 : 1 55 lines/mm
Exposure latitude: –1 to +4 f-stops Exposure latitude: –2 to +3 f-stops Exposure latitude: –1½ to +3½ f-stops
Layer thickness: 22 µm Layer thickness: 25 µm Layer thickness: 18 µm
DX coding: DX coding: DX coding: 44 - 07
Cartridge code: 135-27 = 01816 7 Cartridge code: 135-36 = 00737 4 Further markings:
135-36 = 01816 4 Negative code: 46 - 01 Margin marks: AGFA FILM/APS STAR 200
Negative code: 113 - 08 Further markings:
Further markings: Symbols: 1 red triangle
Symbols: 3 red triangles Margin marks: AGFA ULTRA 100
Margin marks: AGFA VISTA 800 3.0

6 F-AF-E7
Agfa APS star 400 Agfa CTprecisa 100 Agfa CTprecisa 200
Spectral sensitivity: Spectral sensitivity: Spectral sensitivity:
2.0 2.0
→ lg Sensitivity

→ lg Sensitivity

→ lg Sensitivity
2.0

1.0 1.0
Blue Green Red
1.0 Blue Green Red

Blue Green Red

0 0

–1.0 –1.0
400 500 600 700 400 500 600 700 400 500 600 700
→ Wavelength (nm) → Wavelength (nm) → Wavelength (nm)

Spectral density: Spectral density: Spectral density:

2.0 1.5 1.5
→ Spectral density

→ Spectral density

→ Spectral density
Visual grey Visual grey

1.0 1.0
Medium density
1.0
Yellow Magenta Cyan Yellow Magenta Cyan
0.5 0.5

Minimum density
0 0 0
400 500 600 700 400 500 600 700 400 500 600 700
→ Wavelength (nm) → Wavelength (nm) → Wavelength (nm)

Sharpness: Sharpness: Sharpness:

150 150 150
→ Transfer factor (%)

→ Transfer factor (%)

→ Transfer factor (%)

100 100 100

50 50 50

20 20 20

10 10 10
2 5 10 20 50 100 2 5 10 20 50 100 2 5 10 20 50 100
→ Lines per mm → Lines per mm → Lines per mm

Colour density curves: Colour density curves: Colour density curves:

4.0 4.0 4.0
→ Density

→ Density

→ Density

Green
Green
Red
Blue Red
Blue
3.0 3.0 3.0
Green Blue

Red
2.0 2.0 2.0

1.0 1.0 1.0

0 0 0
–4.0 –3.0 –2.0 –1.0 0 +1.0 –4.0 –3.0 –2.0 –1.0 0 +1.0 –4.0 –3.0 –2.0 –1.0 0 +1.0
→ lg exposure (Lx · s) → lg exposure (Lx · s) → lg exposure (Lx · s)

Speed: ISO 400/27° Speed: ISO 100/21° Speed: ISO 200/24°

Granularity (x 1000): RMS 4.5 Granularity (x 1000): RMS 10.0 Granularity (x 1000): RMS 12.0
Resolving power: Resolving power: Resolving power:
Contrast 1000 : 1 130 lines/mm Contrast 1000 : 1 130 lines/mm Contrast 1000 : 1 120 lines/mm
Contrast 1.6 : 1 50 lines/mm Contrast 1.6 : 1 50 lines/mm Contrast 1.6 : 1 50 lines/mm
Exposure latitude: –1 to +4 f-stops Exposure latitude: –½ to +½ f-stops Exposure latitude: –½ to +½ f-stops
Layer thickness: 19 µm Layer thickness: 25 µm Layer thickness: 27 µm
DX coding: 44 - 11
Further markings: Note
Margin marks: AGFA FILM/APS STAR 400 The information given here is based on the evaluation of typical products at the time of printing.
Slight deviations are possible through production tolerances. Agfa-Gevaert is constantly
endeavouring to improve the quality of the products, and therefore reserves the right to alter
the product specifications without notice.
Agfa, the Agfa Rhombus, Vista, Ultra and APS star are registered trademarks of Agfa-Gevaert
AG, Leverkusen, Germany.
F-AF-E7 7
The Agfa standard film range
Agfa negative films
Film type Vista 100 Vista 200 Vista 400 Vista 800 Ultra 100
System code - no. frames ISO 100/21° ISO 200/24° ISO 400/27° ISO 800/30° ISO 100/21°
135-36 × × × × ×
135-24+3 × × × ×
135-12 × × ×

Agfa negative films for the Advanced Photo System

Film type APS star 200 APS star 400
System code - no. frames ISO 200/24° ISO 400/27°
240-40 × ×
240-25 × ×
240-15 × ×

Agfa slide films

Film type CTprecisa 100 CTprecisa 200
System code - no. frames ISO 100/21° ISO 200/24°
135-36 × ×

The Agfa professional range

This range covers a broad spectrum of colour negative, colour slide and black-and-white negative films. Depending on the
section of the range, the available speeds range from ISO 50/18° to ISO 400/27° in the systems/formats 135, 120, 220, sheet
film and bulk film.
Agfa professional films have qualities that are geared entirely towards the requirements of professional photographers. They
are produced within extremely narrow tolerances, to ensure the maximum consistency as required by professionals.
Further details are given in the Professional film technical data brochure F-PF-E (Range of Agfa Professional Films).

Technical data sheet F-AF-E7

date: 09/2004 7th edition