Previous Uploads: Three faces of Comet Linear Comet Linear A2 6-27-01 Van Cittert Deconvolution of the Lunar Highlands More Northern Lights and the ISS over Payson The NGC891 Galaxy Group Notes CCD Shots during Full Moon Comet Linear July 19 & 25th, 2000 Latest image of Comet Linear S4 Spectacular Red Aurora over Payson Arizona Fuji's New Formulation of it new Super HQ100 FIRST TESTS OF HYPERED FUJI HQ100 First Schmidt shots with PJ400 First Tricolor shots with 2415 Test Images with Fuji NPH400 First Two Comets with the new CCD Camera
Well, in their constant drive to "improve" the emulsion, film manufacturers are always changing the chemistry of their films without warning or description. After a short period where the Fuji HQ100 was determined to be a new superior film for skyshooting emission nebula with fine grain and great red sensitivity, they changed everything, and it is now a completely different emulsion! There is good news however for skyshooters seeking a fine gained film with great blue response, and better contrast producing a rich royal blue on galaxies and reflection nebula. Comets will significantly benefit from such an emulsion. Below are comparison tests of the old HQ100 versus the new Super HQ100. Both were hypered for 12 hours at 50C, and exposed identically with my 8 inch schmit camera at f/1.5 from Payson, Arizona where I live.
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| NGC7000 - HQ100, Two 8 minute exposures multiplied (stacked) | NGC7000 - Super HQ100, Two 8 minute exposures multiplied (stacked) |
The new emulsion on the right has higher contrast in the dark nebula despite its lower sensitivity to the critical Hydrogen Alpha line which records the reds. Because of this, this new film is less suitable than the old emulsion for red nebula.
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| M31 - HQ100, Two 8 minute exposures multiplied (stacked) | M31 - Super HQ100, Two 8 minute exposures multiplied (stacked) |
Better blue sensitivity and color rendition of the blues in general with a bit higher contrast make the second image here on the Super HQ100 a better image. The warped extensions on the ends of the spiral arms are evident here, along with a rich yellow nucleus and deeper blue outer arms.
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Left - M45 Cluster, Super HQ100, Two 8 minute exposures multiplied (stacked) |
This image of the Seven Sisters also reveals the films blue heritage. The deep royal blue color of the surrounding reflection nebula sets off the rich starfield of white and orange stars. Few films record the blue so deeply, most films such as PJ400 or PPF400 from Kodak record reflection nebula as a sky blue color.
If you have any comments or additional notes you'd like to add to this discussion, please feel free to contact me below.