Original Kodak VISION 250D 5246 — first-generation VISION

Kodak VISION 250D 5246 is a first-generation VISION colour negative motion-picture film introduced by Kodak in 1997. It is not VISION2 or VISION3: emulsion 5246 preceded the later 5205 and 5207 stocks.

Fresh 5246 was rated at EI 250 in 5500 K daylight. Kodak described it as a medium-speed stock with very low measured granularity, good sharpness, rich black shadows, clean highlights and natural flesh-to-neutral reproduction. It uses an acetate safety base with rem-jet backing.

This batch: expired in 2001

The film is hand-loaded into 135 cassettes with 36 exposures. For this batch, start at EI 16–32: bracket at EI 16, 25 and 32 in bright daylight, and use the first cassette as a test.

Age may cause base fog, reduced contrast, colour shifts, stronger grain and variation between cassettes. Factory data describes fresh stock; results from this batch cannot be guaranteed.

Best suited for

  • portraits and urban scenes in daylight;
  • experimental work with a pronounced analogue texture;
  • controlled bracketing followed by scanning;
  • photographs where unpredictability is part of the concept.

ECN-2 processing

Kodak VISION 250D 5246 is designed for ECN-2 processing. Its rem-jet layer must be removed correctly during development. Do not submit it for ordinary C-41 processing without prior agreement with the lab.

Specifications

  • film: Kodak VISION 250D 5246, first-generation VISION;
  • format: 135, 36 exposures, hand loaded;
  • type: daylight-balanced colour negative cine film;
  • factory rating when fresh: EI 250 at 5500 K;
  • suggested starting point for this batch: EI 16–32;
  • process: ECN-2;
  • condition: expired in 2001.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Kodak VISION3 250D?

No. This is the original Kodak VISION 250D, code 5246, introduced in 1997. VISION3 250D uses a different code: 5207.

What ISO should I set on the camera?

Start at EI 16–32 for this expired batch. The factory EI 250 rating applies to fresh stock.

Can it be processed in C-41?

The film is designed for ECN-2 and has rem-jet. Any other process should be treated as experimental and agreed with the lab in advance.

Read the history, major-film examples and shooting advice in the Kodak VISION 250D 5246 article.

Sources: Kodak H-1-5246 technical data, Kodak film chronology and ECN-2 processing information. H-1-5246 · Kodak history · ECN-2