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Agfa Portrait XPS 160 Review: Timeless Portrait Perfection

January 4, 2025

Agfa Portrait XPS 160 Review

Did you know that film photography has seen a remarkable resurgence, with film sales increasing by 40% in recent years? In an era where digital perfection reigns, many photographers are embracing analog film for its genuine, timeless appeal.

One film that has gained a loyal following is Agfa Portrait XPS 160, known for its ability to produce soft, natural portraits infused with a nostalgic feel. This guide will highlight why this film is worth your attention and how to fully appreciate its distinctive characteristics.

Key Takeaways

  • Affordable Slide Film: Launched in 1998, loved for vibrant colors and versatility.
  • Lomography Icon: A favorite for cross-processing, delivering bold blues and reds.
  • Top Features: Fine grain, sharpness, balanced colors, and moderate contrast.
  • Development Options: E-6 for true colors, C-41 for dramatic effects.
  • Enduring Legacy: Discontinued in 2005, but still prized by enthusiasts

01.

What’s the Story Behind Agfa Portrait XPS 160?

Agfa Portrait XPS 160 is a color negative film cherished by photographers, especially for portraits. Here’s its story in brief:

  • Origins: Created by Agfa, a German company with roots in the late 19th century, renowned for its innovative film products.

Purpose: Designed specifically for portraits, this film offers:

  • Low contrast for softer images.
  • Subdued colors to highlight natural, flattering skin tones.
  • A charm that shines in candid shots and natural light scenarios[3].

Niche Appeal: While it excels in portraiture, it’s less suited for:

  • High-saturation landscapes.
  • Shots requiring vibrant, bold colors.

Challenges and Transition:

  • In the 21st century, Agfa scaled back its consumer film production.
  • The AgfaPhoto brand now produces some legacy films like XPS 160, but manufacturing processes may differ from the originals.

Why It Endures:

  • Loved for its nostalgic, vintage aesthetic.
  • Appreciated by analog photography fans for its unique look and versatility.

Agfa Portrait XPS 160 remains a staple for those who value the artistry of film, keeping Agfa’s legacy alive in today’s vibrant film photography community.

cover image Agfa Portrait XPS 160 presets for Lightroom
Spend less time editing portraits with Agfa Portrait XPS 160 Presets.

02.

What Makes Agfa Portrait XPS 160 Special?

Agfa Portrait XPS 160 stands out for its ability to create stunning portraits. Here’s what you can expect:

Why Does Color and Contrast Matter?

  • Neutral Colors: Produces soft, natural hues, making it versatile for indoor and outdoor shoots.
  • Low Contrast: Gives images a flatter, vintage aesthetic.Can be adjusted to create beautiful results in harsh light or with flash [5].
  • Vintage Vibe: Ideal for enhancing candid portraits with a subtle, nostalgic feel.
Agfa Portrait XPS 160 image of the original film pack
Agfa Portrait XPS 160 image of the original film pack

How Sharp is It?

  • High Sharpness: Smooth transitions and fine details make it great for portrait work.
  • Lower Resolution: While not the sharpest film on the market, it delivers a soft yet detailed look that complements its

What It Does

Low ContrastCreates softer images, easy to tweak in post.Fine GrainAdds detail and smoothness to portraits.High SharpnessEnsures clarity without losing softness.

When Should You Use It?

  • Natural Light Portraits: Shines in outdoor settings, bringing out subtle skin tones.
  • Artistic Shoots: Perfect for those aiming for a softer, nostalgic look.
  • Versatility: Works well for indoor or outdoor portraits where detail and mood matter most [5].

Whether you’re new to film or a seasoned shooter, Agfa Portrait XPS 160 offers a unique balance of softness and detail, making it a top choice for creative portrait photography.

03.

How Does Agfa Portrait XPS 160 Perform?

Agfa Portrait XPS 160 shines in portrait photography, offering a painterly quality that’s especially noticeable under the right conditions.

What About Resolution and Sharpness?

  • High Sharpness, Moderate Resolution: Sharpness ensures smooth color transitions and crisp details. Resolution is lower, which enhances its soft, artistic feel [6].
  • Lenses Matter: For the best results, use the sharpest lenses available.
  • Printing Impact: Glossy or supergloss paper enhances the luminous, soft colors. Matte finishes might dull the film’s unique qualities [3].

How Does It Handle Color and Contrast?

  • Low Contrast: Great for natural skin tones and soft portrait effects. Helps prevent harsh highlights or shadows.
  • Muted Color Palette: Reds and yellows pop, while greens and blues are more subdued. Ideal for photographers seeking a softer, less vibrant look [7].

What It Means for You

Painterly QualityCreates soft, artistic portraits.Excels in Sunny ConditionsBrings out smooth skin tones and warm colors.Best on Glossy PaperEnsures vibrant, luminous prints.

Agfa Portrait XPS 160 delivers natural, soft, and artistic results, making it a favorite for portraits and those seeking a nostalgic aesthetic.

04.

How Should You Use Agfa Portrait XPS 160?

Agfa Portrait XPS 160 is designed for portrait photography but is versatile enough for other creative applications. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

Why is it a Good Choice?

  • Perfect for Portraits: Captures vibrant skin tones with natural, pleasing results.Comparable to popular consumer films like Fujicolor 200 or Gold 200 [8].
  • Versatility: Performs well in various lighting, from sunny outdoor scenes to well-lit studios.

How Should You Handle It?

  • ISO 160 Sensitivity: Suitable for bright outdoor and controlled indoor lighting.
  • Handle with Care: Protect the film from light exposure before processing to maintain quality.
  • Fine Grain Advantage: Produces minimal grain, making it great for enlargements and detailed prints [10].

Why It Matters

Keep Away from Light Pre-ProcessingPrevents quality loss in final images.Use in Bright or Studio SettingsEnsures optimal exposure and color balance.Ideal for Large PrintsLow grain keeps details intact in enlargements.

How Do You Develop It?

  • C-41 Process: Standard and widely available for color negative films. Suitable for both lab development and home processing.
  • Follow Recommendations: Stick to accurate times and temperatures for best color and tonal results [11].

05.

How Does Agfa Portrait XPS 160 Compare to Similar Films?

Agfa Portrait XPS 160 has a unique personality, but how does it stack up against other popular portrait films? Here’s a quick comparison:

Film Grain Color Rendition Contrast
Agfa Portrait XPS 160 Fine grain, smooth transitions Subdued, natural tones with low saturation Low, ideal for soft portraits
Kodak Portra 160 Extremely fine grain Warm tones with rich, true-to-life colors Moderate, versatile for all settings
Fujicolor Pro 160 Fine grain, slightly more noticeable Cool tones, greens and blues are vibrant Moderate, balanced for varied lighting
Ilford XP2 Super No color (black-and-white film) High tonal range for detailed monochrome Low to moderate, flexible in contrast

Key Differences:

Grain:

  • Agfa Portrait XPS 160 and Kodak Portra 160 both excel with fine grain, but Portra’s grain is slightly finer, making it a top choice for large-format prints.
  • Fujicolor Pro 160 has a touch more visible grain, adding character in certain settings.

Color Rendition:

  • Agfa’s subdued tones are perfect for soft, nostalgic portraits.
  • Kodak Portra is celebrated for its warm, true-to-life colors, especially for wedding and lifestyle photography.
  • Fujicolor Pro offers a cooler palette, making it great for vibrant outdoor scenes.

Contrast:

  • XPS 160’s low contrast gives a flat, vintage feel, while Kodak Portra and Fujicolor Pro strike a middle ground for versatility.
  • Ilford XP2 Super provides a completely different experience as a black-and-white option, delivering exceptional tonal range.

Which Should You Choose?

  • Go for Agfa Portrait XPS 160 if you love soft, muted tones and a painterly aesthetic.
  • Pick Kodak Portra 160 if you need a versatile, warm-tone film that excels in both portraits and landscapes.
  • Try Fujicolor Pro 160 for a cooler, more vibrant look, especially in outdoor shoots.
  • Choose Ilford XP2 Super for stunning monochrome results with flexible processing options.

06.

What Are the Best Practices for Shooting with Agfa Portrait XPS 160?

To get the most out of Agfa Portrait XPS 160, follow these practical tips for optimal results:

Ideal Lighting Conditions

  • Natural Light: Performs beautifully in soft, natural light, such as golden hour or overcast days. Avoid harsh midday sun unless you want to emphasize contrast artificially.
  • Indoor Light: Works well in studio setups with controlled lighting, especially with a slight overexposure for a softer look.

Metering Techniques

  • Spot Metering: Ideal for accurate exposure, especially when focusing on skin tones.
  • Center-Weighted Metering: Useful for portraits where the subject dominates the frame. Aim for neutral exposures to retain the film’s natural tonal range.

Exposure Tips

  • Overexpose for Softness: Slightly overexpose by 1/3 to 1/2 stop for creamier highlights and smoother skin tones.
  • Underexpose for Mood: Underexpose slightly for richer shadows and a dramatic, moody feel.
  • Bracket Exposures: Shoot multiple frames at different exposure levels to find the best look for your scene.

Additional Tips

  • Avoid Overexposing Highlights: While forgiving, the film can lose detail in very bright highlights.
  • Use Neutral or Warm Filters: Consider warming filters for cooler lighting conditions to enhance skin tones.
  • Keep the ISO in Mind: Stick to ISO 160 for consistent results; push-processing isn’t ideal for this film.

Cheat Sheet for Shooting

Scenario Recommended Practice
Overcast Day Slight overexposure for bright, soft results.
Harsh Sunlight Use shadows or fill flash to balance contrast.
Indoor Studio Match ISO 160 with controlled, even lighting.
Golden Hour Portraits Neutral exposure to retain warm, natural tones.

07.

What Photographers say about the Agfa Portrait XPS 160 Film

James W. (Film Photography Project):

“I used Agfa Portrait XPS 160 for wedding photography back in the day. It was perfect for capturing the vivid colors of wedding dresses and the natural skin tones of the guests. Even years after its discontinuation, I miss this film for its color accuracy and pleasing contrast.” (source)

Sarah L. (Analog Photography Blog):

“Agfa Portrait XPS 160 was my go-to for portrait sessions. The colors are warm and flattering, especially for all skin tones. It was a shame when Agfa stopped production. I still have a few rolls stashed away because nothing quite replicates that look.” (source)

Mark T. (Lomography Community):

“I’ve shot some expired rolls of Agfa Portrait XPS 160, and even 20 years later, the results are stunning. The film’s color balance is just beautiful, providing a very natural look to portraits. If I could find more of this film, I’d stock up without hesitation.” (source)

Emily R. (35mmc):

“One of the best films for portraiture I’ve ever used. The XPS 160 had this wonderful, subtle color shift that made portraits pop without looking oversaturated. It’s a real loss that it’s not produced anymore; the digital scans from this film are just phenomenal.” (source)

Tom H. (Flickr Film Group):

“Used this film for a series of environmental portraits where I wanted to capture both the person and their setting. Agfa Portrait XPS 160 gave me the perfect blend of color and detail, enhancing the mood of each shot. It had a unique way of handling light that you just don’t find in many modern films.” (source)

Legendary Agfa Lightroom Presets provide an effortless way to recreate the timeless charm of classic Agfa film in your digital edits. Perfect for photographers craving vibrant colors, fine grain, and authentic Agfa-inspired aesthetics:

Agfa Vista 400 Presets Agfa Portrait XPS 160 Presets Agfa Vista 800 Presets Agfa Precisa CT 100 Presets

Discover related Analog Film Reviews

Agfa Vista 400 Review Agfa Portrait XPS 160 Review Agfa RSX II 100 Review Agfa Precisa CT 100 Review

What do you think about the Agfa Portrait XPS 160 Review, let us know in the comments.

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