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Agfa Precisa CT 100 Review: Affordable Slide Film Magic
January 3, 2025

What if a single roll of film could turn your photos into stunning works of art and spark a creative movement? Agfa Precisa CT 100, introduced in 1998, was more than just a film—it became a fundamental choice for analog photography lovers and experimental artists.
With its striking colors and unique cross-processing effects, this iconic slide film won the admiration of Lomographers and casual photographers around the globe. Let’s explore why Precisa CT 100 continues to be a legend and how its legacy still inspires creativity today.
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 Precisa CT 100?
Agfa Precisa CT 100 debuted in 1998 as a 100-ISO slide film designed for casual photographers, especially those capturing holiday moments. It was marketed with the bold slogan “precision in maximum perfection.” Here’s why it became so popular:
- Accessible Options: Sold in multipacks and individual rolls, it was budget-friendly and easy to find, especially in Germany.
- Competition: Precisa positioned itself as an affordable alternative to big-name slide films from Fuji and Kodak.
The 1990s Analog Revival
The 1990s saw a renewed interest in analog photography as Soviet cameras, like the LOMO LC-A, entered the global market:
- The LOMO LC-A paired perfectly with Precisa, thanks to the film’s vivid color reproduction.
- Cross-processing Precisa became a trend, producing unique deep blue tones loved by Lomographers.
Challenges in the 2000s
Digital photography shook up the industry, and Agfa struggled to compete:
- 2004: Agfa spun off its film division into AgfaPhoto GmbH.
- 2005: AgfaPhoto declared bankruptcy, and Precisa production ended.
The Legacy Lives On
Despite its discontinuation, Agfa Precisa CT 100 remains iconic for its unique look and affordability. Key points about its lasting impact:
- A brief revival by Lupus Imaging used a different formulation, which couldn’t match the original’s charm.
- Lomographers and film enthusiasts still prize Precisa for its bold, experimental qualities.
Timeline at a Glance
Year | Event |
1998 | Launch of Agfa Precisa CT 100 as a consumer-friendly slide film. |
Early 1990s | Lomography movement emerges, embracing Precisa for its vivid colors in cross-processing. |
2004 | Agfa spins off its film division into AgfaPhoto GmbH. |
2005 | AgfaPhoto declares bankruptcy; Precisa CT 100 is discontinued. |
Post-2005 | Legacy grows among Lomographers and film enthusiasts. |

02.
What Makes Agfa Precisa CT 100 Stand Out?
Color and Saturation: Why Are the Colors So Vivid?
Agfa Precisa CT 100 is famous for its vibrant yet natural color reproduction. Here’s what makes it special:
- Balanced Colors: Reds, yellows, and blues appear vivid without looking unnatural.
- Accurate Greens: Unlike other films, greens are neutral and true-to-life, reminiscent of Kodachrome 64 but even more eye-catching [3].
- Pastel Perfection: Pastel tones are faithfully rendered, perfect for photographers who want accurate color reproduction.
How Sharp and Fine Is the Grain?
This film excels in sharpness and detail thanks to its ultra-fine grain structure:
- Grain Rating: RMS rating of 8, beating many ISO 100 films [4].
- Sharpness: Resolves up to 130 lines per millimeter, ensuring fine details remain crisp in slides.
- Great for Long Exposures: Maintains detail even in challenging lighting conditions [3].
How Does It Handle Contrast and Dynamic Range?
Agfa Precisa CT 100 strikes a great balance for various scenes:
- Moderate Contrast: Perfect for retaining details in both highlights and shadows.
- Bright Conditions: Produces clean whites and subtle greens without color casts, ideal for outdoor photography.
- Limitations: Slight struggles with very high dynamic range scenes, but it shines in well-lit environments.
Can You Push Process It?
Yes, and it handles it beautifully! You can push this film to an Exposure Index (EI) of 200 or even 400:
- Minimal Quality Loss: Colors remain vibrant and sharpness holds up well.
- Increased Contrast: Great for action shots or low-light handheld photography [3].
Quick Comparison Key Film Characteristics
Feature | Agfa Precisa CT 100 | Other Films |
Color Reproduction | Balanced, vivid reds, yellows, blues | Some films exaggerate colors |
Grain (RMS Rating) | 8 (ultra-fine) | Higher grain in most ISO 100 films |
Resolving Power | 130 lines/mm (high contrast target) | Lower in budget films |
Push Processing Capability | Up to EI 400 with minimal quality loss | Some films lose fidelity or sharpness |
03.
How Do You Develop Agfa Precisa CT 100?
What’s the Standard Development Process?
Agfa Precisa CT 100 is designed for the E-6 process, the go-to method for slide films:
- Vibrant Colors: E-6 development preserves the film’s fine grain and bold color rendition.
- Higher Costs: It’s pricier than the C-41 process for color negatives, often costing nearly double [2].
- Availability: E-6 labs are less common, which might require mailing your film to specialized services.
What About Cross-Processing?
If you’re feeling adventurous, try cross-processing Precisa in C-41 chemicals (meant for color negatives):
- Dramatic Results: Expect bold blues, rich reds, and boosted saturation with increased grain and contrast.
- Better Than Others: Compared to slide films like Fuji Velvia or Provia, Precisa delivers more pleasing colors, avoiding undesirable purple or fluorescent green tones [2].
- Popular in Lomography: These effects are highly valued in creative and experimental photography.
What Should You Consider When Developing?
Using Precisa requires careful handling due to its precision:
- Exposure Matters: Limited latitude means mistakes in exposure (too light or dark) can ruin your shots.
- Post-Processing Challenges: Scanning and editing slides can be tricky since slides have less dynamic range than negatives.
- Chemical Lifespan: If you process film at home, managing both E-6 and C-41 chemicals can be impractical due to their short shelf life [4].
Overview Development Options
Development Method | Features | Best For |
E-6 Process | Fine grain, vivid colors, higher cost | Photographers seeking true-to-life results |
Cross-Processing (C-41) | Bold, surreal colors with more grain | Experimental and Lomography enthusiasts |
04.
How Does Agfa Precisa CT 100 Compare to Other Films?
How Does It Perform with Colors?
Agfa Precisa CT 100 shines with its vibrant and rich color reproduction:
- Vivid and Saturated: Reds, blues, and greens come alive, making it perfect for eye-catching imagery.
- Better for Budgets: Compared to premium films like Fuji Velvia and Kodak Elite Chrome, Precisa offers similar vividness at a more affordable price [6].
- Cross-Processing Winner: Precisa’s colors become even more dramatic when cross-processed, avoiding the harsher tones sometimes seen with other films [2].
How Does It Handle Light and Contrast?
Precisa balances exposure and contrast effectively for various lighting situations:
- Wide Latitude: Captures detail in shadows and highlights, making it great for travel and high-contrast scenes [3].
- Moderate Contrast: Holds its own against competitors like RSX II 100 but isn’t as specialized for extremely high-contrast scenarios [3].
How Sharp Is It?
The film delivers reliable sharpness and fine grain:
- Tight and Even Grain: Subtle grain ensures sharp details, particularly in projected slides.
- Comparison: While Velvia might edge out Precisa in sharpness, it can also produce more noticeable grain, especially in blue skies [3].
Why Is It a Budget-Friendly Choice?
Agfa Precisa CT 100 is an excellent option for photographers mindful of their spending:
- Affordable: Positioned as a cost-effective alternative to pricier premium films.
- Accessible Packaging: Available in single rolls or multipacks, making it convenient for casual shooters and travelers [6].
Quick Comparison: Agfa Precisa CT 100 vs. Competitors
Feature | Agfa Precisa CT 100 | Fuji Velvia | Kodak Elite Chrome |
Color Rendition | Vivid, balanced | Bold but cooler tones | Warm, vibrant colors |
Contrast | Moderate | High | Moderate |
Grain | Fine, subtle | Noticeable in skies | Fine but less consistent |
Cost | Budget-friendly | Premium-priced | Mid-range |
Cross-Processing | Bold, dramatic colors | Sometimes harsh tones | Less dramatic shifts |
05.
How Can You Use Agfa Precisa CT 100 in Your Photography?
What Are Its Best Features?
Agfa Precisa CT 100 is loved for its versatility and natural color rendition. Here’s why it stands out:
- True-to-Life Colors: It captures scenes as you see them, with neutral tones and lifelike whites.
- Versatility: Works well across different lighting conditions, making it ideal for unpredictable environments like travel photography [7].
- Detail Retention: Maintains highlights and shadows even in harsh lighting, ensuring your photos stay crisp and balanced [3].
What Happens When You Cross-Process It?
For a creative twist, try cross-processing Precisa in C-41 chemicals:
- Bold Colors: Greens and blues become highly saturated, creating a surreal, vibrant look [8].
- Experimental Aesthetic: Grass appears vividly unnatural, making this film a favorite for Lomographers and experimental photographers [1].
Which Photography Styles Suit It Best?
Agfa Precisa CT 100 adapts to various styles with ease:
- Nature and Landscapes: Neutral, vibrant colors bring out the beauty of natural scenes without looking overly saturated [7].
- Urban and Street Scenes: Performs well in mixed lighting, capturing colorful cityscapes with clarity and detail [9][4].
- Portraits: Its natural color palette and soft contrast ensure lifelike skin tones.
06.
Why Does Agfa Precisa CT 100 Still Matter?
What Made It So Popular?
Agfa Precisa CT 100 became a household name for analog photographers after its launch in 1998. Here’s why:
- Affordability: A budget-friendly alternative to professional slide films like Agfa’s RSX line [5].
- Vibrant Colors: Perfect for capturing vibrant summer scenes and holidays.
- Lomography Movement: Its partnership with the quirky LOMO LC-A camera made it a cult favorite, especially for cross-processing, which brought out deep blues, rich reds, and dramatic contrasts.
How Did Digital Photography Impact It?
The rise of digital cameras in the 2000s led to a steep decline in demand for analog films, including Precisa:
- Discontinuation: Agfa ended production in 2005, unable to compete with the digital wave.
- Collector’s Item: Enthusiasts still seek out remaining stocks, turning it into a treasure for analog fans.
What’s Its Legacy in the Film World?
Despite its challenges, Precisa left a lasting impression:
- Lomography Staple: Its vibrant, experimental results fueled creativity and experimentation within the Lomography movement [5].
- Rebadged Revival: A rebadged version, AgfaPhoto CT100 Precisa, was later introduced using Fuji Provia 100F, but it lacked the original’s cross-processing magic [1].
Quick Look at Agfa Precisa’s Impact
Key Feature | Legacy and Influence |
Lomography Connection | Deep blues and rich reds made it a favorite for cross-processing and experimental shots. |
Affordability | Lower-cost option for casual photographers and travelers. |
Collector’s Status | Discontinuation in 2005 turned it into a sought-after film on platforms like eBay. |
Modern Attempts to Revive | Rebadged as AgfaPhoto CT100 Precisa, though it lacked the original’s unique flair. |
07.
What Photographers say about the Agfa CT Precisa 100 Film
Carlos Garcia’s Review
Carlos Garcia from carlosgrphoto.com praises the Agfa CT Precisa 100 for its performance, noting its sharpness, detail retention, and surprising latitude for a slide film. He appreciates its use for landscapes, portraits, and product photography but notes it’s not his standard film due to the need for more editing time compared to negative films. He concludes that it’s a shame the film isn’t available in 120mm format. (source)
Kosmo Foto’s Insight
At Kosmo Foto, Stephen Dowling discusses the film’s history and its cross-processing capabilities. He explains that the original Agfa CT100 Precisa was renowned for its unique color shifts when cross-processed, unlike the later versions which were repackaged Fuji Provia 100F, leading to different results when cross-processed. He expresses a wish for the original film to be brought back due to its popularity among experimental photographers. (source)
Lomography Review
A review on Lomography describes the Agfa CT Precisa as one of the most popular films for their community, highlighting the pleasant surprises from its use, particularly when cross-processed. The reviewer notes the film’s tendency to produce blueish and greenish tones which were unexpected but well-received. (source)
Japan Camera Hunter’s Experience
The review from Japan Camera Hunter by Bellamy Hunt appreciates the Agfachrome CTx 100, a predecessor to the CT Precisa, for its balance between warm (Kodak) and cool (Fuji) tones. The film is described as performing well under various lighting conditions, with a recommendation for those who come across it to give it a try, emphasizing its rarity. (source)
Film Is Undead Review
On Film Is Undead, the reviewer has used Agfa Precisa CT 100 multiple times, primarily for cross-processing. They describe the film as one of the best for cross-processing due to its pronounced contrasts and blue color shifts, though they acknowledge the limitation of its ISO 100 sensitivity which confines its use to well-lit scenarios. (source)
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