Halation Nation: Respooling, Motion Picture Film, and Cinestill

For many of us, film photography is more than just a medium – it’s an art form brimming with nostalgia, craftsmanship, and creativity.

There are plenty of reasons to pick up your film camera, but one of the most magical characteristics of shooting film? Halation. This dreamy, reddish halo around highlights has sparked debates, inspired trends, and left photographers divided. Some are falling head over heels for the effect, while others do everything in their power to prevent it.

Curious about halation? We’re exploring what halation is, why it happens, and how motion picture film is bringing an exciting new choice to the world of film photography. By the end of this post, you’ll understand how to make halation work for you—or avoid it like the plague.

What Is Halation?

Halation is that magical, glowing halo you might notice around bright highlights in certain photographs. Imagine light wrapping itself around the glow of a streetlamp or accentuating a cloud’s silver edge. This effect, while subtle, gives film photos a dreamy, cinematic quality that many photographers adore.

Technically speaking, halation occurs when (usually stronger) light penetrates the film’s emulsion and scatters across the base. This light then reflects off the film’s back layer, creating the soft reddish glow that distinguishes halation.

For beginners, understanding halation is more than just knowing how it looks—it’s understanding how film itself works. Film is made up of multiple layers, and how light interacts with these layers can vary depending on the film type.

Where Does Halation Come From?

Halation typically originates in motion picture film, thanks to its unique construction. Motion picture film has a special anti-halation layer known as the remjet backing. This layer is a hardworking multitasker. It reduces light scatter (preventing halation), keeps the film anti-static, and protects it from scratching during production and projection.

When the remjet layer is intact, halation is virtually eliminated. However, if the remjet layer is removed, halation can appear more prominently. This brings us to a game-changing player in the film photography scene—Cinestill.

Cinestill and the Halation Phenomenon

Cinestill, the darling of experimental photographers, takes motion picture film and removes that crucial remjet backing. Why? By stripping this layer, Cinestill makes motion picture film processable in standard C-41 chemistry—the same process used for traditional still films.

The result? Increased halation and a unique aesthetic. Photographers love how it creates a surreal, atmospheric quality, especially in images with strong highlights—think neon-lit cityscapes or glowing red brake lights on a rainy evening (channel your inner Wong Kar-wai!).

Consider this comparison:

• Motion Picture Film (with remjet): Cleaner, more controlled highlights with minimal halation. Processed in ECN-2 chemistry.
• Cinestill (remjet removed): Dreamy, artistic halos around brighter light sources—perfect for a nostalgic, experimental vibe. Processed in C-41 chemistry.

For many photographers, Cinestill represents the perfect blend of convenience and creativity, delivering stunning results without the need for dedicated ECN-2 processing labs.

With Cinestill, you also gain the ability to shoot on multiple formats of film, like 120 Medium Format and 4×5.

However, if you are looking for a dedicated ECN-2 lab, read further…

Motion Picture Film’s Rising Popularity

Motion picture film stocks, like Kodak Vision3, are surging in popularity, not just for their cinematic past but for what they bring to still photography. These professional-grade films are known for their incredible dynamic range, fine grain, and striking colors.

With film prices rising, many photographers are finding creative ways to make their shooting habits more affordable—and motion picture film offers an option that balances cost and quality. By purchasing bulk motion picture rolls, photographers can shoot more while spending less.

This is called “respooling.”

Respooling 101

Respooling is the process of taking bulk motion picture film rolls and manually spooling them into individual 35mm canisters. Not just a cost-saving hack, respooling has become a beloved practice among film enthusiasts for its DIY charm and deeply satisfying results.

Want to try it yourself? Here’s a simplified overview of respooling:

1. Cut the Film: Purchase motion picture film in bulk rolls (commonly 100 feet or more).
2. Prepare Canisters: Collect empty 35mm canisters. Reusable ones work best for this process.
3. Spool Carefully: Using a bulk loader, transfer the motion picture film into canisters, ensuring everything is light-tight.

The Role of Labs and ECN-2 Developing

Processing and developing motion picture film the right way can make or break your results. Traditional photo labs process film in C-41 chemistry, but the original ECN-2 process—designed specifically for motion picture film—preserves the unique color science and detail that filmmakers rely on.

Gelatin Labs, with the professional process at Kodak Labs Atlanta, specialize in ECN-2 processing, helping photographers achieve Hollywood-level quality in their images. Even with halation, these labs ensure consistency and professionalism in every frame.

Halation or No Halation? The Photographer’s Choice

At the end of the day (or roll, in this case), halation is a deeply personal aesthetic choice. Some photographers lean into its cinematic dreaminess, loading up Cinestill into their camera. Others prefer the clean, polished results of remjet-backed films like Kodak Vision3.

• Want halation? Go for Cinestill 800T for a glowing, experimental feel.
• Prefer minimal halation? Stick with traditional motion picture stock and process it using ECN-2 labs like Gelatin Labs.

Rediscover Film’s Unique Imperfection

The resurgence of film photography is more than a trend—it’s a reminder of how imperfections, like halation, can create beauty. Motion picture film, Cinestill, and respooling have opened doors for creative professionals and hobbyists alike.

Whether you’re chasing haloed highlights or perfectly balanced precision, explore this growing movement. Experiment, learn, and most importantly—embrace the unexpected magic of film.

For professional-quality development and expert support, send your motion picture film to Gelatin Labs today.