Anyone using film?

[pobe]

Hi everyone!

I haven't been here for what feels like ages, but I'm trying to hang around more and noticed that there was a photography forum! I've always loved it but started getting more serious early 2009 when I got myself a DSLR. Shot a ton of pictures and learned a lot, but I missed something...

After I while I realized that there was too much buttons and too many functions. I got an old film SLR, completely manual, and I absolutely loved it. Now I mostly shoot with an old rangefinder that doesn't even have a light meter... Still keep the DSLR, but I've really found that my love is in old mechanical cameras. And there's something about pulling a roll of film from the development tank that popping a memory card into a card reader never will come close to!

I haven't made enough posts for images or links, but I'll post some here as soon as I can...

Peace!

 

[jwu]

I just recently bought an used Nikon F80 on ebay, and it has been a lot of fun to use. Normally i use a D90, but using film is a totally different experience. Suddenly every shot matters, and one becomes much more considerate about it; carefully framing each shot, metering the scene and then finally taking the shot.

One advantage is that film SLRs are dirt cheap nowadays, and i can afford to take the F80 out in weather in which i wouldn't take the risk with my digital one. I'm also thinking about getting an additional F100 for even better weather protection (the lens is a different issue of course), and to have two bodies that are loaded with different film.

 

[lisah]

Yes, indeed. I recently purchased a Mamiya RB67 Pro SD (medium format camera) and am in the process of building a darkroom in my basement. (My niece calls the camera "really ghetto". )I would like to get a large format camera as well.

I am interested in alternative processing methods such as cyanotype and van dyke brown processing. I also have a Nikon D90 for digital shooting, but I missed using film and the darkroom. I can use both digital and film for negatives for alternative processes, so at least that camera will remain useful for work as well.

 

[wgooden]

I think everyone should have to shoot "film" at some point in their experience ... it makes you learn a little more about photography ... it seems now everyone is a photographer!! ... but the difference is in the details ... It's been a while since I shot film ... I would still shoot it if it were not so difficult in getting it processed correctly ... again, just sticking it in the machine and processing it ... does not really get the results I want.

wg

 

[pobe]

And film smells much better than memory cards!

I've been shooting and scanning so far, but next week I'm starting a course in dark room technique! I'm really looking forward to doing some "real" printing.

 

[Susie~Q]

I still love my film camera. It is a Canon AE1, I have not used it in ages, but, I am going to start again. I have a few attachments for it and to be honest, I really enjoy it more than my digital.

I have a brand new digital, it, too, is a Canon, it is Power Shot SX20IS, to be honest, it is hard for me to learn, but, I bought some manuals and am working on it. The pics I have taken with it are gorgeous, but, there is a lot of room for improvement. I hope to really get back into this hobby as it is actually my favorite.

 

[sdcougar]

I have not used my film camera in over a year but just took it on a trip. Shooting Fujichrome. Hard to find processing someplaces overseas.

Dwayne's photo in Kansas 'processed the last roll of Kodachrome slide film' in Dec. 2010, the 75th anniversary of Kodachrome.
dwaynesphoto dot com

Been a real hassle in some airport security checks to get them to hand inspect the film but I just stand my ground and get it done.

Don't know what happened, can't post links now...says I only have six posts...

 

[lisah]

I think everyone should have to shoot "film" at some point in their experience ... it makes you learn a little more about photography ... it seems now everyone is a photographer!! ... but the difference is in the details ... It's been a while since I shot film ... I would still shoot it if it were not so difficult in getting it processed correctly ... again, just sticking it in the machine and processing it ... does not really get the results I want.

wg

I agree. I think it's a wonderful experience, if you get the opportunity. Our community college is phasing out their color program, but will be keeping black and white processing which is required for all fine art students.

Last quarter I worked with color film, processing my own and worked with a color enlarger. It was interesting learning how the enlargers work and even color film was a breeze to develop (as long as you payed close attention to the times). However, this quarter I will be working with only digital since I purchased a entry level professional digital printer. Even printing digitally has difficulties to overcome. I actually found film much easier.

 

[Michael Snow]

Here is a link to some of my Fujichrome shots...Leipzig and Italy
http://mikesnow.org/

The pictures on the Romania link are digital, all shot from a train with Kodak Z712 IS using sport/action setting....oh, and shooting through an OPEN window; the train car had compartments and I stayed in the passageway and opened the window before shooting.

 

[Michael Snow]

Unless you have a high-end digital, film will give you much better low-light and night shots.

Fujichrome Astia 100

some night shots of Venice linked on my website http://mikesnow.org

 

[Michael Snow]

A couple film pictues from this summer

 

[pappastratos]

yeah, I came from a photography family. I was raised on a waist level finder & film ! for years & years I was a pro wedding photographer. Shot all my best work on film. Like all other pros, I migrated to digital. My work was never as good going forward. Like others, I shoot 100% digital, sold my expensive film cameras. Removed my small darkroom. One thing I noticed that digital is too easy. Everything is auto, correct mistakes in photoshop. The mentality was the shot was perfect when you shot it. I picked plenty of lint off tuxes, tiny pieces of trash off carpet because I wanted a perfect shot.
I still say I have dektol for blood.