How strange it is... back in the film days, we thought that 36 exposures was a limiting factor to our creativity (for my summer vacations i could only afford 5 or 6 rolls). Nowadays, that we take digital frames by the hundreds, we think that having only 36 exposures is an opportunity to create better images. Thank you for your videos!
Back in that day (59-63 when I was in high school) I used to photograph SCCA sports car races. It was a lot cheaper to burn film (and develop/print it myself) than to go back to the race. I’d buy film in 100 foot rolls, stuff my cassettes with ~100 shots, and blaze away just like I do now with my digital camera.
Yeah. I occasionally shoot a roll but I have nostalgia about it. It was really expensive. I still have a handfull of Minolta camera's. 2x700, x-gm and srt101, Minolta af7000 and af3500
One unexpected perk of film I found is how the extended period of the unknown helps generate excitement during slumps in motivation. I'll take a film camera to a familiar spot and the anticipation felt afterwards for the film to be developed lights a fire under me.
I like buying vintage cameras with the hope that they have exposed but undeveloped film or glass plates in them. Have three successes so far with 4x5 and 5x7 cameras over a century old. One was of a Victorian lady where you could just see the reflection of the photographer in a mirror at the edge of the frame. The old 9x12 folders with partially used film packs are other good candidates.
I shoot film probably 90 percent of the time. I just enjoy the process (and the processing) and the "craft" of film. I also use an AE-1 as my go-to 35mm, and I use a lot of antique cameras as well. I just used a Brownie six-20 from around 1950.
Nice! It is a much more settled process with film isn't it. I really enjoyed going out with the AE1, and I am taking it with me on my summer holidays. I bet the Brownie will be a lot of fun to work out how to get the best out of it. I have a pocket folding camera I want to get working again... when I have the time. Thanks for watching Scott 😁👍
Film is a discipline, a process. That’s where I started, mostly working medium format. You can be a bit more casual with 35mm. It’s even more of a discipline with large format, though I never went beyond 5x4. I still have an RB67 and it works well. I should get it out again because there are some things I want to try with it. Last time I used it the exposures were bang on, using E6 tranny. Neg was easy. Tranny was hard. Wait until you start messing with long exposures and reciprocity failure. Most people like me who started in film don’t particularly like the look of digital. I find it a bit too harsh. I’m still using some of my old film lenses on my A7R because the digital ones are too sharp, especially for portraits. So I still carry an Olympus 85mm f:2 and and Olympus 135mm f:2.8 in my bag. But if people don’t understand the process and the essentials of ISO, shutter speed and aperture, film is the way to learn it. You can’t chimp so you have to get it right the first time. I always carry a light meter with me, even using mirrorless.
I bet medium and large format would be on another level! I have been looking at a few medium format cameras but haven't taken the plunge yet ... Like you said, it is a great way to learn ... although unless you take notes on your settings, there's no way of knowing what settings you shot with ... There were a few in this session where I had to go through the video footage to find out what settings I actually used. Thanks for watching 😁👍
@@mikesphotography From what I’ve seen of your videos, I think you would really enjoy it. If you can find a photo club with a decent darkroom - like one that can handle medium or large format - I would encourage you to give it a try. Some even have loaner cameras. My club does. You don’t need a Hasselblad either and good medium and large format film cameras can be had for quite reasonable money. I only paid the equivalent of a couple of hundred pounds for a really good RB67 and it takes beautiful photographs. I used a Bronica professionally and I actually prefer it to the others. You need a good tripod though, probably something a lot less practical to lug around than what most of us are used to. You also need a good hand held light meter and a filter factor chart. Reciprocity failure is another thing that digital doesn’t have.😵💫 Film is a real adventure these days.
One of the things I learn from shooting with film (in the digital era) is: "be intentional". Even better if planned in advance, like doing personal project (like "30 days with film"). This is more relevant when shooting on bigger formats, because of less frames. I usually shoot 6x6 which means only 12 frames. Sure, you can apply this mindset with digital cameras. I think film kinda "force" you more, though: think, always think. Make every frame counts. On the other side, nothing stops you to go trigger happy with film especially when using modern bodies like Nikon F100 or EOS 1N :D
I've brought a couple of years ago a Canon A1, I've got already the Sony a7iii, i can guarantee that after few rolls on the Canon A1 my approach to the digital photography changed drastically...and i love it!
I really enjoyed that video and i must say both your videography skills and photgraphy skills are great. It was a pleasure to watch you taking your time and shots. Hope will find some more film photography content here in the future.😊 Greetings from Germany
That's great to hear you're noticing the effort I am putting into my latest videos ... I am really enjoying the filming process; it's great fun and challenging at times making a coherent and watchable video!! Thanks for watching Mohamed 😁👍
Good presentation! I shoot digital the same way I did film, one photo at a time. When I started at 17, I used a Pentax Spotmatic and Tri-X (bought in bulk because that was what I clould afford). I developed and printed my work which gave me control of my workflow and results. I never did color because it was expensive and I could not control the developing and printing process. In the digital world, software and a good (dye/pigment) printer is my post-process control and I have always been happy with what I do because it has worked well for me!
Nice video. two things though, for the "sun" shot, try using a polarizing filter and use Fuji film for outdoors. The colors are much better than Kodak Gold.
Houston, I got a problem... After work as a photographer for more than 35 years, and being retired I tried to eliminate the limitations of depending on rolls, developer, fixer, long washing, printing, and again start the cycle of enlarging, developer, stop bath, fixer, washing, drying and then have a real vision of what I tried to do with my camera. Then I jump into the new fantastic way of taking pictures!! My first digital camera, a Sony A 900 and a couple of lenses was very good, but... I was looking for other kind of imagen, no what the camera give me and I got it after hours working in a computer. After learning about this camera I tried on a Nikon D3x and I got a better picture in the area of imagen compared to reality, This 2 cameras are 24 MP with a good amount of colors and a good reproduction of details; but a "good friend" recommended the Nikon D 810... Without discussion the imagen is better in this camera due to its 36 MP and a more rational way to select the settings... But, (always have to be a BUT), only simplified for me a way to take family and friends pictures in Holidays and Birthdays... Because when I go out to make my own pictures in B&W all the digital equipment stay at home and my F2as and my Nikkormat FTn are my trip companions or my "semper fidelis" Mamilla 645 when I need a little larger negative.... I am not a guy that opposed to the instruments of the new technology, but, at least for me is easier to get a good B&W landscape or city picture dodging and burning, than navigating a couple of $ 1000 dollars programs and the dynamic range of my 36 MP sensor... On top of that, working in the darkroom is more fun than be seated in front of a monitor screen finishing the hundred or more images taken with the always ready digital camera... Who can imaging that limiting your trigger finger will improved the quality of your photographic work!!!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Oscar. It really is amazing how far technology has come on in the last 20 years or so with photography. There is a lot to be said about film, and it definitely brought back a lot of memories for me from when I first started in the 90s. It's easier too learn now, but it's not so much an art as it used to be. Thanks for watching 😁👍
Honestly amazed you were somehow able to get video of the viewfinder! Never shot film myself but perhaps someday I'll take the chance. Thanks Mike! Great video as always
Thanks very much Ian!! It was a challenge to do that ... a little change about with the settings in the gopro and some gaffer tape did the job!! 😆 As always thanks for watching 😁👍
Appreciative of your video. I just got back from Yellowstone, and yes, I took my 35mm along. A vintage Voigtlander Bessamatic with the standard 50 mm 2.8 lens along with my 200 mm telephoto lens. Of course, I had my handy iPhone to catch most of the photos. I’ve had this camera 40+ years and it felt good again to shoot with it (limited to Kodak 400 ISO and some Ilford BW 100). You are spot on, shooting film forces you to SLOW DOWN and I didn’t mind at all. I had a blast, and yes, I kept my distance from the buffalo. 😊
Haha! Good to hear you didn't go and get a selfie with the buffalo!! 😆🙈 It's a fun way to shoot isn't it... and in that process of slowing down, it gives you time to think about what is in the photo. Thanks for watching 😁👍
Another great video, Mike. Most of my old film pictures are.... not good at all. More memories then anything else. My first roll I developed in a dark room myself were all bad with only one correct. Stay safe and healthy out there.
Hey Lance! Thanks very much!! Film has such a long learning process to it ... I think I went through the same process as you ... rolls and rolls of bad images with no way of knowing what settings I had used. It was fun going back to it though after all these years of digital photography ... and I am currently on holiday in Austria and trying to take one film photograph at every location we visit. As always thanks for watching my friend 😁👍
I also dug out one of my old film cameras recently (a Minolta Dynax 3 I bought on Christmas Eve 2003 in Bangkok - the Big C in Ramkhamhaeng . . . The first 3 frames I took were of the ladies who served me) as preparation for reviving an RB67 . . . It certainly brought back memories and made me focus on getting the right shot lined up before hitting the shutter.
To answer the question in the title of your video. Yes, if you took many photos with film it is very nostalgic. I am 75 years old and started with 35mm cameras when I was about 20. I also have purchased a couple of 70 year cameras and the work great!
Film photography now is like Golf in that there has been a rediscovery and resurgence with classic clubs and even hickory clubs. Its more fun in Photography or even in Golf if there are variables that actually make a game thats not 'boringly' predictable. Film has revived my photography.
Haha! I like your analogy... or is it a simile... anyway, you are completely right. It is a great way to get back to the real reason why we take photographs. Thanks for watching 😁👍
Worth it? That depends on what you hope to get out of the process. For some it’s for the workflow, for others it’s simply about using old cameras. For those who have never shot anything other than digital it’s definitely worth trying if for no other reason than to discover how most of the ‘problems’ people talk about having with digital photography today are problems that just don’t exist. It’s a great leveller in that regard.
Some good points there and all very valid. Since making this video, I have had my film camera with me a lot more and am getting a lot out of it. Like you said, it is a great leveller. Thanks for watching 😁👍
instead of the hand held meter you can use the internal just by moving it around the scene. What I miss the most is the feel you get of the shutter slaming down the heaft of the camera that added stability but now I shoot Insta 360 lol.
Love the grainy look on some of those images, even at ISO 200. Also, the video and music blend is on point: whilst I still listen to the info. being passed on, a lot of the time I am simply entertained by the cinematography. That said, I felt the end could have been a tad stronger and maybe finished off with something poignant aimed at the viewer: overall thoughts on film v digital; what did it lack; what surprised you most; will this be something you'll do a lot more of (and why); advantages/disadvantages of using film; when to shoot film and when not too etc. etc. Still need to work on your hill fitness!! 😉😂
Thanks for the feedback Darren, I'm working on getting better storylines in my videos so this really helps. 👍 Haha!! I don't think my hill fitness will ever be there as much as I want it to be ... maybe I should rest before filming ... or turn the volume down on the panting track!! 😆😆 Great to hear you're liking the filming ... been working on that recently ... As always thanks for watching 😁👍
I occasionally shoot film it's such a deliberate process each frame more valuable than the last each frame an opportunity that is no longer available. I allways had a sense of panic as I went along running out of chances to capture something great.
Interesting analysis. Think I will stick with my Z7ii however. I am really interested in the 100-400/4.5 as a replacement for my clunky 200-500 though. Perhaps by the time I get the $’s together they will start shipping.
put those lenses on a Sony with a $25 adapter and use the old prism filters that can not be done in PS. The super wide f/# and low low prices. the most expensive is the Canon 14mm f/2.8, If you can find, has pinpoint stars even.
I have an adapter and love shooting with these lenses on my current camera! I will have to try the filter you mentioned though ... and I know what you mean about the really wide angle lenses ... I have been keeping an eye out for the super wides for a while ... Thanks for watching 😁👍
Really cool challenge to go back out with old technology. I'd say you were pretty successful as well. My favourite was the layered mountains and sunlight from the second day. A lot more about the feelings it evokes rather than the visual impact if you get what I mean. Next time try black and white film for a different challenge again. The beauty of digital being you can choose in post what type of image it is, but with film you have to plan to shoot monochrome.
Thanks very much James! It was very much a fun process. I bet shooting B&W would be on another level!! I might just have to do that later in the year ... I'd been thinking of doing it with digital, but like you said, you still have the option of colour with RAW files even when you switch the profile to B&W.
Yes? The cameras themselves are works of mechanical excellence. A joy to use any of the high end cameras, hell I even get a buzz out of using my Pentax MZ6.
It is a lot of fun using these old cameras isn't it!! Whenever I go on holiday, I always take this camera with me and these are often the photos I keep and cherish. Thanks for watching 😁👍
Post brings back memories - nice. About the images shown, did you scan and then edit the digital files of the prints? Respectable sheep shot. Last film cam I used was a Pentax MX; used to load film in a changing bag to squeeze out that extra frame (sometimes the labs would only process 36, nonetheless😁.) Would rewind so a bit of “tail” remained outside the canister. Does your Canon have a depth of field preview button/lever? Agree, film forces slower process and thinking - but it sure is nice to be spoiled by digital. This vid wasn’t made during the heat wave, was it? Cheers!
I shot this between heatwaves! 😆 I got the processing lab to scan them as well as print them ... although they sent them back on a DVD so had to get my dad's old laptop with a DVD drive to get them onto a memory stick!! I don't think it has the depth of field preview option on the AE1 but I could be wrong ... 🤔
@@mikesphotography If you have a macro lens and light table you can "scan" the negatives yourself. In my experience the camera sensor pulls out a fair bit more info than lab scans I've got back plus you get all the advantages of a raw file.
@@mikesphotography Yes, the Canon AE1 has a preview button, you need to push. I own and AE1, just a fantastic camera..I still use it, and use sometimes the built-in meter, but most of the time I rely on my Pentax V handheld spotmeter.. Very nice video. Nice shoots too. Said that, sorry but people shooting film, like me, are not snobbish, as you qualified them..and also, digital photography is not photography to my eyes..Having a camera in your hand and not knowing that the camera has a preview button, tells me what type of photographer you are..Yes, definitely you shouldn't use a film camera..stick with your digital camera and let it makes pictures for you....
Haha! Nice one @Roi Loubia, with your comment, you've just clarified my initial statement about snobbery. So you think that if someone has a camera in their hands they should automatically know everything there is to know about it? 🤦🏻♂️ As I said in this video, it's been a long time since I shot film and I'm just seeing whether or not digital photography has diminished or built on my skills ... But in your eyes, I'm a non-photographer ... And to be honest, I am fine with that. 😁👍
Fun video. I shoot lots of film; but I usually only shoot black and white. Black and white works really well with film. Color film is expensive and I don't really see any advantage of using film over digital for color images. Of course medium format is different than 35mm. If I want to shoot with my Hasselblad and I want a color image, I have to use color film. I do process all my films and I also scan the images. That does save some money over sending your film out to be processed.
Thanks very much. This was a fun one to film!! Great to hear your thoughts on film, it can get expensive quickly, but it is really therapeutic and it really slows down the process no end getting you to think about the compositions you are taking! Thanks for watching 😁👍
G'day Mike, I noticed you are using Peak Design attachments. Is the tripod you are using a Peak Design tripod, please? If so, which one, and what do you think? Kind regards, Paul.
Hey Paul, I have the Peak Design copy from Ulanzi. This one: www.ulanzi.com/products/ulanzi-coman-lightweight-travel-tripod It works pretty well, but gets a bit shakey in high winds ... but then again, most tripods do. This one is great for travelling with as it packs down so small. Thanks for watching 😁👍
Nice one Mike, I've just bought a 35mm richo bargain with three lenses, wanted to know how the experience was and also get on to manual shooting as I'm always in aperture priority , I have to say although it is expensive but worth the pleasure,,also found I take my time and looking for a good composition, I have to say I enjoy it really do, I now bring two cameras film and digital.
Nice, How do you find the richo? It is a fun experience and it really does slow down the process and get you thinking about the framing of your shot. I'm a bit like you, whenever we go on holiday, I alwas have this camera with me now. I've got some great photos that go straight into our family holidays "old school" photo book! Thanks for watching 😁👍
@@mikesphotography yes ,I have to say Slough I'm a black &white shooter, I'm impressed with the images I've taken and a lot of them are family portraits, it's a whole new concept for me I must say but for the results bang on , I'm no expert but I really do like the feel of this type of photography, for anyone wanting to shoot manual mode so to speak, ask there parents or grandparents if they have a 35mm camera they could try out,, I promise the experience is fun and opens a whole new concept to shooting manual. And when you take the shot and use that roll of film ,,and with the excitement of the prints returning good or bad makes it all worth while on its own, as for the camera itself if your into street photography it's so sleek you could snap of the shot and people don't even realise you've done it,, so 10/10 for film photography,I now understand what it's all about, pace yourself and enjoy the moment.
Too funny I just broke out my Olympus OM-2 from the 70's and shot some film last month! Back in the 80's I worked in a Camera store (remember those). I sold tons of the AE-1s great cameras. I use my vintage OM lens with my current mirrorless cameras . They make for excellent images.
Haha! Excellent!! I used to be the guy who would come in with about 20 rolls of film to be processed ... and expect them the next day!! 😆 The FD lenses are also great on my digital cameras ... I'm going to take them out in a video in the future as well! As always thanks for watching 😁👍
As personal or art projects, yes. As production tool? No. Ever come across an editor or art director who would allow staff members to introduce film media into the work flow? I haven't either. I've been in the business my whole life--from the tail end of film in 86 to 2020 when i retired from production work--film media was dropped from the work flow in 2001. Staff were assigned Nikon D1 for field work. At 2.6 MB we made it work. I sometimes use my Bronica for personal work when nostalgia strikes. Shot BW and home developed.
This is a great retro experience but it still reminds me of the very many bitter moments when I picked up the photos at the lab and the prints came out bad and that's just simply a result of many variables during the negative and printing processes.
Worth doing? Well, the short answer is "yes". The short question is" why not?" It is just as good as it was 30... 40.... 50 years ago and just as fun to work with the old cameras. Just shoot and enjoy... the fun is still there. I shot a roll yesterday at the park. Can't wait to see how it looks.! I really enjoyed the thoughts and reflection of film vs digital. I enjoy and use both. That roll from the park turned out ok. Only one real miss and considering I had never shot with that camera and was only using "sunny 16" for exposure... I was surprised.
Great to hear Alun!! It was a fun day out and I ended up taking the AE1 on holiday with me as well!! It's great to take a shot and then move on ... instead of taking lots of different angles!! Thanks for watching 😁👍
@@mikesphotography I saw some 128MB Micro SD cards for sale. That's about 20 exposures with my camera, could be fun... (and probably infuriating at the same time when Sod's law presents you with the best scene/location in the world to photograph!)
Hello Mike, thank you for another great vídeo! If I go out and try all the metering modes and focus areas is there a way to see in LR or PS which one I used or do I have to write it down to Know later in post which is which? Sorry if it is a stupid question, but I really don't know. Although I shoo in Raw, the same happened when I went out and tried different JPG Creative styles but then in post I couldn't figure out what they were... Thank you so much in advance!
Hi Anna, Not a stupid question at all. For something like that, you will get some of the information in the exif data, but not all of those settings you mention. So to be on the safe side, I'd write it down in a notepad. It is a great way to learn about how the camera affects your shots. I've done it for several of my videos and it has helped me and my photography a lot ... so well worth it. I hope that helps. 😁👍
Quick thoughts! What is better quality? A 24 megapixels camera or Fuji Reala 100? Microscopic or a noticeable difference? Noise (grain) in film is more acceptable than on digital. Most film styles and effects can be replicated in postproduction. Also digital has had an evolution on its own. Is film photography worth doing in 2023? No, unless you have your own darkroom. I remember taking my film to high street developers and results were quite irregular, especially in B&W. For colour I remember Snappy Snaps (what a name 🤭) were the best! Nowadays if you have a decent calibrated monitor, you can control the final result much more than in the past.
In a word. No. I have a freezer full of Velvia, Ectachrome, Provia, Agfa RSX, Fuji Color, Fuji Supra, and others that I have not run through a camera in years because it simply is not worth the processing cost. Most of it bought in the late 1990's early to mid 2000's and stuffed in my freezer since that day I received it. Most expiration dates are mid 2000's but it is still as fresh as the day it was made thanks to being frozen. 😋 Might haul some out and run it through my Leica Barnack cameras or my Nikon F2. Maybe... Kind of a waste to let it sit in my freezer but on the other hand a bit too expensive to process for a retired pensioner. Digital works great for me.
If it means something to the photographer, then, yes, it's worth doing. Sort of like vinyl records. There are more technologically advanced way to listen to music. But, some people prefer vinyl.
That's a nice analogy. It is very much about the experience and I love how film slows down the whole process and gets you to really think about what you are doing. Thanks for watching 😁👍
I remember shooting film, I didn't go digital till I got married in 2004, when I climbed kilimanjaro in 2003, I had film while others had digital, the only shot I really wish I could've got better was the summit shot. And the sunrise at Stella Point ( unfortunately while everyone else was watching the sunrise at Stella Point, I was having a bout of altitude sickness and just wanted to sleep, fortunately they didn't let me, but dragged me to the summit) anyway, your shots turned out great
Thanks very much!! There is something challenging and fun about shooting film, but it can also be really frustrating when you don't quite get the results you want ... and that's where digital is the master. As always thanks for watching 😁👍
The AE1 is an aperture priority automatic. If you're just going to pick a shutter speed and then set what the meter says on the lens why not just put the lens on A and let it make that setting for you?
@@mikesphotography I understood the what, was just trying to understand the why. Not judging or critiquing. It's just by my thought, the only thing the AE1 does that would make me want to choose it is the auto aperture. Either way, good video.
It's a fun experiment to do ... I think those of us who used to shoot film would find it easier than people who have never experienced it. Thanks for watching 😁👍
Thanks Leo! It was a fun one to shoot ... and very challenging. By the time I got round to editing the video, I'd processed the photos ... and most places have a digitising option as well, where you get the prints as well as a DVD with the scanned images on as well. I just had to get my dad's old laptop that still has a DVD player built into it to get them on to a memory card!! Thanks for watching 😁👍
one advantage of shooting film you don't hear often. Shooting with a MF camera is much lighter than a digital camera. The camera's weigh about 1 fouth of a digital camera with battery.
So, i'm at 1120gms on a Spotmatic with a 28mm 2.5... swap it out for a Super-Takumar 200 and it goes 1340gms. My everyday-carry is an old 4/3 DSLR with a 18-180 zoom and twin battery grip that comes in at 1260gms. If i go out with the Spotty and my bag of full-metal primes, i'm heavier than my pro body, weather-sealed, DSLR with three zooms covering 14 to 400 - and i freak out if the rain comes down.
It's usually a good idea to over exposure film for about one stop or so. Kodak colors will turn out fabulous that way. Also note that you don't have to worry about over exposing your shots when using film: film can easily handle several stops of over exposure.
That is HIGHLY dependent on the film stock you are using. Some films like Kodak Tri-X and Ilford FP4 have about eight stops of exposure latitude, whereas Fuji Velvia 50 has less than one stop of latitude. It's usually a good idea to follow the film manufacturer's suggestions for exposure and development.
The meter inside your camera gives you a spot reading, as to the negative issue, your negatives don't lie. Film tells you, you are bad, you can't just chimp and check the next shot to make up for it. If you want a film camera with a good meter try a Canon 1N, 1V, Nikon F6, or Minolta A7 or A9, they all offer a form of matrix metering that will meter just about as well as digital cameras up to about 2005. Your real limitation is the media not the medium, you're either gonna love or hate film, and that's OK, it has its own aesthetic which is not digital, and you're actually creating something.... I can take 1000 shots with digital chances are 6 months later they will be sitting on a hard drive in a folder I've long since forgotten about. Shooting film forces you to look at and review your images.
Well that brings back memories. Memories of the terrible quality of film with nice colors if you like brown or purple. I really don`t get it, with vinyl you get at least some decent quality and distinctive sound but with film it`s just lo-fi an primitive. That`s my opinion.
Its wonderful to do and the cameras are cheap. But what is killing it is that the film workflow costs to getting your images into a shareable digital format are just too high. I am talking Australian dollars here but it applies anywhere. A roll of quality 35mm film costs $30 or more. Getting it developed will cost you another $40 and scanning the negatives or slides $20. Thats $100 a roll. You can do your own developing but that's messy and not cheap, and a decent scanner will cost $500+. If you want a pro level scanner, $3-10k. So unfortunately, no, it's just not worth it. And that's a great pity.
When filming this, I obviously didn't see them whilst talking to camera.... so the me talking to you doesn't know how they will come out. When editing, I'd obviously got them processed, printed and inserted them into the video...
Film was the way to go in the early 70s when I started photography. But this is 2023, although I still try to shoot a couple of rolls a year. Digital is the way to go.
Digital is so much less expensive isn't it. I learned in the mid 90s with an EOS 5 and I spent so much money and time on a lot of bad photos!! It is so nice with digital to get that instant feedback from what you have just taken, it makes the learning process so much quicker and easier! Thanks for watching 😁👍
Not sure why you want a binary answer. For some people it is and for some people it isn't. That isn't a binary solution as each have their own reasons for shooting file. Even after switching to digital I never quit shooting film of all sizes. I just love the process right through developing my own film. There isn't an experience like it in digital. But I love digital also.
Haha!! Not quite yet ... but it was a fun process shooting with film ... way too expensive though!! 😆 All I need is a pair of wellies and a bunch of flowers ... 😆😆😆
That's great to hear Paul! Haha! I bet the route from Tywyn is quite the Hell's route!! Such a fantastic place to photograph and I bet it would be great to ride as well. 👍
The question should be, Is photography worth doing in 2023? As you know, photography as an art died a long time ago. We now have access to devices, imaging computers to be exact, in the form of mobile phones and similar, that easily reconstruct a scene to make it look like the way we expect it. The same goes with all these AI enabled Noise Reduction, Sharpening, Image Editing software. Soon cameras will be obsolete and soon after ' photographers ', and we only have ourselves to blame. No amount of film photography, sermons about the virtues of slowing down and be deliberate, etc etc is going to save photography as we know it. Remember the seismic changes that the arrival of affordable digital camera brought into the world of film photography? This time around, it will be much much worse, sadly.
That's a very ominous approach to the subject, but thanks for your thoughts. Yes it is changing far from what it used to be... but I now see it as a way to get out in to the wilderness and capture memories for yourself, and get photographs for yourself. You could do that with a camera phone, but there will always be a community that shoot with more manual cameras, be it film, mirrorless or DSLRs. Cameras are lasting longer than ever and can capture so much detail so there is no need to upgrade like in the early stages of digital and this is great for those of us who like the challenge of getting an image with a "proper" camera. Thanks for watching 😁👍
Apart from the white balance being very different in the video, which I liked, compared to the film, which I didn't, I'm convinced that digital photography is far superior.
You use to be able to get film processed the same day, even within an hour for a premium with labs in places like Boots. Now places like Boots quote 3 weeks 😂.
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How strange it is... back in the film days, we thought that 36 exposures was a limiting factor to our creativity (for my summer vacations i could only afford 5 or 6 rolls). Nowadays, that we take digital frames by the hundreds, we think that having only 36 exposures is an opportunity to create better images. Thank you for your videos!
Haha! Good point!! The grass is always green on the other side!! 😆
Thanks for watching John 😁👍
Back in that day (59-63 when I was in high school) I used to photograph SCCA sports car races. It was a lot cheaper to burn film (and develop/print it myself) than to go back to the race. I’d buy film in 100 foot rolls, stuff my cassettes with ~100 shots, and blaze away just like I do now with my digital camera.
TBH, 36 exposures are too many to shoot in one go. I stick mostly to 120 and 4X5. Here every exposure counts.
Yeah. I occasionally shoot a roll but I have nostalgia about it. It was really expensive. I still have a handfull of Minolta camera's. 2x700, x-gm and srt101, Minolta af7000 and af3500
I have also such a zoom tube lens. A Minolta 70-200. Good luck zooming in or out without losing focus.
One unexpected perk of film I found is how the extended period of the unknown helps generate excitement during slumps in motivation. I'll take a film camera to a familiar spot and the anticipation felt afterwards for the film to be developed lights a fire under me.
That's a great point Paul. I took this camera on holiday with me and am really looking forward to getting the film processed!
Thanks for watching 😁👍
I like buying vintage cameras with the hope that they have exposed but undeveloped film or glass plates in them. Have three successes so far with 4x5 and 5x7 cameras over a century old. One was of a Victorian lady where you could just see the reflection of the photographer in a mirror at the edge of the frame. The old 9x12 folders with partially used film packs are other good candidates.
Six important aids to film photography: Graduated neutral density filter, cable release, lens hood, polarizing filter, tripod and mirror lockup.
And a creative eye for light.
I shoot film probably 90 percent of the time. I just enjoy the process (and the processing) and the "craft" of film. I also use an AE-1 as my go-to 35mm, and I use a lot of antique cameras as well. I just used a Brownie six-20 from around 1950.
Nice! It is a much more settled process with film isn't it. I really enjoyed going out with the AE1, and I am taking it with me on my summer holidays.
I bet the Brownie will be a lot of fun to work out how to get the best out of it.
I have a pocket folding camera I want to get working again... when I have the time.
Thanks for watching Scott 😁👍
Film is a discipline, a process. That’s where I started, mostly working medium format. You can be a bit more casual with 35mm. It’s even more of a discipline with large format, though I never went beyond 5x4. I still have an RB67 and it works well. I should get it out again because there are some things I want to try with it. Last time I used it the exposures were bang on, using E6 tranny. Neg was easy. Tranny was hard. Wait until you start messing with long exposures and reciprocity failure.
Most people like me who started in film don’t particularly like the look of digital. I find it a bit too harsh. I’m still using some of my old film lenses on my A7R because the digital ones are too sharp, especially for portraits. So I still carry an Olympus 85mm f:2 and and Olympus 135mm f:2.8 in my bag.
But if people don’t understand the process and the essentials of ISO, shutter speed and aperture, film is the way to learn it. You can’t chimp so you have to get it right the first time. I always carry a light meter with me, even using mirrorless.
I bet medium and large format would be on another level! I have been looking at a few medium format cameras but haven't taken the plunge yet ...
Like you said, it is a great way to learn ... although unless you take notes on your settings, there's no way of knowing what settings you shot with ... There were a few in this session where I had to go through the video footage to find out what settings I actually used.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
@@mikesphotography From what I’ve seen of your videos, I think you would really enjoy it. If you can find a photo club with a decent darkroom - like one that can handle medium or large format - I would encourage you to give it a try. Some even have loaner cameras. My club does. You don’t need a Hasselblad either and good medium and large format film cameras can be had for quite reasonable money. I only paid the equivalent of a couple of hundred pounds for a really good RB67 and it takes beautiful photographs. I used a Bronica professionally and I actually prefer it to the others. You need a good tripod though, probably something a lot less practical to lug around than what most of us are used to. You also need a good hand held light meter and a filter factor chart. Reciprocity failure is another thing that digital doesn’t have.😵💫
Film is a real adventure these days.
Old film shots look amazing
It really does doesn't it!!
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Say what?? Looked out of the window lately.
If the world looked like film you should have your head examined.
It`s just plain terrible fidelity.
One of the things I learn from shooting with film (in the digital era) is: "be intentional". Even better if planned in advance, like doing personal project (like "30 days with film"). This is more relevant when shooting on bigger formats, because of less frames. I usually shoot 6x6 which means only 12 frames.
Sure, you can apply this mindset with digital cameras. I think film kinda "force" you more, though: think, always think. Make every frame counts. On the other side, nothing stops you to go trigger happy with film especially when using modern bodies like Nikon F100 or EOS 1N :D
You're completely right Andre. It does really make you slow down and think about what you are shooting.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
I've brought a couple of years ago a Canon A1, I've got already the Sony a7iii, i can guarantee that after few rolls on the Canon A1 my approach to the digital photography changed drastically...and i love it!
A1 was my first flagship body.Great camera.
Back in Memory land. Excellent presentation. Many thanks.
A lot of my favorite images were shot on film.
I love the imperfections and colors I get on film.
The haptics and sounds of a lot of film cameras.
I really enjoyed that video and i must say both your videography skills and photgraphy skills are great. It was a pleasure to watch you taking your time and shots. Hope will find some more film photography content here in the future.😊 Greetings from Germany
I'm currently loving my £23 Minolta XD-11 with 135 mm f1:3.5 Rokkor lens and 50mm f1:1.7 mm primes. The old cameras are just sublime to use!
Nice!! And the prices are pretty good too!!
Thanks for watching 😁👍
The quality of the videos and the presentation is just amazing… thank you so much Mike
That's great to hear you're noticing the effort I am putting into my latest videos ... I am really enjoying the filming process; it's great fun and challenging at times making a coherent and watchable video!!
Thanks for watching Mohamed 😁👍
Good presentation! I shoot digital the same way I did film, one photo at a time. When I started at 17, I used a Pentax Spotmatic and Tri-X (bought in bulk because that was what I clould afford). I developed and printed my work which gave me control of my workflow and results. I never did color because it was expensive and I could not control the developing and printing process. In the digital world, software and a good (dye/pigment) printer is my post-process control and I have always been happy with what I do because it has worked well for me!
Nice video. two things though, for the "sun" shot, try using a polarizing filter and use Fuji film for outdoors. The colors are much better than Kodak Gold.
Houston, I got a problem... After work as a photographer for more than 35 years, and being retired I tried to eliminate the limitations of depending on rolls, developer, fixer, long washing, printing, and again start the cycle of enlarging, developer, stop bath, fixer, washing, drying and then have a real vision of what I tried to do with my camera. Then I jump into the new fantastic way of taking pictures!! My first digital camera, a Sony A 900 and a couple of lenses was very good, but... I was looking for other kind of imagen, no what the camera give me and I got it after hours working in a computer. After learning about this camera I tried on a Nikon D3x and I got a better picture in the area of imagen compared to reality, This 2 cameras are 24 MP with a good amount of colors and a good reproduction of details; but a "good friend" recommended the Nikon D 810... Without discussion the imagen is better in this camera due to its 36 MP and a more rational way to select the settings... But, (always have to be a BUT), only simplified for me a way to take family and friends pictures in Holidays and Birthdays... Because when I go out to make my own pictures in B&W all the digital equipment stay at home and my F2as and my Nikkormat FTn are my trip companions or my "semper fidelis" Mamilla 645 when I need a little larger negative.... I am not a guy that opposed to the instruments of the new technology, but, at least for me is easier to get a good B&W landscape or city picture dodging and burning, than navigating a couple of $ 1000 dollars programs and the dynamic range of my 36 MP sensor... On top of that, working in the darkroom is more fun than be seated in front of a monitor screen finishing the hundred or more images taken with the always ready digital camera... Who can imaging that limiting your trigger finger will improved the quality of your photographic work!!!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Oscar. It really is amazing how far technology has come on in the last 20 years or so with photography.
There is a lot to be said about film, and it definitely brought back a lot of memories for me from when I first started in the 90s.
It's easier too learn now, but it's not so much an art as it used to be.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Honestly amazed you were somehow able to get video of the viewfinder! Never shot film myself but perhaps someday I'll take the chance. Thanks Mike! Great video as always
Thanks very much Ian!! It was a challenge to do that ... a little change about with the settings in the gopro and some gaffer tape did the job!! 😆
As always thanks for watching 😁👍
Appreciative of your video. I just got back from Yellowstone, and yes, I took my 35mm along. A vintage Voigtlander Bessamatic with the standard 50 mm 2.8 lens along with my 200 mm telephoto lens. Of course, I had my handy iPhone to catch most of the photos. I’ve had this camera 40+ years and it felt good again to shoot with it (limited to Kodak 400 ISO and some Ilford BW 100). You are spot on, shooting film forces you to SLOW DOWN and I didn’t mind at all. I had a blast, and yes, I kept my distance from the buffalo. 😊
Haha! Good to hear you didn't go and get a selfie with the buffalo!! 😆🙈
It's a fun way to shoot isn't it... and in that process of slowing down, it gives you time to think about what is in the photo.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
The boat house shot was the best of the bunch
Thanks very much Bob!
Another great video, Mike. Most of my old film pictures are.... not good at all. More memories then anything else. My first roll I developed in a dark room myself were all bad with only one correct. Stay safe and healthy out there.
Hey Lance!
Thanks very much!! Film has such a long learning process to it ... I think I went through the same process as you ... rolls and rolls of bad images with no way of knowing what settings I had used.
It was fun going back to it though after all these years of digital photography ... and I am currently on holiday in Austria and trying to take one film photograph at every location we visit.
As always thanks for watching my friend 😁👍
I also dug out one of my old film cameras recently (a Minolta Dynax 3 I bought on Christmas Eve 2003 in Bangkok - the Big C in Ramkhamhaeng . . . The first 3 frames I took were of the ladies who served me) as preparation for reviving an RB67 . . . It certainly brought back memories and made me focus on getting the right shot lined up before hitting the shutter.
It really does make you think about the shot doesn't it Geoff!
To answer the question in the title of your video. Yes, if you took many photos with film it is very nostalgic. I am 75 years old and started with 35mm cameras when I was about 20. I also have purchased a couple of 70 year cameras and the work great!
It is a lot of fun! I got my first proper camera in the mid 90s and this really took me back to that point.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Lovely shots sir, and a very enjoyable video… Now where did I put my FE2?
Thanks very much!! 😁👍
Film photography now is like Golf in that there has been a rediscovery and resurgence with classic clubs and even hickory clubs. Its more fun in Photography or even in Golf if there are variables that actually make a game thats not 'boringly' predictable. Film has revived my photography.
Haha! I like your analogy... or is it a simile... anyway, you are completely right. It is a great way to get back to the real reason why we take photographs.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
I like the Kodak Gold. It has the vivid colors I prefer for outdoorsy stuff.
Worth it? That depends on what you hope to get out of the process. For some it’s for the workflow, for others it’s simply about using old cameras. For those who have never shot anything other than digital it’s definitely worth trying if for no other reason than to discover how most of the ‘problems’ people talk about having with digital photography today are problems that just don’t exist. It’s a great leveller in that regard.
Some good points there and all very valid. Since making this video, I have had my film camera with me a lot more and am getting a lot out of it. Like you said, it is a great leveller.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
instead of the hand held meter you can use the internal just by moving it around the scene. What I miss the most is the feel you get of the shutter slaming down the heaft of the camera that added stability but now I shoot Insta 360 lol.
It is a very satisfying feeling when that shutter clunks... and the insta360 has none of that! 😆
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Love the grainy look on some of those images, even at ISO 200. Also, the video and music blend is on point: whilst I still listen to the info. being passed on, a lot of the time I am simply entertained by the cinematography. That said, I felt the end could have been a tad stronger and maybe finished off with something poignant aimed at the viewer: overall thoughts on film v digital; what did it lack; what surprised you most; will this be something you'll do a lot more of (and why); advantages/disadvantages of using film; when to shoot film and when not too etc. etc. Still need to work on your hill fitness!! 😉😂
Thanks for the feedback Darren, I'm working on getting better storylines in my videos so this really helps. 👍
Haha!! I don't think my hill fitness will ever be there as much as I want it to be ... maybe I should rest before filming ... or turn the volume down on the panting track!! 😆😆
Great to hear you're liking the filming ... been working on that recently ...
As always thanks for watching 😁👍
yes. i own fm2n, fg mint with afd 50/1.4 . i plan on getting film f6 in the future
I occasionally shoot film it's such a deliberate process each frame more valuable than the last each frame an opportunity that is no longer available. I allways had a sense of panic as I went along running out of chances to capture something great.
Interesting analysis. Think I will stick with my Z7ii however. I am really interested in the 100-400/4.5 as a replacement for my clunky 200-500 though. Perhaps by the time I get the $’s together they will start shipping.
put those lenses on a Sony with a $25 adapter and use the old prism filters that can not be done in PS. The super wide f/# and low low prices. the most expensive is the Canon 14mm f/2.8, If you can find, has pinpoint stars even.
I have an adapter and love shooting with these lenses on my current camera! I will have to try the filter you mentioned though ... and I know what you mean about the really wide angle lenses ... I have been keeping an eye out for the super wides for a while ...
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Really cool challenge to go back out with old technology. I'd say you were pretty successful as well. My favourite was the layered mountains and sunlight from the second day. A lot more about the feelings it evokes rather than the visual impact if you get what I mean. Next time try black and white film for a different challenge again. The beauty of digital being you can choose in post what type of image it is, but with film you have to plan to shoot monochrome.
Thanks very much James! It was very much a fun process. I bet shooting B&W would be on another level!! I might just have to do that later in the year ... I'd been thinking of doing it with digital, but like you said, you still have the option of colour with RAW files even when you switch the profile to B&W.
Yes? The cameras themselves are works of mechanical excellence. A joy to use any of the high end cameras, hell I even get a buzz out of using my Pentax MZ6.
It is a lot of fun using these old cameras isn't it!! Whenever I go on holiday, I always take this camera with me and these are often the photos I keep and cherish.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
It is if you can do the film development and camera and lens maintenance yourself. With some exceptions of course.
Post brings back memories - nice. About the images shown, did you scan and then edit the digital files of the prints? Respectable sheep shot. Last film cam I used was a Pentax MX; used to load film in a changing bag to squeeze out that extra frame (sometimes the labs would only process 36, nonetheless😁.) Would rewind so a bit of “tail” remained outside the canister.
Does your Canon have a depth of field preview button/lever?
Agree, film forces slower process and thinking - but it sure is nice to be spoiled by digital.
This vid wasn’t made during the heat wave, was it? Cheers!
I shot this between heatwaves! 😆
I got the processing lab to scan them as well as print them ... although they sent them back on a DVD so had to get my dad's old laptop with a DVD drive to get them onto a memory stick!!
I don't think it has the depth of field preview option on the AE1 but I could be wrong ... 🤔
@@mikesphotography If you have a macro lens and light table you can "scan" the negatives yourself. In my experience the camera sensor pulls out a fair bit more info than lab scans I've got back plus you get all the advantages of a raw file.
@@mikesphotography Yes, the Canon AE1 has a preview button, you need to push. I own and AE1, just a fantastic camera..I still use it, and use sometimes the built-in meter, but most of the time I rely on my Pentax V handheld spotmeter.. Very nice video. Nice shoots too. Said that, sorry but people shooting film, like me, are not snobbish, as you qualified them..and also, digital photography is not photography to my eyes..Having a camera in your hand and not knowing that the camera has a preview button, tells me what type of photographer you are..Yes, definitely you shouldn't use a film camera..stick with your digital camera and let it makes pictures for you....
Haha! Nice one @Roi Loubia, with your comment, you've just clarified my initial statement about snobbery.
So you think that if someone has a camera in their hands they should automatically know everything there is to know about it? 🤦🏻♂️
As I said in this video, it's been a long time since I shot film and I'm just seeing whether or not digital photography has diminished or built on my skills ... But in your eyes, I'm a non-photographer ... And to be honest, I am fine with that.
😁👍
Fun video. I shoot lots of film; but I usually only shoot black and white. Black and white works really well with film. Color film is expensive and I don't really see any advantage of using film over digital for color images. Of course medium format is different than 35mm. If I want to shoot with my Hasselblad and I want a color image, I have to use color film. I do process all my films and I also scan the images. That does save some money over sending your film out to be processed.
Thanks very much. This was a fun one to film!!
Great to hear your thoughts on film, it can get expensive quickly, but it is really therapeutic and it really slows down the process no end getting you to think about the compositions you are taking!
Thanks for watching 😁👍
G'day Mike, I noticed you are using Peak Design attachments. Is the tripod you are using a Peak Design tripod, please? If so, which one, and what do you think?
Kind regards, Paul.
Hey Paul,
I have the Peak Design copy from Ulanzi. This one: www.ulanzi.com/products/ulanzi-coman-lightweight-travel-tripod
It works pretty well, but gets a bit shakey in high winds ... but then again, most tripods do. This one is great for travelling with as it packs down so small.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
@@mikesphotography Thank you for taking the time to reply Mike, it was gratefully appreciated. Warm regards, Paul.
Yes
Nice one Mike, I've just bought a 35mm richo bargain with three lenses, wanted to know how the experience was and also get on to manual shooting as I'm always in aperture priority , I have to say although it is expensive but worth the pleasure,,also found I take my time and looking for a good composition, I have to say I enjoy it really do, I now bring two cameras film and digital.
Nice, How do you find the richo?
It is a fun experience and it really does slow down the process and get you thinking about the framing of your shot.
I'm a bit like you, whenever we go on holiday, I alwas have this camera with me now. I've got some great photos that go straight into our family holidays "old school" photo book!
Thanks for watching 😁👍
@@mikesphotography yes ,I have to say Slough I'm a black &white shooter, I'm impressed with the images I've taken and a lot of them are family portraits, it's a whole new concept for me I must say but for the results bang on , I'm no expert but I really do like the feel of this type of photography, for anyone wanting to shoot manual mode so to speak, ask there parents or grandparents if they have a 35mm camera they could try out,, I promise the experience is fun and opens a whole new concept to shooting manual. And when you take the shot and use that roll of film ,,and with the excitement of the prints returning good or bad makes it all worth while on its own, as for the camera itself if your into street photography it's so sleek you could snap of the shot and people don't even realise you've done it,, so 10/10 for film photography,I now understand what it's all about, pace yourself and enjoy the moment.
Still worth it will always be
Did you process them at home or use a photo lab Mike?
Hi Gary, I used a photo lab ... and they scanned them in as well.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Too funny I just broke out my Olympus OM-2 from the 70's and shot some film last month! Back in the 80's I worked in a Camera store (remember those). I sold tons of the AE-1s great cameras. I use my vintage OM lens with my current mirrorless cameras . They make for excellent images.
Haha! Excellent!! I used to be the guy who would come in with about 20 rolls of film to be processed ... and expect them the next day!! 😆
The FD lenses are also great on my digital cameras ... I'm going to take them out in a video in the future as well!
As always thanks for watching 😁👍
As personal or art projects, yes. As production tool? No. Ever come across an editor or art director who would allow staff members to introduce film media into the work flow? I haven't either. I've been in the business my whole life--from the tail end of film in 86 to 2020 when i retired from production work--film media was dropped from the work flow in 2001. Staff were assigned Nikon D1 for field work. At 2.6 MB we made it work.
I sometimes use my Bronica for personal work when nostalgia strikes. Shot BW and home developed.
This is a great retro experience but it still reminds me of the very many bitter moments when I picked up the photos at the lab and the prints came out bad and that's just simply a result of many variables during the negative and printing processes.
I know what you mean Ken ... As well as the longer learning process of shooting with film.
Thanks for watching 👍
Worth doing? Well, the short answer is "yes". The short question is" why not?" It is just as good as it was 30... 40.... 50 years ago and just as fun to work with the old cameras. Just shoot and enjoy... the fun is still there. I shot a roll yesterday at the park. Can't wait to see how it looks.! I really enjoyed the thoughts and reflection of film vs digital. I enjoy and use both. That roll from the park turned out ok. Only one real miss and considering I had never shot with that camera and was only using "sunny 16" for exposure... I was surprised.
That brings back memories…
Great to hear Alun!! It was a fun day out and I ended up taking the AE1 on holiday with me as well!! It's great to take a shot and then move on ... instead of taking lots of different angles!!
Thanks for watching 😁👍
@@mikesphotography I saw some 128MB Micro SD cards for sale. That's about 20 exposures with my camera, could be fun... (and probably infuriating at the same time when Sod's law presents you with the best scene/location in the world to photograph!)
Hello Mike, thank you for another great vídeo! If I go out and try all the metering modes and focus areas is there a way to see in LR or PS which one I used or do I have to write it down to Know later in post which is which? Sorry if it is a stupid question, but I really don't know. Although I shoo in Raw, the same happened when I went out and tried different JPG Creative styles but then in post I couldn't figure out what they were... Thank you so much in advance!
Hi Anna,
Not a stupid question at all. For something like that, you will get some of the information in the exif data, but not all of those settings you mention. So to be on the safe side, I'd write it down in a notepad. It is a great way to learn about how the camera affects your shots. I've done it for several of my videos and it has helped me and my photography a lot ... so well worth it.
I hope that helps. 😁👍
@@mikesphotography Thank you so much for answering, very kind of you!
Absolutely
I don't care about film quality. I like using my film cameras. It's composition.
Can you elaborate?
Quick thoughts!
What is better quality? A 24 megapixels camera or Fuji Reala 100? Microscopic or a noticeable difference? Noise (grain) in film is more acceptable than on digital.
Most film styles and effects can be replicated in postproduction. Also digital has had an evolution on its own.
Is film photography worth doing in 2023? No, unless you have your own darkroom.
I remember taking my film to high street developers and results were quite irregular, especially in B&W. For colour I remember Snappy Snaps (what a name 🤭) were the best!
Nowadays if you have a decent calibrated monitor, you can control the final result much more than in the past.
In a word. No. I have a freezer full of Velvia, Ectachrome, Provia, Agfa RSX, Fuji Color, Fuji Supra, and others that I have not run through a camera in years because it simply is not worth the processing cost. Most of it bought in the late 1990's early to mid 2000's and stuffed in my freezer since that day I received it. Most expiration dates are mid 2000's but it is still as fresh as the day it was made thanks to being frozen. 😋 Might haul some out and run it through my Leica Barnack cameras or my Nikon F2. Maybe... Kind of a waste to let it sit in my freezer but on the other hand a bit too expensive to process for a retired pensioner. Digital works great for me.
Yes, if your intention is to print in a darkroom. Otherwise you're almost certainly better served shooting digital, for the convenience mostly.
If it means something to the photographer, then, yes, it's worth doing. Sort of like vinyl records. There are more technologically advanced way to listen to music. But, some people prefer vinyl.
That's a nice analogy. It is very much about the experience and I love how film slows down the whole process and gets you to really think about what you are doing.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
I remember shooting film, I didn't go digital till I got married in 2004, when I climbed kilimanjaro in 2003, I had film while others had digital, the only shot I really wish I could've got better was the summit shot. And the sunrise at Stella Point ( unfortunately while everyone else was watching the sunrise at Stella Point, I was having a bout of altitude sickness and just wanted to sleep, fortunately they didn't let me, but dragged me to the summit) anyway, your shots turned out great
Thanks very much!! There is something challenging and fun about shooting film, but it can also be really frustrating when you don't quite get the results you want ... and that's where digital is the master.
As always thanks for watching 😁👍
The AE1 is an aperture priority automatic. If you're just going to pick a shutter speed and then set what the meter says on the lens why not just put the lens on A and let it make that setting for you?
I was treating it as a fully manual camera. A bit like putting a modern camera in manual mode instead of fully auto.
@@mikesphotography I understood the what, was just trying to understand the why. Not judging or critiquing. It's just by my thought, the only thing the AE1 does that would make me want to choose it is the auto aperture. Either way, good video.
Interesting experiment! I wonder how many pros could still be pros with real film.
It's a fun experiment to do ... I think those of us who used to shoot film would find it easier than people who have never experienced it.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Hey, Mike! A fascinating video as always! How did you manage to get the photos into the video to show us?
Thanks Leo! It was a fun one to shoot ... and very challenging.
By the time I got round to editing the video, I'd processed the photos ... and most places have a digitising option as well, where you get the prints as well as a DVD with the scanned images on as well. I just had to get my dad's old laptop that still has a DVD player built into it to get them on to a memory card!!
Thanks for watching 😁👍
@@mikesphotography I see! The quality of the images is pretty good considering they’re scanned in
one advantage of shooting film you don't hear often. Shooting with a MF camera is much lighter than a digital camera. The camera's weigh about 1 fouth of a digital camera with battery.
That is a really good point!
Thanks for watching 😁👍
So, i'm at 1120gms on a Spotmatic with a 28mm 2.5... swap it out for a Super-Takumar 200 and it goes 1340gms. My everyday-carry is an old 4/3 DSLR with a 18-180 zoom and twin battery grip that comes in at 1260gms. If i go out with the Spotty and my bag of full-metal primes, i'm heavier than my pro body, weather-sealed, DSLR with three zooms covering 14 to 400 - and i freak out if the rain comes down.
It's usually a good idea to over exposure film for about one stop or so. Kodak colors will turn out fabulous that way. Also note that you don't have to worry about over exposing your shots when using film: film can easily handle several stops of over exposure.
That is HIGHLY dependent on the film stock you are using. Some films like Kodak Tri-X and Ilford FP4 have about eight stops of exposure latitude, whereas Fuji Velvia 50 has less than one stop of latitude. It's usually a good idea to follow the film manufacturer's suggestions for exposure and development.
@@davesoverthere I've usually had the rule that negative films have the over exposure advantage, other film types don't.
simple: yes
That is true Rich. 👍
Sunny 16 Rule. ISO 200 choose 1/200 second at f16.
I find it works better with film.
The meter inside your camera gives you a spot reading, as to the negative issue, your negatives don't lie. Film tells you, you are bad, you can't just chimp and check the next shot to make up for it.
If you want a film camera with a good meter try a Canon 1N, 1V, Nikon F6, or Minolta A7 or A9, they all offer a form of matrix metering that will meter just about as well as digital cameras up to about 2005.
Your real limitation is the media not the medium, you're either gonna love or hate film, and that's OK, it has its own aesthetic which is not digital, and you're actually creating something.... I can take 1000 shots with digital chances are 6 months later they will be sitting on a hard drive in a folder I've long since forgotten about. Shooting film forces you to look at and review your images.
How did i miss this!!!
Baaaaaaaaah hahahahha
You need to pay more attention!
Salamat kaibigan! 😁
Well that brings back memories.
Memories of the terrible quality of film with nice colors if you like brown or purple.
I really don`t get it, with vinyl you get at least some decent quality and distinctive sound but with film it`s just lo-fi an primitive.
That`s my opinion.
Its wonderful to do and the cameras are cheap. But what is killing it is that the film workflow costs to getting your images into a shareable digital format are just too high. I am talking Australian dollars here but it applies anywhere. A roll of quality 35mm film costs $30 or more. Getting it developed will cost you another $40 and scanning the negatives or slides $20. Thats $100 a roll. You can do your own developing but that's messy and not cheap, and a decent scanner will cost $500+. If you want a pro level scanner, $3-10k. So unfortunately, no, it's just not worth it. And that's a great pity.
How did we see the photos before you?
When filming this, I obviously didn't see them whilst talking to camera.... so the me talking to you doesn't know how they will come out.
When editing, I'd obviously got them processed, printed and inserted them into the video...
@@mikesphotographyI know 😎🤓
Yep, and in 2024 as well
Film was the way to go in the early 70s when I started photography.
But this is 2023, although I still try to shoot a couple of rolls a year.
Digital is the way to go.
Digital is so much less expensive isn't it.
I learned in the mid 90s with an EOS 5 and I spent so much money and time on a lot of bad photos!! It is so nice with digital to get that instant feedback from what you have just taken, it makes the learning process so much quicker and easier!
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Not sure why you want a binary answer. For some people it is and for some people it isn't. That isn't a binary solution as each have their own reasons for shooting file. Even after switching to digital I never quit shooting film of all sizes. I just love the process right through developing my own film. There isn't an experience like it in digital. But I love digital also.
Is film worth it in 2023 you ask. My answer is yes. I never gave it up. From 1979 till now. It 75% of my photography time.
You going film?
Did seeing the sheep bring any old feelings back too? Hahaha
Haha!! Not quite yet ... but it was a fun process shooting with film ... way too expensive though!! 😆
All I need is a pair of wellies and a bunch of flowers ... 😆😆😆
yes. the limited amount of film in the camera makes you think.
We often cycle there from Dolgellau as shown here, but you can also cycle the Hell's Route from Tywyn
ruclips.net/video/0wEhToK1drc/видео.html
That's great to hear Paul! Haha! I bet the route from Tywyn is quite the Hell's route!! Such a fantastic place to photograph and I bet it would be great to ride as well. 👍
In Turkey, I had a film developed and printed. They ruined the development. It all came out brown as poo. I was distraught
I bet ... although they were probably thinking, why is he taking so many photos of poo!? 🤔
The question should be, Is photography worth doing in 2023? As you know, photography as an art died a long time ago. We now have access to devices, imaging computers to be exact, in the form of mobile phones and similar, that easily reconstruct a scene to make it look like the way we expect it. The same goes with all these AI enabled Noise Reduction, Sharpening, Image Editing software. Soon cameras will be obsolete and soon after ' photographers ', and we only have ourselves to blame. No amount of film photography, sermons about the virtues of slowing down and be deliberate, etc etc is going to save photography as we know it. Remember the seismic changes that the arrival of affordable digital camera brought into the world of film photography? This time around, it will be much much worse, sadly.
That's a very ominous approach to the subject, but thanks for your thoughts.
Yes it is changing far from what it used to be... but I now see it as a way to get out in to the wilderness and capture memories for yourself, and get photographs for yourself. You could do that with a camera phone, but there will always be a community that shoot with more manual cameras, be it film, mirrorless or DSLRs.
Cameras are lasting longer than ever and can capture so much detail so there is no need to upgrade like in the early stages of digital and this is great for those of us who like the challenge of getting an image with a "proper" camera.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Apart from the white balance being very different in the video, which I liked, compared to the film, which I didn't, I'm convinced that digital photography is far superior.
You use to be able to get film processed the same day, even within an hour for a premium with labs in places like Boots. Now places like Boots quote 3 weeks 😂.
Haha! Those were the days ... although I was too tight to pay for the same day processing ...
Thanks for watching 😁👍
I went to college for photographic processing and worked for the largest mini lab manufacturer. Around 2005 everything went digital…
Film - much more fun. Digital - boring.