Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Shooting Film Instead of Digital: Is it Worth It?

In a world dominated by digital photography it's easy to forget about the unique joys and benefits of shooting with film. But for many photographers there's nothing quite like the experience of capturing an image on a roll of film. In this article, we'll explore 10 reasons why you might want to put down your digital camera and pick up a film one instead. But that's just the beginning - we'll also provide you buying recommendations for choosing the perfect film camera for your needs, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro. Let's roll!

10 Reasons to Shoot Film Instead Digital

While digital photography has become the norm in recent years, there are still many reasons why shooting film can be a worthwhile pursuit. Here are 10 reasons why you might want to consider shooting film instead of digital: 

1. Exploring the Aesthetic and Creative Possibilities of Film Photography

   • Film has a unique and classic look that can't be replicated digitally. It has a natural grain and texture that many photographers find aesthetically pleasing.

   • Film photography can be a great way to experiment with different types of film stocks and processing techniques. Each film stock has its own unique look, and you can even process your film in different ways to achieve different results.

   • It can also be a great way to learn about color theory and how different color films produce different tones and hues. Each film stock has its own unique color palette which can help you understand how to create mood and atmosphere in your photos.
     
     

2. The Art of Slowing Down: Developing Patience and Intentionality Through Film Photography

   • Shooting film can help you slow down and be more deliberate with your shots, since you have a limited number of exposures per roll. This can help you become a more thoughtful and intentional photographer.

   • Shooting film can be a more immersive experience since you have to carefully consider each shot and can't rely on instant feedback. This can help you become more present and mindful while taking photos. You will develop patience and discipline, since you can't see the results immediately. This can be a valuable skill in photography and in life.

   • Shooting film can also be a great way to appreciate the art of photography and the process of image-making. Since you have to carefully consider each shot and can't rely on instant feedback you become more invested in the process and can develop a deeper appreciation for the craft.

   • Using film instead digital can create a deeper connection between you and your subjects, as the slower and more deliberate process can help you establish trust and rapport. The physicality of the process can also create a more intimate and authentic experience which can be reflected in the final images.

3. The Joy of Hands-On Photography: Exploring the Tactile Pleasures of Shooting Film

   • Film photography is a hands-on process that can be very satisfying. Loading film into your camera, manually focusing and winding the film after each shot can be a fun and rewarding experience.

   • Film cameras often have a more tactile and satisfying feel than digital cameras, with smooth dials and satisfying clicks. This can make the process of taking photos more enjoyable.

   • Developing film in a darkroom can also be a rewarding experience allowing you to see your images come to life as you develop and print them. This can be a great way to connect with the process of creating art and to gain a deeper appreciation for the craft.
     
     

4. The Sustainable and Cost-Effective Advantages of Film Photography

   • Film photography can be a more affordable option in the long run since you can continue to use the same camera and lenses for many years. With digital you may need to upgrade your camera body every few years to keep up with technological advancements.

   • Film photography can be a more sustainable option, since film cameras can last for many years and don't require batteries or electricity. Film itself is also biodegradable and doesn't contribute to electronic waste.

   • Film cameras are often more durable and reliable than digital cameras, since they don't have as many electronic components that can fail.

   • It can help you develop a more mindful and sustainable approach to photography. Since you have a limited number of exposures per roll you're less likely to take unnecessary shots or waste film. This can help you become a more thoughtful and eco-conscious photographer.
     
     

   
   

   Negative film FOTO:FORTEPAN / MHSZ, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

5. Mastering the Basics: How Film Photography Teaches Important Lessons in Exposure and Control

   • Shooting film can teach you important lessons about exposure, since you can't see the image right away like you can with digital. This can help you become a more skilled photographer overall.

   • Film photography can be a great way to learn the basics of photography, since you have to manually control settings like aperture and shutter speed. This can help you develop a deeper understanding of how cameras work.

   • Shooting film can also help you become a more patient and thoughtful photographer. Since you can't see the image right away you have to trust your instincts and knowledge of exposure to capture the image correctly. This can help you develop a deeper appreciation for the art of photography and the importance of careful observation and attention to detail.

6. The Art of Mindful Photography: How Shooting Film Can Help You Disconnect and Find Peace in the Moment

   • Shooting film can be a great way to disconnect from the constant distractions of the digital world. It can be a calming and meditative experience that allows you to focus solely on your photography.

   • It's also a great way to disconnect from the pressure to constantly produce and share images on social media. Since you can't see the image right away, you're less likely to get caught up in the instant gratification of likes and comments and can focus on the joy of the process itself.

   • Shooting film can also help you create timeless images that don't rely on current digital trends, which can quickly become dated. The classic and nostalgic look of film can give your photographs a timeless quality that will endure for years to come.

7. Beyond the Pixel: Exploring the Intimacy, Connection, and Aesthetics of Film Photography

   • Film photography can be a great way to differentiate yourself from other photographers who are only shooting digital. It can be a way to stand out and offer something unique to your clients or audience.

   • At the same time it's a great way to connect with a community of like-minded photographers who are passionate about the art of film. This can be a great way to learn and grow as a photographer.

   • Film photography offers a unique and distinct aesthetic that cannot be fully replicated with digital photography, giving your work a distinctive look and style that sets it apart from the ubiquitous digital images that flood our screens.

8. Learning the Art of Film Photography: Tips and Techniques for Beginners

   • Film photography can be a more forgiving medium since film can handle overexposure and underexposure better than digital. This can be helpful if you're still learning how to meter correctly.

   • If you're new to film photography, a great way to start is to shoot with black and white film which can be more forgiving and easier to learn on. Practice metering your shots and take note of the lighting conditions to help you get a feel for how your film reacts.

   • Experimenting with different film stocks and processing techniques can help you discover your own personal style and preferences.

9. Capturing Nostalgia: The Timeless Appeal of Film Photography

   • Film photography can be a great way to capture nostalgia and memories since film has a timeless quality that can evoke a sense of the past. It can be can be a nostalgic experience that brings back memories of a bygone era and a way to connect with the past and appreciate the history of photography.

   • It can also provide a tangible and physical record of memories with the ability to hold negatives and prints that can last for decades or even centuries. This can be a valuable way to document personal or historical events and preserve them for future generations.

   • To fully embrace the nostalgic and timeless appeal of film photography, photographers can experiment with vintage cameras, film stocks and processing techniques to create images that harken back to a different era.

10. Exploring the Creative Possibilities of Film Photography

    • Black and white film photography can create a unique and timeless look that can be difficult to achieve with digital. Black and white film can produce deep and rich tones that can add a sense of drama or nostalgia to your images. It can also be a great way to simplify your images and focus on the composition and contrast. Polaroid images can be a fun and unique way to create instant prints of your photos.

    • Polaroid cameras produce small, square prints that have a distinctive vintage look. The instant gratification of seeing your photo printed right away can also be a fun and satisfying experience.

    • Alternative techniques like cyanotypes and collodion can produce unique and artistic images that have a handcrafted feel. These techniques involve applying chemicals to a surface and exposing the image to light resulting in a one-of-a-kind print. These techniques can be time-consuming and require some practice to master, but can be a rewarding way to create images that are truly unique

Photo by NordWood Themes on Unsplash

Buying a film camera: 35mm or Medium format?

When it comes to film photography, one of the most important decisions a photographer has to make is what format to shoot in. Two of the most popular film formats are 35mm and medium format. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and choosing between them can be a difficult task. Here you have some key differences between these formats that can provide some guidance on which one might be the best fit for your photography needs.

35mm vs Medium format

35mm Film advantages:

• Compact and portable

• Wide range of camera options at various price points

• Film and processing costs are generally lower than medium format

• Good for capturing action or events due to its fast frame rate

• Available in a wide range of film stocks, including black and white, color and slide film

35mm Film disadvantages:

• Smaller negative size can limit print size and resolution

• May not be ideal for certain types of photography such as landscape or fine art due to limited resolution

• Can be more difficult to achieve shallow depth of field

• May require more precision and skill to achieve optimal results

Medium format film advantages:

• Larger negative size allows for greater resolution and detail in prints

• Ideal for fine art and landscape photography

• Can achieve shallower depth of field and more control over focus and bokeh

• Produces a unique look that cannot be replicated with digital or 35mm film

• Offers a more tactile and hands-on shooting experience

Medium format Film disadvantages:

• More expensive camera options and film costs

• Heavier and less portable than 35mm cameras

• May not be ideal for action or event photography due to slower frame rate

• Limited availability of film stocks and processing options compared to 35mm

Recommended Cameras

There are many great second-hand 35mm film cameras available, depending on your budget and needs.

35mm camera recommendations:

• Canon AE-1 - a classic 35mm SLR camera that's reliable, easy to use, and affordable. It's a great choice for beginners or those on a tight budget.

• Nikon FM2 - a high-quality all-manual 35mm SLR camera that's perfect for advanced photographers who want full control over their settings. It's built to last and has a reputation for being incredibly reliable.

• Olympus OM-1 - a compact and lightweight 35mm SLR camera with excellent build quality and a great viewfinder. It's a great option for those who value portability and ease of use.

• Pentax K1000 - a popular 35mm SLR camera that's known for its durability and simplicity. It's a great choice for beginners who want a camera that's easy to learn on and can take a beating.

• Leica M3 - a legendary 35mm rangefinder camera that's prized for its build quality handling, and image quality. It's a high-end camera that's not cheap but it's worth the investment for serious photographers.

• Olympus Pen - Instead of taking full-frame images like most cameras, the Pen takes half-frame images meaning that each exposure is only half the size of a regular 35mm frame. This allows you to take twice as many photos on a single roll of film, making it a popular choice for those looking to save money on film costs. 

Golden Gate Bridge and Hasselblad 500 C medium format camera
Dave Fayram from Pacifica, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Recommended medium format cameras:
Medium format, contrary as the name suggest, is not a single format. Those kind of cameras cameras typically use 120 or 220 roll film which comes in different sizes such as 6x4.5 cm, 6x6 cm, 6x7 cm and 6x9 cm and more specialized panoramic options like 6x12 cm, 6x17 and even 6x24. Each format produces a different aspect ratio and unique characteristics, giving photographers a range of options to choose from when shooting medium format. As the film format size increases, the number of frames that can be captured on a single roll decreases.

Let's focus on popular ones, here you have great options for second-hand medium format are:

• Yashica Mat 124G (6x6) - This is a classic medium format TLR (twin lens reflex) camera that is known for its sharp lens and ease of use.

• Mamiya RB67 (6x7) - A classic camera that is well-built and versatile the RB67 has interchangeable lenses and is a popular choice for portrait and landscape photographers.

• Hasselblad 500 C/M (6x6) - Widely considered one of the best medium format cameras ever made, the Hasselblad 500 C/M is a modular camera with interchangeable lenses and backs.

• Mamiya 7 (6x7) - A lightweight and compact medium format camera that is known for its sharp and contrasty lenses, the Mamiya 7 is a favorite of many street and landscape photographers.

• Pentax 67 (6x7) - A beast of a camera that produces stunning images, the Pentax 67 has a large negative size and is known for its beautiful bokeh.

• Contax 645 (6x4.5) - A favorite of many fashion and portrait photographers, the Contax 645 is a high-end medium format camera with autofocus and a variety of excellent lenses.

Conclusion:
When purchasing a second-hand film camera, it's important to do your research and make sure you're getting a camera in good condition. Look for sellers with good reputations and check the camera for any signs of wear or damage. Also, consider purchasing from a reputable camera dealer or shop that offers a warranty or return policy.