Film Photography

Film Photography

File:Nikon F3 with DE-2.jpg

Nikon F3 - mechanical precision, timeless design

Film Photography is the practice of capturing images on light-sensitive emulsion. In an age of infinite digital frames, the constraints of film force intentionality.

Why Film

Digital Says	Film Says
Shoot 500 frames, delete 490	Shoot 36 frames, make each count
Check immediately	Trust your process, wait
Adjust in post	Get it right in camera
Infinite storage	Finite rolls = finite shots
Algorithm-optimized	Human-optimized

The constraint is the point. 36 frames per roll means you think before you shoot. The delay between shooting and seeing means you develop judgment, not just habits.

Film Types

Color Negative (C-41)

Most forgiving, good latitude:

• Kodak Portra 400 - Skin tones, natural color, professional standard
• Kodak Gold 200 - Consumer classic, warm tones
• Fujifilm Superia 400 - Everyday color, good value
• CineStill 800T - Tungsten balanced, halation effect

Black & White

Classic, timeless, often home-developable:

• Kodak Tri-X 400 - The classic, gritty, punchy
• Ilford HP5 Plus 400 - Versatile, push/pull friendly
• Ilford Delta 400 - Finer grain, modern T-grain
• Kodak T-Max 400 - Sharp, fine grain

Slide Film (E-6)

Low latitude, demanding, spectacular when right:

• Fujifilm Velvia 50 - Saturated landscapes
• Fujifilm Provia 100F - Natural, accurate
• Kodak Ektachrome E100 - Revived classic

Essential Cameras

35mm SLR

• Nikon F3 - Professional workhorse, mechanical reliability
• Nikon FM2 - Fully mechanical, no batteries needed for shooting
• Canon AE-1 - Great starter, huge lens ecosystem
• Pentax K1000 - Student classic, bulletproof

35mm Rangefinder

• Leica M6 - The standard, quiet, precise
• Voigtlander Bessa R - Budget alternative, M-mount compatible
• Canon Canonet QL17 GIII - Fixed lens, excellent value

Medium Format

• Hasselblad 500C/M - Modular, legendary, 6x6
• Mamiya RB67 - Studio beast, rotating back
• Pentax 67 - SLR handling, huge negatives
• Rolleiflex - TLR, waist-level magic

Exposure Basics

Film has latitude, but nail exposure for best results:

Sunny 16 Rule:
At ISO 400 in bright sun:
  f/16 at 1/400s

Adjust for conditions:
  Bright overcast: f/11
  Heavy overcast: f/8
  Open shade: f/5.6

When in doubt, overexpose color negative. It handles +2 stops gracefully, but shadows block up fast if underexposed.

Development

Lab Processing

Send film to a quality lab. Local options vary; mail-order labs like:

• The Darkroom
• Richard Photo Lab
• Indie Film Lab

Home Development

Black & white is accessible at home:

Basic kit:

• Developing tank + reels
• Developer (Kodak D-76, HC-110, Rodinal)
• Fixer
• Thermometer
• Timer
• Film squeegee

Basic B&W Process:
1. Load film in tank (dark)
2. Pre-wash (optional)
3. Developer: 6-10 min @ 68°F
4. Stop bath: 30 sec
5. Fixer: 5 min
6. Wash: 10 min running water
7. Photo-Flo rinse
8. Hang to dry

Scanning

Getting film into the digital world:

• Flatbed: Epson V600, V850 - good for medium format
• Dedicated film scanner: Plustek 8100 - 35mm quality
• DSLR scanning: Camera + macro lens + light table - fast, high quality
• Lab scans: Convenient, variable quality

Storage

• Keep unexposed film refrigerated (freezer for long-term)
• Process exposed film promptly
• Store negatives in archival sleeves
• Climate control prevents degradation

Why This Matters

Film photography isn't nostalgia. It's a different relationship with image-making:

• Slowing down: Can't spray and pray
• Trusting yourself: No chimping, no histogram
• Physical artifact: Negative is the original
• Constraint as creativity: Limitations focus the mind

The question isn't "is film better?" It's "what does shooting film teach you?"

Appropriate Technology

Film is appropriate technology when:

• You want to slow down
• You value the physical artifact
• The constraints serve your creative goals
• You enjoy the process

Digital is appropriate when:

• Speed matters
• Volume matters
• Immediate feedback is essential
• Perfection is required

Neither is inherently superior. Choose the tool that serves the work.

Related

• Outdoor Flash Lighting - Light control
• Creative Constraints - Limitations as creativity
• Appropriate Technology - Right tool for the job