Asking NYC Photographers if they still shoot film 2023

[@PaulieB]

Shout out to the women street photographers out there. I know there are so many amazing women street photographers making great work out there. Unfortunately, when I was out in ‘filming mode’ for this video, I wasn’t able to run into any women photographers who were willing to be on video - we’ll get more women photographers on the channel soon, stay tuned!

[@BOTGRINDER]

I really enjoyed the Melissa O'Shaughnessy episode.

[@danicee]

I’m down to join for videos, just let me know! ✌️

[@xxOmnipresencexx]

Not everything has to be so sanctimonious.

[@stanb.5261]

May be particularly challenging featuring guys who compare shooting film to women who do it like an animal...

[@simp2234]

We need to make Kodak to come back

[@MitchellRivera_futbol]

This format is way better than a podcast. Keep going with this.

[@Caballeroshot]

One of the ways I continue to be unaffected by the rising cost of film is I didn't feel the need to purchase a $3K camera because it has a red dot on the front! My $300 Nikon does everything that Leica does and then some. My fridge is stocked, my lab does excellent work, I also don't live in a place where rent is 80% of my paycheck either so there's that!

[@stuhunter]

The best photography channel on YT without a doubt. Loved this one

[@mattdayphoto]

Super interesting to hear all of these different perspectives and reasons. I've missed shooting my M6 a lot this year, so much that I've sold my Monochrom, but I imagine I'll still shoot the SL2 for the majority. The cost isn't bad with developing and scanning at home, but like others mentioned, the time is the real cost for me. Just can't keep up, I'm still working through my 2022 backlog.

[@williamlasl]

Andrew with the Contax raised the question I always had about film in street photography. If you’re doing landscape or architecture, being selective with your shots is fine. But with street photography, it seems you will inevitably miss some “decisive moments” if you’re mentally restricting yourself for cost reasons. Maybe there are some very confident street photographers who always know in 100% advance which shots will work out, but I think most take split-second gambles.

[@kostyafedot551]

I never shot two frames per street scene and often of any scene in particular moment. Rangefinders with framelines allowing this. But not taking plenty of shots and not going for the street often, it is nothing but showoff.

[@tonywu5571]

No way of restricting frames for an interesting scene will make you a good streetphotographer. If I were shooting film when I have to take couples of frames for a fxxking interesting scene and people, I would bite the bullet. Money comes and goes way much easier than a good photography chance.

[@anta40]

Stephen Shore's Uncommon Places was shot in 4x5 color film, yes? But the work is about umm... urban street photography, and not catching fast-paced decisive moments...

[@ianhh23]

Film really made me more selective and I could not imagine myself shooting multiple rolls every day I go out, I don't need to be shooting photos of everything when I'm not really connected to what is happening. I actually only shoot like 2 rolls a month now and I'm happy with what I get, and in comparation when I go out with a little digicam I have most of the photos I take with it I don't really care (still I like to use it in specific conditions, certain days, and I have shot like 2 or 3 really spontaneous photos in moments I decided not to have my film camera ready but it was just out of luck)

[@williamlasl]

@@anta40Yes, I meant street photography in the sense of dynamic situations involving human subjects. I guess genre definitions are ultimately subjective, but I think of Uncommon Places as mostly landscape photography where the subjects are diners, street corners, and hotel rooms instead of mountains, rivers, and oceans.

[@britt_taylor]

I’ll continue to shoot exclusively on film until it’s no longer in production. I’ve tried shooting on various digital cameras but they don’t give me the satisfaction of the mechanics and processes of shooting film. Film gives me joy in a way that digital fails to offer.

[@photoleando]

You do this as proffesion or hobby?

[@BrittanyTaylor-dd4iq]

@@photoleando Hobbyist with some paid work when I have time to take it on.

[@seanryan9838]

I shot film, mostly 35mm, from the 1980's until about 2002. After I got the first Canon Rebel digital DSLR I got away from film. I have dabbled in portable 4x5 photography (wanderlust 3d printed camera), but mostly stayed true to digital. I've gotten to the point where I get the results I want with digital and I'm hesitant to go back to film because I'm afraid that I will just screw up a bunch of pricey film. But I do love watching all of the NY city street photographers do their thing. It's very inspirational; so thanks for everything you all go through to make photos.

[@seandavey7085]

I love the waiting that using film requires. I love looking at negatives, much more than a computer screen. I love what bw film looks like (as scans, digital and analogue prints). I love the surprise of seeing what is on negs and I love making a photo and then not checking the image right away. I feel this keeps me more present.

[@eyeenonickname1445]

Love shooting film. Also Im in my 50's so love the process so the relationship is still strong. If you love the process of photograping and tinkering and having something physically tangible and archival then keep shooting film. Digital is awesome for quantity shooting computer editing. Still do it. No longer pro but if film is what your clients want or the look you have to produce then keep shooting film.

[@justyjust]

One thing that has made me move from digital to film is photo archive, I’ve have film negatives I shot back 20+ years ago which i rescanned and very happy to have the photos still, As soon as digital come out I brought a Casio exlim all because of cost and ease of storing and seeing images instantly. But after years of shooting digital I don’t have that older digital archive because of hard drive failure and mishap deletions. So if you want to store you digital images safely be warned save the files in multiple drives and cloud locations, which also adds another cost to digital and the initial camera cost outlay. The cost of film has alway been expensive even in the late 90’s for me young and on a low wage. So I’m happy now to shoot film and develop and scan with my digital equipment. It’s fun but also requires space to develop which not everyone has.

[@XboxTheBeatboxer]

Sony A7C + adapted Leica mount. Super small body (same as Leica), full frame, full manual experience. With my editing style, even artists can't tell my stuff from film. Best of all worlds.

[@mi4936]

Such a bold claim; is there a reference to back it up?

[@XboxTheBeatboxer]

@@mi4936 You can scour the internet, forums, look at charts and sample images like I did. A physics background wouldn't hurt either.

[@Jacobyfilms]

@@mi4936Steve Yedlin Display Prep Demo

[@brugj03]

I can relate, my A7CII with voightlander, is really small and offers way more flexibility than film. I don`t try to emulate a film look, because my clients think it`s old fashioned and outdated. Film is just trying to be cool, emphasis on trying.

[@brugj03]

@@mi4936 Just look around you, film has no place anymore. It`s for hipsters and wannabee`s a serious photographer doesn`t even think about film.

[@therealsergio]

I'm old enough to have been introduced to photography in the film only days (Pentax spotmatic). I discovered street photography through the Vivian Maier documentaries, and jumped back into photography on digital with Lumix, Fuji and now finally I shoot with a Sony full frame camera. I do enjoy focus marked manual M-mount wide angle lenses for zone focusing but I also lean heavily into the eye-AF prowess of my system (which can focus an f/1.4 lens faster and more accurately than I ever could). I can see plainly in this video that "the club" definitely worships film, and none of the reasons are compelling to me. The "look" of film is nothing that white balance and parametric EQ can't trivially reproduce (assuming I cared enough about a certain color temperature and EQ to consider a picture inferior without it - which I don't). The most compelling of the reasons is the intentional process slowing. I get that. That said, taking up the expense of film for that process benefit makes me wonder - couldn't I just slow down as a matter of discipline, and pocket the savings? I think so. I have slown down over the years. I used to shoot 500 shots a day and these days I shoot more like 50, but later that night - on a good day - I might keep 5-10 shots, and simply delete the rest. Cost: $0 and the same time if not less time than others spend chasing the film dragons. @thiefofpresence

[@fassie79]

Well said. That's exactly how I think about it also.

[@TheWutangclan1995]

I’ll still continue to shoot film. It’s what helped revitalize my love for photography. While I enjoy shooting with film, it’s not always perfect and I do screw up from time to time. Sometimes developing film will frustrate the hell out of me. I don’t think I’ll change anytime soon besides shooting less. Would love to see newer developments taking place that makes working with film a lot easier.

[@jaunman71]

My passion for film is not about cost. It is my food and my drink. Just because food prices go up does that mean i do not eat. No it just means I sacrifice other things so that I can eat. Things always level out in the end, just gotta hang in there and love your passion. #shootfilmstaybroke .Amen.

[@andremanfrinigarcia6628]

I've been shooting film for almost 10 years now, recently went up to medium format just before the prices raise, so yeah.. i love film, love the lab work, love everything about it, but i feel kind of held by it as well, as if i had a digital camera to just snap away without having to put the money and time to see the images would help me to evolve my craft... so, ve been flirting with getting a digital. Awesome video man, great format!

[@maxheadroom7687]

Great video Pauline, some interesting comments from the guys. This format you are using rocks, love the way you get out of the way when guys are answering or thinking about their replies.🙏🇦🇺🇬🇧😎Max.

[@EnjoiRom1]

I'm from France. After my last trip to New York in september 2019, I started to shoot way less than I used to because it was harder to justify the cost when it's just a hobby. It cost me around 300€ to buy, process and scan 11 Portra rolls. Adding the time spent to properly scan my edit from those 11 rolls (as lab scan are only like proof prints to me if that makes sense). 2020 I only shots 9 rolls (3x TriX, 6x Portra). In march 2021 I bought a X100v for a trip in Greece later that year and I started shooting a lot again. Now I have a X-T4 in addition and digital is the only way I shot since I bought the X100v. I'll keep my M6 and be buried with it but I really can't justify the cost now.

[@robwhite461]

For me it’s just a hobby for pleasure, being 58 I’m a bit of a relic. I was young when 60s and 70s cameras were new, so I can remember those around me using them every day. Watching them go through the process of light meter, shutter speed and aperture moving around for the best aspect held a certain sort of wonder and magic for me. Those things left an indelible imprint on my memory. All those like, Ansel Adams, Steve Mc Curry, Vivian Maier, Henri Cartier-Bresson, they all used film. I think Film has a parallel with vintage cars, and wooden boats, it’s all about the history and the experience of the feeling of living in the past, it’s the only way you can have the sense of experiencing what they did. Cost wise it’s like throwing money down the drain, but using them gives you an experience that is priceless. I have a Spotmatic, it was once described as the Volkswagen of cameras, a design icon affordable to the masses, I have a love of vintage VWs owning a 56 oval, so the Spotmatic was an easy choice. Own them love them and enjoy them at will, they are history that you can use.

[@lunatalino1502]

I started developing and scanning at home to combat this. Sure it's a bit of an initial investment but once you get that out of the way, the equipment is yours and it eventually pays for itself in saving lab costs. The entire process isn't that difficult either and I really appreciate the workflow. Not to mention, you can shoot a roll and develop it same day instead of waiting a week+ for the lab to turn that around. The final nail for me to develop at home was actually USPS loosing my film not once, but twice.

[@borderlands6606]

I process my own films, easier to do a batch than one at a time. Scanning is a pain that never goes away.

[@bqfilms]

Developing is easy, scanning is boring, first 40 rolls are OK then you start to hate it.

[@lunatalino1502]

Yup, I do my scanning with a Canon R5 and a macro lens. I scan a roll in about 10 min. It definitely depends on the volume one shoots at. I really only have a couple rolls a month so it’s not really an issue.

[@slo369]

Regardless of the scanning process, you don’t find film too expensive? I feel like I’m buying a single vans shoe everytime I got one roll

[@Usiris23]

Man your videos are stepping up a notch. That intro was dope! But I’m shooting b&w regularly and treating myself to some color when I have compositions planned out. Plus I have a cheap lab that’s local which really helps.

[@StuartWeir]

I have been shooting film as the only medium for almost 2 years now, except the odd iPhone photo. That being said, given the cost of film, I actually recently picked up an X-T5, and it pairs well with my xf18mm f2. Really love the quality and depth the images have with the latest sensor; it helps me feel like I’m not missing out when I’m shooting digital, even though the experience of shooting the Leica is way more fun. I’d rather have the photo than not, at the end of the day, and the medium is only part of the whole picture (pun intended).

[@BOTGRINDER]

I was in the city sunday filming for my channel but i was pressed for time so i brought my tg5, it was nice to just be able to fire off a ton of random shots i may have hesitated on with film.

[@DavidBirchphoto1.]

It’s an interesting topic, I learnt on film when I did photography at college and I learnt to develop my film. I have been shooting digital for years now, I personally think it comes down to the person or work you are trying to capture. You will always have people discussing film of digital or what camera you use, it honestly doesn’t matter in my opinion as long as you actually enjoy what you are doing.

[@myname5425]

I’m just getting into street and am currently shooting digital. I’m shooting as if it were film, which was a preparation to start shooting film. But, I’m pretty convinced that I’m going to stick to digital. I can treat it like film in a settings aspect, but can fire away at whatever I want because there’s no constraints in that aspect. Like why limit what I shoot. Just shoot. You never know what’s going to develop from the moment. Even if it seems whatever when you take it but then find out something special happened in that moment. I don’t want you to lose that. Film is romantic, but I’m here for the photos.

[@jesusescudero9721]

I started to shoot film again when my twins comes to the world in 2017, Around 2019 I started to shoot more, mostly for family situations, but for street too. During the pandemic I shooted a lot... but now I am enjoying digital more. Using olds digital nikons. I will continue using film but more time to time. Of course I am not using as a professional. But I suppose that this trendy is arriving to the sames conclusions that 20 years ago happened with the whole world. Great Video Paulie!!!

[@youngum78]

Feels more like film is abandoning us.

[@magicwaffl3z]

100%

[@CalumetVideo]

The cost of a roll of color film back in the 1980’s and 1990’s was about what it costs today when you figure in inflation for the past 30 years.

[@raceface_m2579]

Definitely.

[@jordanlaine7412]

Vision3 isn't going away...

[@Menipeontas]

@@CalumetVideo How much was the minimum wage back then, adjusted for inflation?

[@bfotosuk]

I hate it when people use a camera as a reason to slow down. Surly it doesn't matter what's in your hand - it's your approach. Basically what you're saying is that you overshoot on your digital and you don't on film. The reality on film is that you simply have less space to fill so you think more about your picture, rather than overshooting on digital.

[@joannad2561]

Here in Canada I just noticed a roll of Portra 800 is $38.99. Last year I got it for 23.99. I mostly shoot with my Ricoh GRiii now. Love love love that camera!

[@JacobChristiansen1]

Bruce Gilden in the background at 8:06 :D

[@phratesriver]

wtf is that really jim

[@radioactive5020]

Grew up developing and printing b&w at home in the 70’s and 80’s. Bulk film loader, changing bag, process film at home. Darkroom in my grandfather’s basement. Still shoot the occasional roll of XP2, and tempted to snag a bulk roll of b&w and scan the negs. But in the end if you want to shoot film there is no substitute. Financial reality is you might need to shoot less, or eat even more pasta meals. Peace. Love the channel.

[@somephotovideos]

I love everything you said about the Flow State, and using digital to get into the Flow and then transition to shooting film is fantastic. I think I’m gonna start with my Leica X1 or Ricoh GR Digital and then move to one of my film cameras to keep the Flow going. Appreciate you making this vid, Paulie!

[@beansproutuncreative]

That was cool. That's exactly what my plan is.

[@simonbarnes7124]

I was shooting film in the 90’s when a roll of film was £1.50 for a roll of Kodak VR film. I kept all my film cameras in case one day film would make a come back. It did. I shoot Nikon FM2N and May favourite Minolta XD7. Love that camera. I shoot Leica Q and Fujifilm X100T and F. I’m definitely a hybrid shooter. Luckily though I work at a Fujifilm UK so get to print and scan my own work. I just hope Kodak keep going as Portra and Kodak Gold are my go to film stocks. Prices here are about £23.00 a roll. I can get it for £9.00 a roll. I used to shoot weddings on film back in the day. Love your channel.

[@stanb.5261]

You play to the strength of each: digital for color, film for that special B&W project. You still can't beat the look of B&W film, self developing helps cut cost.

[@PaulieB]

even that’s subjective. For me, personally, I like the look of color film and black and white way more than digital. But some people are great at editing their digital files to look good

[@stanb.5261]

@@PaulieB Of course, just offering a... "logical" solution. Digital color is just: way cheaper, considerably more malleable for a variety of looks and oh so more convenient for a wider gamut of lighting scenarios. Conversely, B&W digital files require considerably more technical finesse to even approach the inherent beauty of analog tonal values.

[@wylie_photo]

I'll always shoot film as that was how I started off in photography back in the 90s. I tend to keep it back for projects now and shoot digital the rest of the time. That works for me.

[@markjanness3440]

I’ve been watching your vids and it came to mind that someone should organize a combined show for these photographers. I think it would draw a large audience to see their work.

[@seandavey7085]

Great idea

[@TheHamNinja]

Picked film up recently and have been driving a Nikon F3 and having fun. I carry both when out and what I'm getting from Film I really enjoy. The grain from the TMAX 400 is awesome and the color and look from some Ektar is hard to reproduce in digital. 5% film, 95% digital. Manual focus is harder than it should be. Thanks for this vid. Really appreciate it!!!

[@donaldsanchez7099]

I shot with film from the 80s until around 2007 when I switched to digital. I swore I would never go back. I recently sent several of my analogue cameras to get tuned up because I missed the whole tactile process of film photography (waiting for results, handling negs, printing, etc.). So, I've since shot with a few rolls, which was an interesting experience, but the cost of the rolls, the processing (now I need to have the images scanned), has made me rethink whether or not I want to continue in that direction. Digital is so immediate. After watching this video (which was excellent by the way!) it was interesting to hear other photographer's experiences. The anticipated increase in the price of film is very disappointing because I think I would have bit the bullet otherwise. Great content and food for thought, as always Paulie!

[@Francois_L_7933]

I've been almost fully analog for years, and luckily I still have a freezer full of color film. I'll admit that it's a bit expired, but it still works so I'll be doing color until I run out. Then, I'll most probably go back to B&W, though I recently got an old digital Olympus Pen for which I have batteries in the mail. So we'll see. Last time I was at the camera store and I saw the price of Portra, I must admit that I almost cried.

[@lawrencelunsford6028]

I was a part time wedding and portrait photographer from the late 1980s to early 2000s and I primarily shot Fuji NPS 160 (studio) and Fuji NPH 400 (wedding) then switched to Portra 160 and 400 when they came out. I started shooting digital with Nikons in the early 2000s. When I was shooting film a 220 Pro Pack was somewhere around $42-$46. Now a 120 Pro Pack is what $70 + ?? I took about a 15 year break from photography, recently traded all my medium format film gear for digital. Retired from my real job four years ago and now do photography because I love to do it. I hope those that want to continue to shoot film will have the means to do it and can continue to do it for as long as they want. If I ever wanted to shoot film again it would be on a special, limited basis. There's no way I could afford to do street photography with film only.

[@danicee]

I’m using film as long as I can afford it. Another issue is the cost of developing, which is also becoming more costly and harder to find supplies. It’s why I try to space out developing and using a digital camera when I run out of rolls. Eventually, we won’t have enough resources available to even make film so we’ll have to make due with what we have.

[@endrevestb895]

For me it is the process. Black and white darkroom prints is one of the things I love.

[@retropixer]

My current relationship with film is through watching your videos… The last roll of film I shot was in 1992. 😊

[@Van-Wolff]

When did you start shooting digital and with what? Thanks, Van

[@retropixer]

@@Van-Wolff Canon 10D in 2003

[@nathanelward]

I've only recently started with film, bought a Ricoh 500g rangefinder a few weeks ago. It's more a tool to improve my digital rather than a main focus, to slow me down and get my eye in. I've literally only gone through rolls, 3x Ilford HP5 and 1x Porta 400 and have another 3x hp5 to use. I'll see where I am after that.

[@guildengilbert170]

I started with film back in 1980, shot Canon AE-1 until all my gear was stolen in 1999. I tried some of the early PS digital cameras until I jumped into a Nikon D90 and I moved through many Nikon digital bodies, today a lot of my work is Sports Photography and my main bodies are D5 and D500, for studio and landscape I have a D3x. That being said, about 8 years ago I went back to shooting and developing film. I don't know if I would stop shooting film, for me it is the hands-on process of film that keeps me hooked. I have 6 or 7 Nikon SLRs, A Mamiya 645Pro TL and my favourite camera is my Pentax 6x7. I have a freezer full of film, 35mm and 120 and will keep re-stocking. I am not happy about the price increases but that won't stop me from shooting and developing film.

[@nickthomsen8969]

I have two digital systems: Canon R5 and Fuji GFX 100. I have a couple 35mm film cameras: Samurai Half Frame and a Canon A2e that is the same mount for my R5 lenses (ef with an adapter). Just recently bought a Hasselblad H4x with two backs and 80mm lens. The Hassy has revitalized my love for shooting again. Every camera is a tool and has a purpose in my eyes and what I needed was an experience with the Hassy.

[@nolanwest6831]

As someone near Reuben's age he hit it spot on for me. Same debate decades ago as digital became the norm.

[@haroldminuskumar]

Good to know the GRIII is in good hands! Haha! Sold that GRIII to Dustin a few months back.

[@bl4ckmagic34]

Great perspectives. First pro 400h, then portra... now hp5 😪 It's getting brutal out here.

[@DeeRosa]

Every time I think of shooting film again I see the price for Ektar and Ektachrome and that thought quickly dies.

[@wylie_photo]

I've got some Ektar on the way at the moment, a few years ago I used to order around 10 rolls at a time, now it's 5. I think it's coming under armed guard...

[@DeeRosa]

@@wylie_photo yup - I shoot film for personal things and it never sees the light of day but I do miss a $5 roll of Ektar. My favorite film for everything daytime and a great portrait stock for those with darker skin when pushed a stop!

[@smoothgilla3203]

I'd love to see a comparison/showcase of your work with the ricoh and how it affects your work rather than specs.

[@izzwizamahjah275]

I’d do hybrid. Digital for work and scanning. 35mm / digital for punk shows and 120/4x5 for portraits and personal

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Excellent video and interviews, get a real idea of what's the sentiment among the street shooters. Well done and thanks for sharing !

[@drazenzuvela1647]

In my time (40+ years ago) we used to buy film role in bigger package. Single plastic box with continuous role of 3 or 5 36 frames in one piece. Biggest packing was 30 meters long if remember well. Film need to be cut it in dark and wind on empty film boxes in order to use. It was easy to find end and start of each role in the dark since tape was narrowed already at right place. Part which will stay outside the box as starting lenght. But definitely it was much cheaper then fully packed single 36-frames role. Not all film types or brands were available in this option.

[@arturgajewskiphotog]

I used to shoot with my Pentax MV thinking what I was doing was cool. To me there is mostly the nostalgic value. It's as cool as watching VHS movies and rewinding the cassettes in 2023. Sure it does slow you down and makes you think more about what you shoot, but nobody is forcing you to shoot more then 50 photos a day with a digital.

[@Javier_Bltrn]

I only shot film back in highscool. I love my GX85 :)

[@raily9713]

i regret every day for selling it... certaintly a lovely camera to use

[@helloabwatson]

Started my photography journey using Kodak Tri-X 400. Shot it for years, then went to digital. Never fully happy with the look. But recently got a Monochrom and we good now. Closet thing to my film sensei Tri-X.

[@borderlands6606]

It's hard to get a consistent look shooting hybrid. The digital stuff looks fine, as does the film, but they clash as a single body of work.

[@user-ti9zc1xv2b]

Exacty beautifuly said

[@SUPERCLUBVIDEO]

criss oui!

[@Apreche]

When I compare film and digital prices, I think about how many "rolls" I have to develop with the digital camera before it starts to pay for itself. Let's assume someone has an inexpensive analog camera and shoots color negative. They'll have to shoot hundreds of rolls before they've hit the cost of a digital Leica M. They'll only have to shoot maybe 50ish rolls before they hit the cost of a Fuji X100. As for me personally, I was mostly shooting film up until the dark times. And I did slow down mostly because of the price and hassle. I've stopped buying more stock, and I'm saving the film I still have in the fridge for the special occasions. I've also lost a roll or two to malfunctions just like 5innyc. That really discourages me from using it more, especially when the digital cameras I have are so good. It's a situation much like the Seinfeld sponge episode. Is this shoot going to be sponge/film-worthy? If and when the film in the fridge runs out, I might only shoot film again if it's black & white and I develop it inexpensively at home.

[@Evemy_]

I still use film as the initial price of the camera is a lot less, so you don't have to worry about it as much. You can pick up a fairly decent camera with some nice old soviet lens for around £300, as long as you dont mind going fully manual. I feel a lot more comfortable bringing that style of camera to a festival/ event where it might get messed up or stolen, than I do a £1k+ digital equivalent

[@filmstockreel]

I started scanning my own film a couple of months ago and recently started developing my own film. i'm lucky i have space in my basement where i can develop and scan so its not an issue for me so technically i'm shooting more than i ever have. I mostly shoot black and white film so in terms of price i'm not really affected by it because price for black and white hasn't gone up much recently. When i shoot colour i shoot mostly expired film or film i get for cheap on fb marketplace so yeah. More life to film!

[@mynewcolour]

I shoot bulk rolled 35mm black n white and process at home (rodinal one shot or Xtol replenished). Finding time to scan isn’t always easy but the cost is not much. £3 a roll plus £1 to develop and plenty of creative control.

[@chadparsons1972]

Just do what you what you enjoy and dont worry about everyone else

[@ejbernal2]

What's with these photographers and not giving you a pound back? Damn man. 👊

[@mcgruber2]

I do find it really interesting the amount of people that would consider “shooting black and white” a step towards leaving film. If you’re mainly a color person I just don’t see the need to even go black and white for the sake of film? This is coming from someone who pretty much only shoots black and white… I’ve almost done the opposite where I’ve told myself I’d rather get a monochrom digital camera and then shoot color film when I want color. I find it’s easier (for me) to get my digital black and white images to look almost like my analog ones vs. getting my digital color images to look like analog color images. I consider switching often, but I just love the images I get on film much more, and always have. I bought an m9p around the holidays, I really enjoyed it. But ultimately I sold it off because the output just wasn’t what I wanted. Maybe a digital monochrom camera one day..

[@crwn_munkz]

Agree with Reuben! The whole film process does something!

[@barrychattillion1705]

Great thoughts Ruben

[@Jo_jo409]

Man. What a time to start getting into film photography lol. I just started getting into photography as a whole like 3/4 months ago.

[@yosiw7843]

Great video' keep the good work. I shot film over 40 years. When the digital camera just came out I didn't like / use them, something was missing in the experience. I bout my first digital 3 month ago, Fuji XT30-II. I like the simulation and I like the results. I still shot film, B&W, but getting into the the digital world make me more free with just shutting around and have fun. Film is not going away for me but I'm open more to digital.

[@sebastianfernandez6146]

Gr3x user here. As much as I love film, digital is so much more intuitive for street and getting those split second shots. Just more practical imo.

[@EricWoodsL]

I have always bounced back and forth between digital and film and I also develop and scan at home so there has been little impact other than buying a few more rolls when I find a good deal than I would have in the past.

[@BenRipleyPhoto]

Thanks Paulie another gem. Not as clear cut as I thought it would be (assumed more would be going digital). I’ve just gone the other way (100% to film), because I stopped being a working photographer (it was my second career and I hated the studio work that paid the bills). Digital just isn’t something I enjoy shooting when I’m shooting for me. And I’ve tried everything: Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Sony, Leica. I just don’t get the joy from digital that I do with film. Were I still working it’d be different of course. So I went back to film a couple of months ago, and it really relit my fire. Could. Not. Get. Enough. But I also couldn’t afford to shoot as much as I wanted to. So I got a Fuji and thought it’d be ok because I was enjoying photography again; the medium wouldn’t matter. But that lack of constraint, the paralysis I get with too much choice, quickly killed it for me. Shot a couple of thousand frames in a month and a bit and don’t remember or like any of them. So I sold it and I’m back to film again. I’m way more a doc photog than I am street so I don’t have the tempo a street photographer would have, but I’m happy to take the hit because I LOVE that physical, tangible process that imposes so many constraints. And as a ratio of frames shot, I get way more keepers with film than with digital so it makes some kind of sense.

[@jeremydesalle5926]

Hey Paulie ! You have to get a leica m digital to be free 😊(especially the m10D, a real beauty). The experience between the ricoh and a body with a viewfinder is not the same...

[@winedemonium]

A really interesting video on a really relevant topic. It struck me though while watching it - I always thought street photography was a bit of a lone wolf type pursuit, attracting less attention by working quietly alone. I noticed that you interviewed a number of photographers in small groups. In NYC is it more of a social get together type thing, or just for brief parts of the day. Seems like there is a real community of photographers there. Thanks for the video.

[@BrandonPrive1432]

i've watched tons of his walkie talkie and it seems like they get together throughout the day, and there are certain corners that are like the favourites for street photographers so it seems like you'll run into eachother in the general area,. thats just what i've noticed, i don't live there just watched all this guys videos. i agree though i think its more a lone wolf thing, but meetups throughout the day for the hang.

[@thestonerguy5276]

I haven't shot film for quite awhile, maybe 2003, but even after the sticker price shot, I'm going to dip my toe in the developer again and use film occasionally for black & white shots. When I ditched my film gear it was all Nikon, but my first love was the Minolta SRT-101 followed by their XK, then down the road X-700. So I'm acquiring equipment slowly and try to buy a roll or two of film each week to stock pile should prices go any higher (and more than a couple rolls if I find them on sale). I hope the price of film drops as more people start using it again, or for the first time.

[@danielgeorge3896]

I always saw film like a toxic relationship , it's expensive , time consuming but you keep coming back for those 'vibes' And yeah speaking about toxic i don't think we talk enough about the environmental impact , i really love to see some serious studdy comparing film with digital from this angle

[@seandavey7085]

I love the time consuming part of developing and scanning (and printing). That's such a good part of the medium (for some).

[@tim_butcher]

Hey Paulie, Great vid. Helped me realise that I’m transitioning to digital too, purely to streamline my process. My first zine from film took way too long to make. My second on digital was a lot smoother. I still love film tho and will keep using it for the sorts of work that digital can’t replicate. Thanks. Awesome channel 🙏

[@BryanBirks]

20:24 me too Sean.

[@PhotographerLewisH]

Love the videos man! Just got into film photography. Could you do a video how you edit your scans please 🙏🏼

[@winslow_j]

Really good insight in this one. I picked up film close to 2 years ago now, after shooting digital for 5 years, and now I do a mixture of both. Some days when I want complete freedom, I shoot digital. When I want to sow down and enjoy the more tactile process, I shoot film. I will say I'm sitting on developing 5 rolls right now because of the price, but that's just the name of the game I guess.

[@ralphstark9961]

After seeing this I though about film prices. I used to get a 100' roll of T-max 400 for about $42 in 1988. That adjusted to 2023 dollars is $108 per 100'. Kodak now charges $168 for 100' at B&H. So KODAK is more expensive today, but Ilford Delta 400 is $138 so that is not that much of an increase. To save money have brough the workflow from capture to print in house. This drops my processing per roll costs down to about $2 to $5 a roll, depending on type of film (B&W, C-41). I will most likely use film until it becomes unavailable, but I will always look to lower my costs by shopping around and doing a lot DIY.

[@JasonOsbornePhotography]

My reason for moving away from film is the same for most of your colleagues in this video, finding the time to develop and the process. I have so many rolls I need to develop still and in houston we actually have a few local labs to get it done but still can’t find the time to do it. I have a good printer so I’ve been printing my digital images as a cop out lol. I love my canon AE-1 but I’ve been solely digital for a while now. Hope to see you out n about when I’m back home and in the city next month!

[@samueljames5167]

I've just picked up film again, it's been forever and a day since I've done film. I was inspired to buy a Nikon FE.

[@hvanquentin]

In Los Angeles, it's hard to get into, and stay into the "Flow" I start off with my Ricoh GRiii - to get me into my groove, and then switch to Film, and start snapping away. Once I run out of "runway", or start to feel myself falling out of the Zone - I switch back to the Ricoh It's like... THE Ricoh is my Pick up Game, to keep me in shape and on point. But Film... That's the Pro Game I play week in, and week out

[@nobodytoomusic]

I find it funny seeing people with digital leicas complaining about film prices lol. The film v digital debate is purely about choice because if you want a "film look," you can get it either way. Film is a personal choice. It requires a big commitment. That being said, by just learning to develop at home you can save $100s.

[@TheChosenOne_]

that argument doesnt really make sense, the digital leicas dont get used up and therefore are far cheaper to sustain after the initial investment. And sure you can save some money by self deving but hundreds? how much is a roll of c41 to self dev? I pay 3,50€ for processing, I doubt its that much cheaper

[@magicwaffl3z]

Yeah that cracks me up too. "Film prices are insane so I bought an m10" 💀 but at the same time I'm sure people who shoot street like these guys blow through rolls quick, so that cost of film would catch up to the leica very quickly

[@vmdtcg]

⁠@@magicwaffl3z Im the third guy in the vid, just wanted to chime in. Don’t really care for the look of digital vs film all that much. I sold my m240 and m7 in 2023 for more than i paid for them in 2015. I got the m10 as its value was close to what the previous 2 sold for combined and would retain value. All my nikon, canon, and panasonic gear depreciated way faster. Basically I see it as renting as I eventually sell for close to if not equal to original price I paid. As far as shooting rolls, the people who shoot more freely will do like 3-4 rolls a day which adds up especially in color

[@nobodytoomusic]

Well, my comment is mostly about the irony of someone complaining about prices in one instance, yet at the same time holding a luxury camera in their hands which most likely costs $5,000 +. But, if you're going to make the argument of money over time, I would wager it will take quit a while to rack up the cost of film and developing, regardless if you home develop or not, to equate to $5,000. Also, for argument's sake, a film leica probably retains its value (or increases) over time whereas a digital leica decreases, i.e. "digital rot." Tho, YMMV@@TheChosenOne_

[@nobodytoomusic]

True, YMMV. Still, it's ironic@@magicwaffl3z

[@deanaldo1304]

I grew up shooting film, mainly B&W, which I printed myself. However, since the arrival of digital, I personally don't see the need for film. With all the software available these days, the end results produced are as good as any film can deliver (IMO). I think film photography is a bit like owing a classic car; it's expensive, needs more T & C and it's slow. One for the diehard traditionalists (which by the way I think is great)

[@kyddrob]

Coming up on a year of shooting street photography and have only done digital so far with the exception of polaroids. Film has always been interesting and I love the look of the photos that film produces. But over time I've come to realize that the sort of minute details of how a photo looks has nothing to do with what makes a photo memorable for me. I think because my background is in engineering, I highly value the freedom that digital photography allows for when shooting (especially when experimenting with different settings) and I think with film I'd spend waaaaaay too much time and energy thinking about whether the photo I'm about to take is "worth it."

[@BRZDR]

I bought a Zf and then scooped up an F3 at a pawnshop. I cant afford Porta so Ive been shooting Gold 200.. I love film and it's hard to pick between the two cameras. Learning how to use Rawtherapee and get the look I want out of Digital pulls me back in, but then I look at my film scans and load a roll! G.A.S.!!!!!

[@D.Trider]

Very interesting video. I shoot medium format film- but mostly m10m is the digital camera for me.

[@auditory_panorama]

I used to buy film (mono) in bulks roll in the 90s... making my own rolls up then process at home.. :) loved it but now with digital the cost of photographing places and things has became a lot more cost effective.. so for me digital is good right now...

[@captainkenzie6873]

I've recently been experimenting with digital cameras but not because i don't love film or because the film is expensive but instead because It's currently costing me about £30 to get it developed, i have heard of cheaper places though so I'll give one of those companies a try next time i need some film developed.

[@jerryrichards8172]

I have been shooting film since 1977 in 2022 I purchased my first digital camera and hardly even touch my 35mm at all now.

[@raymeedc]

I’ve been shooting for nigh on 50 years now. I shoot exclusively digital, my go to street setups being either a Fujifilm X-E2 or X-T2, depending on my mood and/or need, with one vintage prime, a personal favorite Pentax Super Takumar 35mm f3.5, for example….. best of both world’s shooting wise as far as I’m concerned. I also shoot full frame with the same vintage lenses when called for, a wider vintage prime lens view, for example, but not as often for street. As far as visual results go, digital is different, neither better nor worse in my eyes. As far as the rest goes, film harbors too many negatives (no pun intended) compared to digital for my liking.

[@SpookyConcepts]

The only way I can justify working with film still is my ability to dev+scan myself at home with my own equipment. I think if you're a film photog and don't do any of the post processing yourself and pay to send it all to labs, you're fighting a losing battle financially. Especially if you don't get paid to photograph, or its not your primary source of income. I imagine many, many people are not in that posistion.

[@antoniogrijalva2038]

I shoot film as a hobby and you’re so right, I got 3 color rolls developed and scanned and it was a total of 40 dollars. I just bought one of those develop tanks and a ilford b&w dev kit but I’m afraid to ruin my b&w rolls cause I have no idea what’s in there lmao. I still need to grab a few more tools before I get started tho

[@SpookyConcepts]

@@antoniogrijalva2038 shoot a sacrificial black and white test roll to learn development with. Developing your own black and white is really easy once you know what to do

[@aobane841]

Still shooting exclusively with film, but I’m leaning toward digital for client work. I’ll save the film for landscapes and street. But soon no more for editorials.

[@KeeeeenW]

I have both the M10 and M6. I usually gratitude more towards my M6 for casual walks on the street and traveling. I feel like I am more connected to my M6 even though I got my M10 first. However, the M10 is much better for proper architecture or landscape shots where I want to see lots of details. I can't live without either.

[@nelsono4315]

I started with film back in the mid 80s when it was the only game in town. always had my camera with me and I shot anything and everything just to learn. Was never a street photographer. Didn't have any photographers that I looked up to. Did quite a bit of portrait photography, mostly for friends. Went digital maybe around 2009. Now I shoot mostly live music in a New York club. Dug up my Canon EOS A2 film camera and might start shooting some film now and then. Yes, film has gotten expensive. I started with the Canon AV-1. Eventually got a Canon A-1 and then the Canon T-90 which I absolutely loved. Also had a Pentax 6x7 camera for a while. Respect to all the film shooters!

[@ramigomez3975]

I've been shooting film for a long time now, but I've been transitioning to digital due to the costs. I can't afford 35mm film anymore, but I still shoot film with my medium format cameras where I work more slowly and think more about what I'm capturing.That's one way to enjoy both aspects of photography. The key is to keep thinking in terms of film while shooting with digital. BTW, why does it seem NY is the Mecca of street photography? 😅

[@stevep2430]

Memory is also going up in price and it has to be remembered that digital cameras being ruled by electronics has a shelf life that will die on you when you least want it to and is expensive to repair or replace. I shoot both formats but prefer the developing and printing process of film, still having the darkroom equipment from earlier days.

[@refard5]

Memory is getting cheaper.

[@toohundred]

As someone who just discovered you in the last month, and has been binge watching all your old videos...it's INSANE to me to hear all the these photographers say they are not shooting film atm.

[@landsurveysfilms]

Yeah, digital is not very represented on this channel, tbh

[@eddie_g]

To your point at the end it’s the opposite for me on a typical slow day. I’ll warm up on digital then switch to film. That mainly has to do with location otherwise it’s be film. But for me I’m just finding balance and pace I’ll always love and shoot film. If prices get to nutty black and white film will be my default