HOW TO SHOOT FILM - Canon Ae-1 & Portra 400

How to shoot a roll of 35mm Portra 400 film on a Canon AE-1 from start to finish. From loading the roll, to the settings I use, the type of film, camera and everything in between.
00:00 - Intro
0:30 - Why film?
1:07 - How film is different than digital
3:20 - How to load your camera
4:05 - Example Photos: Portra 400 pushed one stop
5:37 - Example Photos: Portra 400 shot at 320
7:17 - Light Meter
8:16 - Film Lab processing/developing/scanning
9:34 - How I edit my film
13:48 - Conclusion
#CanonAE1 #35mmfilm #portra
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Check out my website: www.tonywodarck.com/
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[@TonyWodarck]

I hope this video inspires you to dust off that film camera sitting on your shelf and load up a roll of film. If you have any questions please leave them in the comments below.

[@Armonius1]

I don't understand how you metered the Iso to 640 or 320 when the AE-1 only lets you do in increments like 50,100, 200,400,800 etc

[@TonyWodarck]

Armon Mohammadpour i used an external light meter not the one in camera so it didn’t matter what I put on the camera.

[@wahsdarb1013]

What lens are you using? Not the original, I'm guessing?

[@TonyWodarck]

@@wahsdarb1013 I was using the 85mm 1.2L in this video. It's an incredible lens.

[@rdog77]

@@Armonius1 That was a great question! I was wondering the same thing

[@traceurGeorge]

Ah the beauty of film: making me nostalgic about a trip to the beach I was never on!!

[@TonyWodarck]

Hahaha love it

[@sarahdanielle2513]

This is a great video!!! Thank you so much for explaining how you shoot in such an intuitive way. This video was so well done. I’ve been looking for examples of results with different film & settings to get a sense of what each element of your shot is doing. So thorough, informative, and accessible! And you’re an amazing photographer as well!

[@TonyWodarck]

Sarah Danielle well hello nicest comment ever. Hahaha. Thanks so much for the feedback. Glad you enjoyed the video! ♥️♥️♥️

[@danielburford1441]

I personally love the look of vintage photos!

[@TonyWodarck]

Daniel Burford thanks dude!

[@brentcicogna467]

Thank you for creating and sharing such a wealth of information to us. I’ve learned so much from your website in just a few weeks of discovering who you are...amazing work! 👍

[@TonyWodarck]

Love that so much. Thanks so much for the support. :)

[@Wodarck1]

What a wonderful job! Makes me want to go out and shoot a roll. Keep the video's coming.

[@jess7584]

Great video 👏🏻 I recently dusted off my old Canon AE-1 that I bought 12 years ago when I took a film photography class. I loved it, learned how to use the dark room and print my own negatives on enlarging paper! Unfortunately it quickly became way too expensive for me at the time and thus, my camera went into storage. Now that I’m in my 30s I can afford it, yay! I’m camping in the Rockies in a few weeks and decided to brush up on my knowledge a bit to get some great shots. I can’t wait to see the results!!!

[@TonyWodarck]

Epic! Sounds fun. You’re gonna love the results.

[@tbrack_84]

Love your mix of information and photo sharing - just started trying out film with an AE-1 and am aiming for the same saturation and contrast your beautiful shots have - keep the content coming!

[@TonyWodarck]

Tyler Peurach thanks dude. I appreciate the support. Try pushing your film a stop if you like saturation and contrast 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@sophiestewart3717]

@@TonyWodarck What do you mean by pushing a stop? Could you explain more? 😊

[@zacharyf.9936]

I remembered watching this a few years ago and found your video again now in 2022 to help with all this awesome information. Thank you for this video. Keep up all your great work!

[@TonyWodarck]

Rad thanks so much for watching. Stoked the video is still helpful!

[@me.my.son.and.i]

Really great video. Informative, well edited and executed. Enjoyable watch. Thanks

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks Sam! I appreciate the support. Thanks so much for watching and leaving a comment!

[@NI4Kful]

Loved this video! Gave me a lot of trust into film photography

[@TonyWodarck]

Thomas Lefevre epic. Love hearing that. Time to get out there and shoot!

[@thewildblake622]

Just bought an AE1! Comes on Friday. Excited to give it a go. Been shooting digital since 2017.

[@TonyWodarck]

Rad! Such a fun new medium.

[@gerardasigurado516]

SHOTS WERE MAJESTIC!!! 😭✨I wanna cry!!!! Watching from the Philippines. 🇵🇭

[@TonyWodarck]

Gerard Asigurado thank you so much! I appreciate it. Hope you like my other videos too.

[@gerardasigurado516]

@@TonyWodarck Indeed sir!!! God bless you!!

[@wahsdarb1013]

I know literally nothing about photography but just bought an AE-1 at a yard sale for $27! I want to try to just have fun, but this was great information and easy to understand. Subscribed to scope out any other "tutorials" you may have for beginners! Your photos are amaaaazing 😍

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks so much!! Check out my how to shoot film series I’ve been working on. It goes more in depth about each subject if you need any help. Hit me up if you have any questions 🙌🏽

[@daram2672]

Awesome video, man. Very informative, I learned a lot !

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks great to hear!

[@gabequezada2066]

That sunflower shot was awesome ! Great vid.. Thank you Tony

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks so much!

[@daisiesandazaleas]

Thank you for this video! I’ve been trying film and this video helps a lot

[@TonyWodarck]

cssiemarie yay! Stoked it helps. Let me know if you have any questions!

[@DTUFINOPhotography]

I just ordered a Canon AV-1 which is the aperture priority ONLY version of the canons slr and am excited to use it. I've subscribed because your film photography is out of this world!

[@TonyWodarck]

David Tufino Photography yesss you’re going to love it. And thanks so much for the sub and the huge compliment.

[@emilianomartinez5497]

very good pictures! Here it is shown that the lens matters more than the camera! Always!

[@TonyWodarck]

Thank you so much. Yep with film it’s all about the lens!!!

[@lahorablackwentz]

Thank you so much for this video definitely helped me understand how to take better pictures with my new camera cx

[@TonyWodarck]

Yay! Stoked to hear that 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@heresasimmer]

First of all.... 73,000+ ?????????? Bro. HAHAHAHAHA! I also love that a video accompanied the photos! It's so cool to see them side-by-side. With all the information you shared, I'm already learning for my next set of film. I'm sending my 4 rolls this weekend and I don't think I pushed them as much so I'm assuming a lot of my photos will be muddy but still an awesome learning curve. I also love the editing!! Oh my goodness!! So much greatness in this video. Thanks, Tony!

[@TonyWodarck]

That's awesome. Thanks so much for all the positive support. So glad the info is helping. Always err on the side of overexposing. Check the link in the description about exposure. Seeing the image examples will really help you understand how much you can overexpose film.

[@janclaudio3001]

The feeling of getting your scans delivered 🙊

[@TonyWodarck]

It's the best! Hahaha

[@marcoparce5761]

Love how you present the photos

[@TonyWodarck]

Marco Parce thanks so much!

[@hi-ho7636]

oh wow I love this video, really explaining how film works. I hope to see more of these 35mm fil shoots. also new subscriber!

[@hi-ho7636]

also i love all the children's photo all of them are smiling! i just love this video 💕

[@TonyWodarck]

UniquecornYania thank you so much!!!

[@TonyWodarck]

So glad it was helpful! Definitely will be shooting and sharing a lot more 35 over the next few weeks. Heading to Hawaii with the family next week. And thanks for subscribing!

[@EdwinRucci]

Just bough the ae-1 program! really looking to learn more about film. these photos of yours look amazing!

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks so much! Enjoy that camera it's so fun!

[@giovanni0286]

Great video! Thank you!

[@CoordinatedK10]

Great video, Tony! I'm pretty impressed by your editing skillz :). And the photos! I may have to switch from Coordinator to photographer lol.

[@TonyWodarck]

Thank you so much!!! It’s hard trying to setup the video and take photos and talk and edit and do it all so I really appreciate the compliment. Super fun to put it all together though. I’m having fun. And I think everyone should grab a camera and give it a try. Do it!!!

[@DavidSk2683]

Thank you so much for this video. Very helpful

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks for watching!!

[@giphotositaly7494]

Amazing info, Thank you so much!

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks for watching!

[@lesleyjuarez4691]

SO HELPFUL 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@TonyWodarck]

Lesley Juarez thank you!!!

[@puffgod3]

This man looks like a really nice guy. Good video!

[@TonyWodarck]

puFFy hahaha thanks dude!

[@ZacharyBrown]

My wife, (just married last week) got me an AE-1 as a wedding gift. I've been shooting with an old nikonos and really wanted an AE-1, my dad actually gave me one years ago and it was my first camera. Unfortunately I don't have that one anymore but I am stoked to play with this. I just recently started developing some B&Ws and have an enlarger to make some prints. Stoked on your video, it got me pumped!

[@TonyWodarck]

Zachary Brown yessss I love hearing that. Congrats on getting married! I’m super jealous of you developing and making prints. If my house wasn’t so small I’d setup a mini dark room. That’s the goal one day. Stoked you enjoyed the video!

[@ZacharyBrown]

Tony Wodarck thanks man!!! The dark room is a small bathroom right now lol but it works for now!

[@iamrichlol]

Great video, enjoyed it. cheers!

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks for watching!

[@kmreddy-du2lb]

Beautiful shots

[@TonyWodarck]

K.Manoj's Reviews thanks so much!!

[@AdamAllen]

So helpful! Subscriber earned.

[@TonyWodarck]

Adam Allen thanks so much! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@edobette]

Bellissimo video! Bravo!

[@AmericanConstellation]

This is like being audio file and loving tube amps and vinyl records. I love my Ae-1.

[@sinorox6849]

I LOVE YOU FOR THIS

[@sinorox6849]

honestly my only question (you answered everything else in this video) is when u are telling the lab u PUSHED a roll you put +1 but for the other roll where you shot at 320 you didnt tell them anything so would they just process it as normal? i planned on shooting my 400 rolls at 320 maybe even 200 and am mentally arguing with myself if i should even tell the lab anything and just shoot everything overexposed >_

[@TonyWodarck]

Sinorox that is a super common question. Yes, for the 320 roll or even if you shoot 200 you don’t have to tell the lab anything. Portra does really well overexposed. You just meter at 320 or 200 and have the lab develop it normal.

[@sinorox6849]

Tony Wodarck thank you!!! Everything is clear now! I know what must be done :)

[@KenyattaDavisPhotography]

I just purchased the canon ae-1 today but bought 3 rolls of kodak gold 200 to practice with and Dodd gave me a free roll of portra 400 for my birthday

[@TonyWodarck]

Kenyatta Davis yesss enjoy!! I haven’t shot Kodak gold but I like the results I’ve seen from it. Have fun!!

[@StephanieSousaArtistry]

LOVE THIS! Thanks for adding info about editing- super helpful. I’ll be rewatching this for sure before I shoot a couples session in film this weekend. My question: is it actually bad to bring film through the xrays at the airport? How do you travel with your film?

[@TonyWodarck]

That’s a great question. The airport says a certain ISO like 100-800 is okay. I don’t trust that and hand them a clear bag with all my film (exposed and unexposed) to the TSA person to hand check. They’ll do it without running it through the x-ray. And yeah. Way too many emails.

[@StephanieSousaArtistry]

I’m gonna figure out how to intentionally do my own light leaks. KZbin video topic???

[@eddyjcreative100]

Woow Tony nice job..just purchased one of the cameras

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks! Love hearing that!

[@AadhiRaagamChannel]

Super,.,,,, So nice.... Great ...Thanks a Lot 👌🏻👌🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@TonyWodarck]

Thank you!

[@seon47]

thank you for sharing!!

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks for watching!

[@joshuagarcia2218]

Dude this was the video I needed

[@TonyWodarck]

Joshua Garcia yessss love hearing that!!

[@joshuagarcia2218]

@@TonyWodarck quick question I bought 200 color negative film but have been shooting 400, is that an issue?

[@TonyWodarck]

Joshua Garcia yeah you’re essentially underexposing it a half a stop. I’d suggest shooting it at 200. If you’re halfway through a roll you could just continue to shoot at 400 and have the lab push the roll a stop by writing +1 on the roll and asking them to push a stop.

[@joshuagarcia2218]

@@TonyWodarck ahhhh okay, so if I overexpose it's a + and if it's under it's - perfect, I mean it makes sense but everything I was reading made it seem backwards. Thank you again!

[@TonyWodarck]

Joshua Garcia if you’re going to push it a stop with the lab, you’ll want to underexpose your shot. If you’re using an exposure compensation dial I’d recommending putting it at -0.5 or -1 and then shooting the whole roll like that. Then have the lab push it +1.

[@alberto9827]

Thanks for the insight man! Im planning to start shooting on film for the first time. I know a lot about digital media, but film is a different world for me. Outstanding photography work, your pictures look really great. I have a question, would you recommend buying a scanner or send it into the lab? Since my background is purely digital I feel doubtful about not managing my own pictures myself or to wait a week or so to see the end result.

[@TonyWodarck]

Beto Méndez thanks! I’d recommend starting with a lab and if you fall in love maybe you start scanning your own work. A lab is more expensive but they’re professionals and at least you’ll have a benchmark. Good luck. Film is so addicting!!

[@codybrookehanson2346]

It took me 20 minutes just to get through the set of beach images. Pause, play, pause, skip back, play, pause and so on. I cant wait until my photoes look as good as yours some day. May be a while still lol

[@TonyWodarck]

Cody & Brooke Hanson hahaha thanks. Means a lot.

[@illgilligan]

Amazing, thank you

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks for watching!

[@gerardasigurado516]

This video made me subscribe to this channel. 6:13pm | August 19, 2020 - Philippines time. ✊🏻🇵🇭

[@TonyWodarck]

Gerard Asigurado hahaha awesome. Thanks for the sub!!!

[@gerardasigurado516]

@@TonyWodarck You're welcome sir!!! Worth it!!!

[@xMiiDNiTe]

great vid

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks!’

[@GameKeyModSquad-hr4ln]

I bought a ae-1 program with 50mm 1.8 prime, but your 85mm and shots are amazing. I think I need to find that lens!

[@tomelcock7659]

I’m on the look out for a canon ae 1 at the moment

[@TonyWodarck]

Check Facebook marketplace and OfferUp. You can find some deals there sometimes.

[@marcstone6114]

Amazing photos

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks so much!

[@marcstone6114]

@@TonyWodarck you’re welcome. I’ve been testing out my Canon AT-1 and my Voigtlander 35mm range finder in preparation for my trip to Iceland…I’ve been studying and learning all I can for shooting on 35mm. You’re video was inspiring and I’ll try to set the ISO at 640 and +1 when I get it processed. I’d like to try the Goodman film lab but it’s a drive from Burbank so I’ll have to find something local.

[@gabequezada2066]

very cool....

[@TonyWodarck]

Gabe Quezada thanks dude!

[@Greenliight]

6:07 what a candid moment

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks!

[@heryperez7379]

Awesome video man I really want to get into shooting film and this video helped a lot! But what kind of lens are you using here?

[@TonyWodarck]

Hery Perez thanks so much. I’m shooting with the Canon FD 85 1.2L. It’s a beast of a lens. So beautiful and sharp. Glad to hear this video helped. Go out and shoot some rolls of film and take notes on what you do. That’s the best way to learn in my opinion!

[@campsire]

cool!

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks

[@chasewilliams4770]

Tony, great video man, thank you for explaining everything. I am curious though, what 85mm lens do you have on your AE-1 for these photos?

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks! It’s the FD 85 1.2L

[@dantevelez531dv]

It’s a pricey one

[@JimHep]

Do you log every photo taken as you take it (F/S and S/S)? I haven’t seen anyone do/mention this yet, but I started doing this to help me learn.

[@TonyWodarck]

I don't typically, but a lot of the times I remember the settings for specific shots. I also will take note if there's a unique situation or a difficult scene to meter. I'll just add a note in my phone so I can reference it later. My Contax 645 records the settings on the negative which is the best. It is super helpful to record your settings though so you can learn what you do right and what went wrong.

[@TANZANIAFILMMAKINGTV]

DUDE! I learn lots on this video going to but film Camera try to experience this kinda shoot

[@TonyWodarck]

Rad! Thanks for watching!!

[@belladebartolo8534]

Love this video so much! Im looking for a Canon AE-1 and was wondering what the lense you have is called? Thanks :)

[@TonyWodarck]

I have the Canon FD 50 1.8 which was the kit lens and easy to find. A lot of photos in this were shot with the Canon FD 85 1.2. An amazing lens but a bit pricy.

[@christianbenbow1056]

Hello, thank you for this video it is really helpful! I'm brand new to photography and It's the best I've personally seen explaining and showing over and under exposing. One question though, if I set portra 400 to 200 iso on my om-1, do I also set my light meter to 200 iso? Or keep the meter at 400? Thankyou

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks so much! Are you using the light meter on your camera? Are you shooting in auto mode? Those will affect if changing your iso on your camera actually matters. If you're shooting manual and using an external light meter, just updating the light meter to ISO 200 is the only thing that matters.

[@darthkrator9366]

That lens made these photos come out so nice

[@TonyWodarck]

That lens and the photographer 🤣

[@JoelORamos-wz6oe]

Excellent video! Quick question, maybe silly, how do you develop your film? I mean, how do you do it so you can transfer it to your PC/Mac digitally?

[@TonyWodarck]

I send the rolls to Goodman Film Lab in Irvine. They develop and scan the film and send me all the files online.

[@justinrhodes4276]

There’s so much beauty in the imperfections that you just don’t get with digital

[@TonyWodarck]

Totally!!

[@simonworger]

Great vlog. I'm just looking at picking up a film camera but can't decide which to go for, how do the AE-1, AE-1 Program and A-1 compare with each other ? The Minolta X-700 seems to get recommended a lot.

[@TonyWodarck]

Simon Worger thanks! Can’t go wrong with any of those. They are all pretty similar and the differences are minor. I made a whole video recently about finding your first 35mm camera. Worth a watch. I also have a link in the description of all the cameras I recommend.

[@sem.14]

great video! so i have a question, since film is based on light, would it be crucial to invest in a flash for indoors and evening/night photos? if so what do you recommend? i have the ae-1 program & i saw there was the program mode, but wasn’t sure about how helpful it would be in those situations!

[@TonyWodarck]

In my experience shooting flash on film isn’t easy. You have to really understand your camera and how flashes work and use an external meter. It’s totally possible but you’ll have to learn how ambient light, flash and your camera settings all come together for the proper exposure. Not trying to discourage you just letting you know it will take some work to learn.

[@joeellis4681]

Hi Tony...thanks for this very helpful video! I’m new (returning) to film and am using the Canon AE-1 Program. To get started, I am shooting in Program mode and using Ilford HP5 400 black and white film. To do the same “push one stop” process that you mentioned in this video, I would set the AE-1 Program film speed to 640, correct? Thanks for your help!!

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks Joe! Yes set the film speed to 640 and then make sure to tell the lab that you want to develop the film +1 (pushed one stop).

[@chowtimewithruss1411]

Stunning work! I have a AE-1P, what 85mm lens are you using?

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks so much. Canon FD 85 1.2L. An incredible lens.

[@its.justze]

Great tips, talk, just got mine Ae-1 program. Tks for explaining about exposure. ps- the soungdtrack was too loud, and just push me off.

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks so much. This was the second video I’ve ever made. Was still figuring out the audio balance.

[@angellewinters3289]

I LOVED how you explained everything. I don’t know if you will respond but can you change the settings to were you can have one roll of film with different looks on each picture if that makes sense? Like if I set the setting for one spot I’m in and then I go to a different scenery spot with different lighting can I change the settings? Or does the settings have to stay the same through out the whole roll?

[@TonyWodarck]

Here I am responding! Hahaha. You can change your shutter speed and your aperture for any scene. The only thing you can’t change is the iso because the roll you chose is the iso you chose for the entire roll.

[@durupa_]

Hey man, beautiful shots. The contrast is so nice. May I ask how you managed to fit EF lenses onto this? Is any cheap adaptor fine or does quality matter for that?

[@TonyWodarck]

It’s not an EF lens. It’s an FD 85 1.2L lens. For EF lenses on film any Canon 35mm EOS camera will work. There’s like $20 options out there. For a bit better quality I really like the Canon EOS 3. You can see a review I did on it on my channel.

[@TonyWodarck]

And thank you!!

[@KelseyLefeverPhotography]

This is really helpful! I’ve been looking into Goodman Film Lab for developing some rolls I shot while in Tanzania. Have do you feel about shooting medium format film?

[@TonyWodarck]

Thank you! I shoot medium format a ton! Check my last video about film cameras to see my collection. 2 of them are medium format. I love medium format for the professional feel and look and insane depth of field, but I do like the grain and rawness of 35mm.

[@TonyWodarck]

And Goodman Film Lab is amazing. Highly recommend them!

[@thechuggs8997]

Do you shoot iso 320 for day and night? The only thing you adjust is aperture and shutter speed?

[@erikask6266]

Thanks for great video! If you set the camera on 320. Do you set the light meter the same when shooting or do you keep it at iso 400?

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks! Light meter at 320 as well.

[@panchalshyam]

LOVE your video mate. Super informative. I understand all of it but don’t understand what you mean by “metered at 640” though. What did you actually do on the camera to achieve that setting?

[@TonyWodarck]

Metered at 640 means I put the iso setting on my camera and/or external light meter to 640. Whatever I’m using to tell me my settings is set to iso 640. Then when I shoot I’m tricking my camera to thinking I’m using iso 640 film but I’m really using 400. A 1/2 stop difference of underexposing. When I go to the lab I tell them to push the roll one stop. This takes it from 640 to 320 essentially which gets me to a half stop overexposed. You can also just shoot at 320 iso and not push it a stop at the lab just have them process it normally. I’ve been shooting this way a lot more lately.

[@panchalshyam]

@@TonyWodarck I understand. But why would you want to underexpose your film when shooting? If film loves light, aren’t you likely to lose a lot of information? You can’t make that up in processing can you?

[@SeanViews]

Thank you for this!! One question: If I don’t have a physical light meter, can I use my 5D Mark IV for test shots until I like the lighting and then copy those settings over to my AE-1?

[@TonyWodarck]

Yes it’s not perfectly the same but definitely close enough. Just make sure your iso is the same as your film.

[@janadrielozar6803]

i was stunned, this looks even better than the overpriced dslr we have today

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks!! Film has so much more heart than digital.

[@Jose-sx4ql]

Quick question, if you shoot a roll of film at the nominal speed suggested do you still have to push it in the lab? Or is that only if you change the iso a stop down from the nominal speed?

[@johnqiki1636]

First that is so cool the photo you take. I'm curious which scanner you use

[@TonyWodarck]

I use goodman film lab in Irvine California. They use a Frontier Scanner.

[@TonyWodarck]

Fuji Frontier Sp3000s

[@alexandrenixon215]

Nice video! About those scans you mentioned, with a psychedelic look to them, what film was that with? How did you get that look?

[@TonyWodarck]

It’s called psychedelic blues film. Super fun. psychblues.com/film-shop/fi7y0fi5irf2jfmlmq2o3f3skq5nfk

[@alexandrenixon215]

@@TonyWodarck Awesome, thanks!

[@alexandraphillips1486]

Super fun! I love pushed portra- especially on bright sunny days. What film do you recommend for shooting at night or in lower light situations?

[@TonyWodarck]

I love Portra 800. You can meter it at 800 but I'd push it a stop in processing. I also love Ilford Delta 3200. I shoot that metered around 800 or 1600 and push it a stop as well. I have some Kodak P3200 too, just haven't shot it yet. I also want to try Cinestill 800, but haven't shot it yet. Hope that helps!

[@uncletasha8970]

@@TonyWodarck Hey Tony. I have a roll of Portra 800 in my camera right now, which has the highest exposure of 1/1000. I have the setting at ASA 400, any suggestions while being on this setting? Thanks

[@TonyWodarck]

@@uncletasha8970 If you're shooting Portra 800 at 400 ISO/ASA that means you're overexposing the film by one stop (800 to 400). You can change the shutter speed (1/1000) to whatever you want you just need to make sure your aperture is closed down enough to not overexpose the film too much. So if you have your shutter at 1/1000 just look through the light meter in the camera as you click the button half way down. The little bar on the inside will tell you what to put your f/stop/aperture at (like say 5.6 or 11). Then just change you're aperture (on the base of the lens) to whatever number the light meter said. You should be all set.

[@uncletasha8970]

@@TonyWodarck Thanks for the quick reply! I'm using an old Spotmatic II, and I think the light meter is broken since it never moves, no matter how much I adjust settings. I've been mostly using 1/500 + f/16, 1/250 + f/11, and 1/125 + f.28 for my photos so far, which have been mostly front-faced sunlight or side-faced with some shadows. I think I've taken one photo indoors so far. It sucks being in a small town where there isn't anyone around that actually uses film that can teach me (I have to send my film to the city over to get it developed lol) What do you think? Any feedback is high appreciated, I don't want to butcher my other 20 slots I have left.

[@Misscollage]

I think we all need to appreciate one key universal truth mentioned in this video: You’re either a 73,000 unread emails person Or 0-5 unread

[@TonyWodarck]

Your Haiku LOL. Unread till I’m dead 😂😭

[@Jorge-125]

Nice video and great in depth how to push the ISO stop. My question is, if I'm shooting 400 speed film and I want to use f/2.8 on a sunny day and my Canon AE-1 light meter says 5.6 how do I shoot the picture? Before I was just moving the ISO lever around to get the look I wanted, but then I found out you just set the ISO lever according to the film speed.

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks for reaching out. Definitely do not change the iso unless you change your film. If you’re trying to shoot at 2.8 at bright sun and you’re at 1/1000 you’re reaching the limits of this camera. That’s one reason I suggest for people to upgrade at some point. Find another camera with 1/2000, 1/4000 or even 1/8000 shutter speed. This will allow you to shoot with a wider aperture in bright light. Another option and a cheaper alternative is getting an ND filter for your lens. You need to Google what lens filter thread size your specific lens is than buy something like a 3 stop ND filter. An ND filter are basically sunglasses for your lens. It makes it so less light comes in and it’s easier to shoot in brighter light. Hope that helps!

[@Jorge-125]

@@TonyWodarck Thanks for the reply and tips. I'll look into getting a neutral density filter so I can use the wider apertures on bright days. My question is if I'm just relying on the camera light meter (ISO/Shutter speed aside) to get a neutral exposure that's in the middle I just go with what aperture the light meter tells me? For example, if the light meter is telling me f/5.6 and I want to underexpose the shot I would turn the lens aperture ring to f/9?

[@TonyWodarck]

@@Jorge-125 that canon AE-1 light meter is confusing. Just because 5.6 is in the middle doesn’t mean that’s a neutral exposure. It’s taking your shutter speed and iso into account and then recommending what aperture you should be shooting at. Your goal isn’t to shoot at 5.6. It’s to be configuring your shutter speed combined with your film stock to try and get the aperture you’d like to shoot at.

[@Jorge-125]

@@TonyWodarck Thanks for the reply, it actually helped!

[@goodche1]

Just bought my first film camera. This was a really good video thank you! How did you adapt your ef or rf lenses? I have both of those already. Would be great to use them with my Canon ae-1 program

[@TonyWodarck]

Thank you for watching. I was using a FD 85 1.2L lens not an ef. If you want to use your EF lenses on a film camera, check the eos 1V, 1N, eos 3, and Elan cameras out.

[@goodche1]

@TonyWodarck thanks alot. Appreciate the response and love your page. Great content! I'm studying your videos like I'm testing for an exam

[@rickylenss]

Hey Tony! What settings do you usually have when it comes to exporting your photos?

[@TonyWodarck]

Always unsized and 100%.

[@shanej35]

Hi Tony - how do you manage to get accurate focus with the AE-1 at wider apertures - for example, of your daughter, who must have been moving as you were trying to focus? It's one thing using a split prism on a stationary subject or even people in the distance at f11-16 but how did you manage to get such great images at f2.8 - f4 when the subjects were moving?

[@TonyWodarck]

Shane J thanks so much. Yeah I shoot a lot at 4.0 and under. I will sometimes adjust for focus on a certain spot and let the subject come into that spot and fire. Or get the subject in focus and focus in front of them, let them walk into focus and fire. I’m also showing you the ones in focus, there are plenty that are out of focus when you’re shooting pretty wide open on moving subjects. It’s a gamble but I just love the look of it. You get a lot better the more you practice. I just recently got a rangefinder too and I find my hit rate is even better with that doing those same methods.

[@shanej35]

Thanks Tony - I'm getting back into film after 10 years so I guess it's a lot of practice and blurry shots before I improve! I hope that you can do a future video on how to focus - not just zone focusing but also with an SLR which is harder. I have to say - I really enjoy the way you deliver your videos and also the fact that you respond to all comments. I have subscribed to your channel and look forward to more great content from you.

[@THeOne55850]

Hey Tony, did you use any special mounts for the 85mm lens

[@TonyWodarck]

Matthew Charles the 85 is the FD mount lens. Any FD mount lens will fit your Canon AE-1. No special mount needed.

[@kashonle]

Hi, I was wondering what adaptor you are using to attached the ef mount lens to the ae1? Thank you

[@TonyWodarck]

I don’t use an ef adapter. I don’t think one exists. The lens I was using was an FD mount 85mm 1.2.

[@desology444]

when you’re getting your film developed, do you have to pay extra or ask for digital copies? or does it automatically come with your order?

[@TonyWodarck]

There’s a developing fee to get your negatives done and there’s a fee for scans. You can get basic scans or premium or pay to get standard size or extra large.

[@joennick1]

Great video but slightly confused. Forgetting the light meter for a sec. If you're using Portra 400 what do you have your sensitivity set to in camera?

[@TonyWodarck]

I shoot portra 400 at 320. It helps give the film a tad more light (a half a stop) and makes it so I don’t ever get underexposed shots.

[@ThEhYpErKiNeTiC1]

Hi. Great video! I cant seem to get the settings right on my Canon AE-1. Using Kodak Portra 400 and 800, what do you recommend setting the shutter speed dial and ASA film speed scale to? Appreciate your help : ))

[@TonyWodarck]

Set your iso dial to the number of the film you’re using. So 400 for portra 400. Choose a shutter speed between 1/1000 and 1/125. This will be fast enough to shoot without a tripod and to make sure your photo isn’t blurry. Then half press the shutter button and look at what the light meter inside the viewfinder says. This is the aperture you should use. That should get you some nice settings.

[@ThEhYpErKiNeTiC1]

@@TonyWodarck Sweet. Thank you for your help. I appreciate it

[@mirko7]

Hi! Great video! I'm approaching film photography and your tutorial is amazing! Just one thing I don't get: generally, the more the ISO goes higher (320-400-500-640...) the more we get an overexposed photo - of course the contrary if go with lower number till ISO 50. At @2:25 you explain how going from 400 to 320 you push +1 stop going to be overexposed, and going to 640 saying and writing it on the left towards the underexposed. Is there something I'm missing? On my digital camera works exactly the opposite. Thank you!

[@TonyWodarck]

It works the opposite on digital because you are actually changing the iso. On film the film is the iso. So when you change the iso on a film camera or light meter you’re tricking it to think you have faster film in it when you don’t. Meaning it does the opposite of digital. Sorry if that’s confusing. Just remember your film is your iso, how you meter will change your results.

[@mirko7]

@@TonyWodarck Yeah I think I got it! I'm studying it more and more! Thanks so much!

[@couragekimm]

when you push'd the film to 640, are you supposed to change the iso on the camera to 640 awell? Or do you just set the camera to 400 and then set the light meter to 640?

[@TonyWodarck]

I use an external meter so I just set the iso on that. Setting the iso on the camera only matters if you’re using the camera’s light meter or shooting in auto.

[@luissantiago5955]

This camera seems amazing ! Where can I order it and also these photos can they uploaded onto the computer

[@TonyWodarck]

You can buy on Amazon, KEH.com, eBay or the Facebook Marketplace. To get the photos on your computer you’ll need a lab to process the film and send you high res scans.

[@matilderibeiro7810]

Hello! The sekonic l-358 Flash Master isn’t available in my country. I’d like to know if sekonic l-308 Flash connects to the Canon AE-1 and if it gives the same effect on the photos than the other one. Thank you!

[@TonyWodarck]

Matilde Ribeiro the light meter doesn’t connect to the camera. You just use it to measure the light, like a thermometer or something. Then you take the reading off the light meter and input your settings on your camera accordingly. The l-308 is a great light meter too. Would definitely recommend. Search some KZbin videos on how to use one. They’re pretty simple.

[@kacperpietrzak1761]

Hi Tony, I read whole internet about push/pull film, but it was only your video that explained it to me :D . It's really great. Your lens is awesome, but out of reach at the moment :D . What lens for Canon AE-1 do you recommend for this type of photography (catching moments with friends or family)? And how do you measure light with an external light meter taking such unexpected and unposed shots? Do you only measure once or before each shot?

[@TonyWodarck]

Kacper Pietrzak thanks so much! I would recommend a 35mm lens. It’s the most versatile for all situations: travel, family groups and portraits. Probably the weakest at portraits but strong everywhere else. I measure with an external meter and meter for each scene or use of light. If I’m gonna take 5 photos or so in the same light I’ll measure once. If I change how I’m using the light (front lit or backlit) or go in the shade or something I’ll meter again.

[@kacperpietrzak1761]

​@@TonyWodarck And do you measure light deflected or do you measure next to the "object"?

[@TonyWodarck]

Kacper Pietrzak I measure with an incident meter with the bulb pointed at me away from the subject if I’m shooting portraits.

[@kacperpietrzak1761]

@@TonyWodarck Great. Thanks a lot for all the answers. I wish you every next photo to be even better. I'm going to take pictures :D

[@duprebushnell2488]

is 85mm your go to? just ordered an Olympus om-1 this week and thank God i found your channel. was planning on shooting Portra at 200 ISO but now im gonna shoot at 640 and push lol. Thanks, Tony!

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks! That 85 lens is so amazing I love it. 50mm is my typical go to focal length though. If you’re shooting at 640 make sure to tell the lab to push the film one stop. Good luck and have fun!!

[@duprebushnell2488]

@@TonyWodarck yea I had no interest in 85mm until coming across your work. and thanks for the tips man ive been binging your channel all weekend. keep up the great work my man

[@marina9299]

Thank you for this video! I purchased a Canon AE1 and finally got my film developed and was disappointed... I only got 5 pictures back out of a 36 exposure. I’m using 50mm lens and the pictures I got back are pretty bad quality and almost unrecognizable. Any tips on what I’m doing wrong? I can’t wait to get the hang of this thing! 🤭

[@TonyWodarck]

Marina what looked wrong about them? Too dark? Blurry?

[@marina9299]

Tony Wodarck grainy and blurry and very light (for the pictures out in the sun)

[@TonyWodarck]

Marina are you shooting on auto? Did you change the iso on your meter to match the iso of the film you’re using?

[@ReggieReloads]

what lens are you using on the canon ae-1 in this video?

[@TonyWodarck]

iamReggieDavis canon FD 85 1.2L

[@kash390]

what adapter are you using to attach EF lens to Canon AE-1?