Pros & Cons of Shooting Film. Could I DITCH Film altogether?

[@maryandsam2]

For Christmas I made two prints from seventy five year old negs of my dad and uncle with their father. My uncle and dad have both got dementia, but every time I visit dad now, he proudly shows me this picture of him as a child. He has no idea I made it for him, but it's the best present have ever given him. I'll shoot film as long as I can. If it's important shoot it on film.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Bless.

[@b6983832]

Nice story. I am not sure what will happen to digital files in 30 years or more. Those stored in different cloud services are not safe, and it could be hard to find software and hardware compatible to digital formats then obsolete. Film will last for long. Even modern color films (made after 1977, when C-41 became the norm), will also last for a long time if stored properly. Same is true for modern slide films, and even old Kodachrome slides. This is probably also a reason to avoid kits with blix, as it tends to leave some silver in films.

[@maryandsam2]

@@phillipbanes5484 industry professionals in digital storage advise changing drives and updating formats every 5-7 years, that would be 10 file transfers minimum over the seventy five years these negs sat in an envelope in a drawer. County archivists in Buckinghamshire have already told me that there is a gap in the records they have since digital recording became the norm. I understand that ultimately film will almost certainly die out. Sometimes in our rush for progress we actually loose something too. Film is far from perfect but so is digital.

[@Grumpygrumpo]

@Phillip Banes thank you for an actually smart comment

[@donyee8970]

I was born in 1962. Film has a lot of wonderful memories for me and I'll never give up film. I remember in the 70's, I'd save up my allowance for a roll of film and processing at the local department store. I shot with a Kodak Instamatic which I spent my Christmas money on. I took my first photography class back in 1980 where I got my hands wet processing film and made prints in the darkroom. I turned 60 last year and I still have a darkroom which I use regularly. After many decades of shooting film, the magic never went away. Shooting film brings me back to my youth and it's great therapy for me.

[@dalespencer11]

You are an inspiration!

[@donyee8970]

Thanks Dale. It’s easy for an old dog like me to shoot film because I grew up with it. What inspires me are millennials that shoot with film and sticking with it.

[@jhenline7813]

Love the magic and mystery of film and the darkroom, the skill needed, the slower pace, the beautiful old cameras, everything about it.

[@m00dawg]

For me (and this is for me specifically), I just enjoy it more. There's lots of reasons why (many mentioned in the video) but the big one I will add is it's escapism. Working in tech is amazing but sometimes it's just exhausting and is often so dominated by fads, egos, now banks that fail :) Film is my escape. I just love that I can create a photo without using a damn computer at any point in the process, from film to print (or sometimes in my case from aluminum sheet to plate). At the end of the day though it brings me joy so I just try not to over-analyze it (I do plenty of over-analyzing in tech). It's just so freeing. Some of that even translates to when I do shoot digital. I don't find shooting digital very fun but sometimes I have to and film has made me a *FAR* better photographer. If I ever get bored of film one day (oh my gosh I hope not) I'll still be a better photographer having done it. But again that's me. I think at the end of the day, as long as I can shoot film, folks can and should use whatever they like. There shouldn't be any gatekeeping (and there's really too much of it I think). Folks like digital, hey if you enjoy it and you like the results, go for it! Film is the same. Having said that I am glad film is making a comeback. That has meant higher prices (in addition to inflation) but it does feel a lot like vinyl records (yes I'm into those too) where the market finally realized it was more than a flash in the pan and new turntables (and now even record pressing plants) have come out and a lot more new albums are on vinyl now. It's great! I expect we'll see that with film too (looking at you, Pentax!)

[@kzed0]

same situation here :) i do enough computers at work, i kinda want to do photography without them. i like vinyl too…

[@thomaspopple2291]

It is difficult to quantify. I just like shooting and working with film. In the end, that is what matters. What you enjoy.

[@sbills]

Digital is fantastic! With that said, I'm still going to shoot with film. The main reason is I love the film process. I love hearing the sound my Hassy makes when making an exposure. I love the developing film and making prints in the darkroom. Bonus: I work in IT, so the last thing I want to do is stare at the screen editing images in LR or PS when I go home. I want to get far away from "the machine."

[@dalkapur]

Great topic. I sometimes consider dropping film for all the convenience reasons you mention shooting digital. But I love to develop and print. My darkroom is my happy place.

[@andrewwilkin1923]

Hi Roger, 63 years old and photography is my hobby. It cost a lot less than my friends who play golf. Digital is used for bad weather situations because digital cameras have better weather sealing. Would estimate 90% film, 10% digital. Just love the whole film process.

[@jimgraves4197]

The initial outlay for film photography is quite favourable compared to digital. For the price of a decent DSLR you can get a decent film camera with a lens and basic developing kit, ie changing bag, developing tank with reels, jugs and chemicals.

[@robdixon5016]

Agreed but its not an argument of which is better. I shoot both extensively and get enjoyment from both.

[@johnbelcher7955]

I became bored and disillusioned with digital, I hate being sat in front of the computer! I got back into film and bought a bunch of 35mm cameras and lenses and developing equipment but now having loads of fun with pinhole cameras and making them and working with direct positives, just much before the hands-on approach the sitting in front of a computer and losing photos on a knackered hard drive! Many Thanks for the videos!

[@h_shawberry]

I think double exposures are just super fun in film. Never know what you are going to get.

[@22fret]

My intention is to keep shooting film for as long as it's possible. Just ordered 10 Provia 100F for my 35mm stuff, which has become quite costly recently. I also use some expired CT100 precisa, FP4 and ages old Agfa Copex Rapid. In 120 (Pentacon six TL) I mainly use HP5 or Velvia 100. I just love it. I only have one DSLR (Pentax K-5), the rest is Pentax history of the 70s and early 80s (K1000, KM, KX, MX, LX, 2 MEs and 14 or 15 lenses. Ridiculous amount of gear, but quite fun indeed...

[@robdixon5016]

Awesome!

[@kenblair2538]

Great discussion, Roger. Two years ago, when I decided to get back into film, it was going to cost me $18-20 a roll, film (120), developing and postage . That was over my budget, or shoot 1 roll a month. So, I dug around in my storage spaces and found some of my old film development gear. Just needed to get some chemicals and small accessories . Now, 100 + rolls later, and 14 rolls of C-41 processing , this film hobby is affordable. I use mainly Fomapan 135 and 120 film, Legacy L-76 developer . Keeping all my development consent, I have great results . I do, bring a digital camera, when I know I won't be returning to a site or something special , for backup only .KB

[@b6983832]

I never went into digital, as the darkroom part is very rewarding for me. I don't even have a scanner, and when I really needed some prints published digitally, I have used a lab to do it for me. This doesn't happen very often though. I make both color and B&W prints in my darkroom. For black & white, my standard developer is Kodak HC-110. I use also Rodinal or D-76/ID-11 for a certain look. I've been using mostly Ilford films, with FP4 being my absolute favorite. For color, I prefer Kodak Portra 160, which is very similar to its predecessor, Vericolor III. I used tons of this film back in the early1990's. It was then sold also in bulk rolls.

[@chaseharmon9234]

I love the tactile process of all things film. The thought of having a physical object that a computer doesn't have to touch plays a significant part in why I shoot film. I stare at a computer screen all day every day for my day job, I don't want to do have to do that for my hobbies. That said, if I didn't have a darkroom in my basement, I'd probably re-consider. Making nice prints is my end goal, and I'm able to accomplish that in a fun, immersive environment in my basement darkroom.

[@ralphturner7852]

Getting back into film a few years ago, for various reasons (ecological as well as economic and aesthetic) I made the decision to shoot mostly b+w, something of a departure from my previous mostly colour output (predominantly tranparencies back in the day before going digital around 2003-4). With the arrival of the Kentmere emulsions on 120 as well as 35mm at very reasonable prices I don’t see myself giving up film anytime soon, particularly now that I’ve dusted off my old dev tanks etc and started exploring the wonders of caffenol. I’ve been getting results that rival what I was getting from the lab with the added satisfaction of the homemade nature of this amazing ‘soup’. Digital still has its place with me, though, for colour work. This may sound a little odd, but thinking of digital, I’m kind of grateful to it for bringing me back to film. The hybrid workflow works very well for me, giving the virtues of film with the flexibility and relative convenience of of all those little ones and noughts. Anyway, long may film continue! 🙂

[@JenniferM13]

I'll shoot film for as long as it's available, I love it, always have. Digital photography has never thrilled me, so I'm sticking with film regardless of the cost. If ever film ceases to be made I'll find a new hobby.

[@Deepemulsion]

I tried digital when it first came to the market, but never really enjoyed it. Personally I really enjoy the physical aspect of film. I spend enough time in front of screens I would rather be in the traditional darkroom. I also like that film makes you think more about your shots unlike digital where you end up with hundreds of images that never make it to print.

[@leonarddavis8449]

When I was a lad in the 1950s my mom brought me a Johnson’s print a snap pack, I think it was about 6 shillings, it had some small packets of dev and fix and what was called gaslight paper. You could use it in a room in the shade of a low wattage bulb to make contact prints. You never forget that first time the image appears, Magic. That was my gateway drug.

[@RickMahoney2013]

Well I just got back into film and yes very expensive but I love 35mm slide film and color and now B&W. As far as iso I use to have 4 Nikon f100’s and each had a different iso and film in them so now I have decided to just have 2 film camera’s and shoot 1 camera at a time depending on the weather conditions cloudy or sunny. So for now I will be very selective on when and where I go and what shots I decide to take. Long live film oh and in my opinion film has a much more beautiful look than digital.

[@neilpiper9889]

I have been a photographer since 1958,and was a professional wedding portrait and press man from 1960 to 1970. In 2008 I shot my friend's daughters wedding digitally. I have a big collection of cameras now but never use any of them other than fiddling and dry firing them. I walk into town sometimes with my 1957 Yashica Mat camera and enjoy chatting with newbie's to photography. My granddaughter uses my old Nikon FM and loves it.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

FM is a awesome camera Neil. Thanks for sharing

[@johnlarsson4437]

I grew up on film and then defected to the digital side in the early 00s. 2 3/4 years ago I returned. 37 rolls plus another 4 in cameras and I'm not quitting. It is addictive. It's the entire process from choosing a film, what film is available, to advancing the film, the pure joy of photographing, and everything afterwards. If film wasn't so expensive, I'd primarily be shooting it instead of digital. It only took a couple of film photos of subjects I've captured on digital to realise I'm hooked.

[@mdanie4756]

Covered all the main points, there. Let me mention "film backs" to solve the ISO limitations of film (I know you know!) - you can even get 35mm cameras (eg later Contaflex) that use a film back system (awkward, but it works). The sense of achievement when results with film work out is unsurpassed - great for hobby shooting, art and fun. However, mission-critical projects (I did event photography for a while) benefit greatly from the flexibility and immediate results of digital. So, time and a place for both!

[@westpoll1]

Just started developing after many years, black and white at the moment. I am retired and moved to the Isle of man. Picked up a pentax ME super a Ricoh range finder and a bellows medium format. I still use digital cameras. Enjoy your stuff very much.

[@lloydgarland4667]

Take care of that Pentax, use it properly and take care of it and you'll never need to buy another camera, they are just supurb!

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Personally I shoot film for pure enjoyment, I love trying old gear and trying to get a result from them. For my day job in newspapers I shoot digital I really couldn't do without it. Our region got hammered by a cyclone 6 weeks ago I'm so glad I had DSLRs with me I knew I was shooting good stuff and being able to have a quick review to make sure things were going well was so good. I Love digital and I also love film best of both worlds.

[@EzhilRamPhotography]

I've just started darkroom printing and I got the inspiration from videos. I like everything about film photography though I shot many pictures digitally and most of the digital pics are either in hard disc or in the cloud. Never enjoyed lightroom editing as my day job is also on the computers. Therefore, enjoy the film photography process. Thanks for the videos particularly those darkroom printing ones!

[@oskarmieczkowski6023]

I love shooting film. 4years now! I have 35mm and 120 film cameras. Learned way more than on DSLR. I only shoot B&W film and develop it my self, keeps me calm. Sure I had to clean and look for light leaks as well but I find it as documentation of ma family life and my family loves to get digitalised film portraits of them. Plus my children childhood is on film and digital. Lenses are cheap and amazing quality if you know what to buy too.😊

[@LovelyRedBird]

My personal cons - film price and production reduce, potential camera breakdown in the future just because any mechanism gets old. My pros - THE PROCESS of creation (from loading film to developing and scanning), the memory capturing. I don't know, but for me the film is the color and the texture of history, of memory. Shooting with film is a capture of a moment right here and right now. It's a beautiful process and same wonderful result.

[@JanneRanta]

Con: more difficult. Pro: difficult is more fun. 👍

[@crsantin]

Not for me. I understand the appeal of film but I don’t need the cost or the hassle. I quite like my digital cameras.

[@TomNorthenscold]

The primary reason I shoot film is that I love the way it renders an image. I also enjoy shooting the old cameras and processing and scanning my own film. I find the more that technology turns toward artificial reality the more I turn toward “real reality.”

[@jeffst.ongephotography1239]

I love shooting film, the developing and printing. The time in the darkroom is awesome. I'll never stop.

[@peterangusphotography3423]

Hard to justify the cost of colour film now. Luckily I have a decent stash of film in the fridge. I think once I’ve gone through all my colour stock I’ll be sticking to black and white. Not only since it’s so much more affordable but I just prefer the look. I’m also just starting in black and white printing in the darkroom and I can see it becoming very addictive. I now understand what other photographers say when they imagine the final print while shooting their cameras. I’ll be thinking of how my work will look as it appears in the tray while I’m out with my cameras. So, I’m sticking with it for the long term while holding the hope that prices will eventually return back to reality

[@dominicknepper2082]

Same. I don't shoot color film anymore, it's just too expensive. I bulk roll Ilford Delta or HP5 and it's pretty cheap. Printing is half the fun!

[@scottplumer3668]

I find film motivates me to get out and shoot. If I have a roll laying around, I feel the need to go and shoot something, more so if there's a roll already in the camera. With digital (I do shoot digital sometimes) I can do it anytime, so I never seem to feel the desire to go out. But also I like the craft of film. I like putting film in a camera, I like developing it, measuring chemicals, etc. And making prints (which I've done, but don't do much) is about as close to magic as you can get. So no, I don't plan on ditching film any time soon.

[@mickcookson8009]

I love shooting both film and digital Rog, I used a lot of film in the late 60's and still do. I have some 30 plus film camera's and use them all. A lot of them was bought as non working, I managed to get them all in working condition. I like medium format mostly as this is the format I shot my weddings on for 20 plus years. I also still have my own darkroom, color and black & white. I also shoot 4x5. I just love the whole process from buying the film to making a print, I also enjoy digital with lightroom and photoshop. I dont drink and smoke so for me the film cost is ok, if you enjoy something cost should not be a factor. Great video and channel Roger, keep up the good work.

[@sgreen757]

For me it's the whole film experience - the cameras, taking the time to get the shot right, the excitement of waiting for negs etc etc. Film is not expensive, consider what you would spend the money on instead of film - a packet of cigarettes, a couple of pints of lager etc. At least with film photography you have a lasting memory and physical negative to take with you...

[@robdixon5016]

@@phillipbanes5484 Not a film fan and we get it. So shoot digital!

[@sophietucker1255]

I’ve been shooting since I was 18 in 1970. I went digital in 2002 and came back to film in 2020 when I rediscovered my Hasselblad 500C and after a little cleaning it was still in great shape. I’ve owned that camera since 1977. I still have the first real camera of my own in 1974 while in Germany in the USAF a Fujica ST801. Because of the covid and then enforced staying at home I made the mistake of looking at eBay and then it was on. I bought several cameras I had lusted after when I was younger but couldn’t afford. My wife tells me I have way too many now and she’s probably right. I still shoot my digital Canon gear because well why not. I have about 100 rolls of film in my freezer so I’m set for a bit. It’s a hobby both the using and the collecting.

[@tedcrosby9361]

I think film photography is your forte. There are far too many digital photography channels out there !

[@DennisF252]

Nothing like seeing a print appear before your eyes in the darkroom. Just an awesome feeling!

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Totally!

[@nevillewatkins4997]

Both is the way forward for me. I do like the feel of film. But sometimes I feel as if I've come out the other side and am enjoying digital again. A definite pro for me is that you will never replicate the look of film with digital. It's unique.

[@malcolmrendle6622]

Great video Roger. A big pro for me is the "Therapy" element shooting film brings,my wife has often commented how calm I become setting up a photograph and using my Bronica, something I don't get with digital. Also you get affordable high resolution with a medium/large format film camera.... my large format 5x4 camera was £500 including a great quality Nikon Lens.... A medium format Hasselblad digital camera is £7500, you can buy a lo t of film for that price......

[@stigofthedump4058]

Great video again Roger. Cost seems to be the biggest talking point of late with regard to giving up on film. It's true that you really need to work at it these days to keep the running costs down when shooting film, doing things like bulk rolling film, making up your own chemistry from scratch, that sort of thing. To me though, doing those things has really added to the fun of film photography, it's all a great learning process, and you get something satisfying out of it at the end of it.

[@Bill-eq5ov]

It's Slippery Jim, here. I agree.

[@alanhuntley55]

I still enjoy shooting film because of the interesting variety of cameras I own and because I love the entire process, from the shooting through to developing the film and printing in the darkroom. I shoot digital, too, but to be honest I've grown weary when folks say that digital doesn't cost anything. I'd be too scared to tally up what I've spent over the years on various digital cameras, computers, software, inks and papers, and all the rest of the miscellaneous paraphernalia.

[@Owwliv]

I just started using film, by taking a b&w darkroom class. Really enjoying it, and it's improving my photography overall allot. I think in the future I'll choose film when I may want to make a darkroom print, digital when I want color, or I'm just taking snapshots which I'll have machine printed in 5x7, or just share online.

[@CalumetVideo]

I am now shooting black and white 35mm, for color it’s digital. I use black and white and color for medium format and large format. I have been selling off a lot of the film cameras that I’m not using as much. For me I see the advantage of film when shooting medium and large format.

[@vedranr.glavina7667]

Your presentation are simply FANTASTIC ! Thanks 4 posting, MAN ! I recognise me with my GAS....

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

Personally i like the physical aspect. I shoot on actual physical negatives that don't need storage mediums because it already is its own storage medium and if kept well stored, it will absolutely outlive me. Leaving something that lasts. Like sending a kiss into the future. And especially with pictures of places that change a lot over the years, you end up with historically relevant photos of the old world at one point.

[@andyw8984]

I was an art student in the late 80s and early 90s. For me the enjoyment really came from the darkroom and printing. Digital took away the magic for me for many years, until I discovered Lightroom, which gives me back the creative control. Now I’m enjoying mucking around with my old film cameras, but the biggest drawback is cost.

[@nickmatthews4939]

My photographic journey started in the late 70s, analogue obviously. I can't tell you how much film I have wasted, not being able to chimp! I'm still a very keen film shooter and love digital also. Being able to experiment with digital at no 'exposure expense' has resulted a better hit rate with analogue. Using the two methods can save a small fortune on film costs. Another big 👍🏻s Roger for your YT video.

[@robmay3570]

I have been shooting film for 60 years and in Feb 2020 i saw an item on KZbin about Fujifilm mirrorless cameras that you can use all your wonderful vintage lenses on . The fuji cameras also have excellent film simulation which work very well especially for colour. So I now shoot all colour on mirrorless digital and Black and white on film which I process my self. The best of both worlds.

[@robdixon5016]

I love shooting medium format slide film. Nothing matches a colorful slide on a light table or projected. Old school beauty! Try it before its gone if you can. Love your video!!

[@b6983832]

It is very hard to get medium format slide frames from anywhere, at least in Europe.

[@peterdavies9166]

I got my first "good" film camera in 1977 while still at university, working in Hong Kong on a co-op assignment. Since then, I bought many good 35mm cameras (Canon, Konica Olympus and Russian rangefinders) but they are now all retired, sitting in a display cabinet in my home office. I partially switched to digital around 2007 but did a total switch in 2012. I was then still using all my old MF lenses, adapted to my Sony digital camera but I have now totally switched to the Fujifilm X-T system with the Fujinon XF35/1.4 lens being my primary user. I'm very happy that the Fuji cameras provide some excellent film simulation options and that the XF 35mm lens delivers so much that I loved about my Canon and Hexanon lenses. Sorry but, for me, the convenience of digital and the crazy cost of good film stock now totally outweighs all that I like about shooting film.

[@barbararicker2565]

I love the feel of a film camera in my hand. The problem is I usually feel like a googin. I don’t really know what I’m doing and I make a lot of mistakes just as you said. I’ve also had a fair share of camera malfunctions. I guess I’m slowly learning from them and improving as I go. But it can be discouraging.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

We've all been there Barbara. I've learned most from my mistakes. And still making mistakes generally through not thinking ahead.

[@teleaddict23]

There’s nothing like shooting film. I can’t change. Digital is too disposable and fragile. The value of a folder full of negatives is too great, something you realise when you dig out old slides or negatives. The longevity is infinite, your film will last forever.

[@teleaddict23]

@Phillip Banes That’s if you properly back them up. The only reason we have photos now from the past 100 years is because they were taken on film. For our digital photos to last that long would require a lot of backing up. Even if you manage to keep them backed up throughout your lifetime, who will continue to do that when you are gone? That’s what I mean by fragile. Digital file management takes work. All you have to do with negatives is leave them in a folder or box. I know people that have lost thousands of digital photos.

[@Grumpygrumpo]

“Digital is too disposable and fragile” do y’all think before you comment?

[@lensman5762]

All the recent price increases in film and chemicals notwithstanding, I will give you a real world example of myself. In my Web Upload folder in March 2022, there are 23 photographs, of which 6 were made with digital cameras and 17 by film cameras, Hasselblad, Nikon F4S and Olympus 35 RD. UP to now, in the folder March 2023, there are only 2 photographs, both taken with my MPP MKVII, last Sunday in my garden. I am certainly not buying as much film this year, and I am actually not using the digital cameras any more than I did last year. I certainly don't have as much time for photography as I did in previous years. I am sure anyone who is an employee does agree with me. They just want more and more for the same money, so something has to give. Good topic of discussion, Roger.

[@nevilleholmes1324]

Costs yes high! I have just tried 5x7. One image from from 12 sheets! A steep learning curve. But the satisfaction from that one frame makes it all worthwhile. I hope that its not too addictive, some use a 12x16 camera.

[@rgssaurus930]

It's a hobby for me, and I like digital, it's just that I always end up with hundreds of photos and spending time on the computer. With film is all hands on, manual. What don't like is developing film. Now printing in the darkroom is another story, something I can't get with digital.

[@fromhold1]

About the cost of film. After my wife and I bought a new to us, RV. I remarked to my cousin, also an RV'er about how bad it wrecked my gas milage pulling it vs. the truck alone. He said you have the RV for the RV itself. Not the gas milage. I apply this to film. I love your channel.

[@kormakur]

I will never stop shooting film . I worked as a professional photographer for years shooting digital cameras. They are great for work but for my own work and family pictures it will always be film. When i gave up working as a photographer (i had enough....) i sold all of my digital equipment and do not regret it. 98 % of my family pictures are shot on film. I print them and put them in photo albums. And it has given me a peace of mind not having 1000´s and 1000´s of images on my computer. I would not give a rat´s ass if my hard drive would crash. All of my "important" pictures are stored in my living room . And the negatives in my garage. I have around 400 film cameras, some are good and some are crap. But out of these 400 i use Nikon f3, Hasselblad 501cm and a chamonix 4x5. Im ready to thin out the collection and have started selling some of. I also give local youngsters some point and shoots. And help them out develop the film they shoot. Im by no means a film purist. Shot film or digital. Just make sure that you have a print. Picture is not a memory unless it´s on paper. And thank you for this channel and all your work you do for our film community . You have more impact on us than you know . With huge respect from Iceland Kormákur Máni

[@donwhite332]

I love the feel and construction of my film cameras. There is a nostalgia as they are from the time I entered photography many years ago. I enjoy may Blad, Pentax 67, Pentax M42 collection and it represents equipment I longed for but could not afford in my early years. But my main shooting is on digital Sony and Olympus as all the advancements this brings is too important to my image creation.I shoot B&W film when I can. It is bitter sweet that I have all of this film equipment I could have only dreamed of in my early days but find it impractical to use extensively. I enjoy it when I can. I had a full blown darkroom and did process all my B&W, C-41, E-6, RA-4, Ciba. But today, scanning and a large format inkjet provides vastly better prints than I could ever get in the darkroom, particularly in color.

[@epstar83]

As long as I can afford it I’ll never stop shooting film. Lol. Cons: 1. Cost 2. Supply (particularly Color) 3. Camera reliability / process reliability… if it’s something really important shoot film & digi… Pros 1) Immensely satisfying when you get a good print, much more so than digital 2) The process is engaging, manual cameras force me to be more deliberate in the way I make pictures 3) It definitely improved my photography. 4) huge variety of camera styles and formats 5) Long exposure photography, no batteries to run out on old manual cameras or sensors to overheat… at night I could leave the shutter open for hours if I want to. 6) Printing in the darkroom takes me offline… something I think we all need to do from time to time. 7) The film choice + camera dictates the ‘look’ of the image. 8) Medium & large format are attainable to a lot more people than would be the case for digital ‘medium format’ 9) Camera longevity, some of my cameras are from the 50’sand still work perfectly. 10) Engagement with people

[@andyhertig]

Yes, I have to think about that. I have so many problems with seals, broken cameras, need to buy film, have no time, have dozens of cameras and no time to use them all, have many digital cameras and no time to use them either. But who cares - I'm still doing film and all the beautiful, emotional old cameras - and I enjoy it even more with each film. Have a nice weekend! Kind regards, Andreas (Switzerland)

[@rotfai45mm]

Roger I'am allmost 67 so I 'am not going to change my happyness in photographing in film and printing in my darkroom . My time is to short to start all over again . In the Netherlands and Belgium filmprices did not increase very much only 10 % plus on Ilford Fuji Foma and Rollei . Yep Kodak is pricing out if the market also in the EU . Maybe it is your plus Brexit effect . You can also be much more critical and think do I realy want a darkroomprint from this because printing is much more expensive than rat ta ta ta shoot one 135 film ...... I have a Horseman 985 6x9 fieldcamera , that camera make you think first .... or just enjoy the moment in nature . With this inflation I have one rule , to expensive don't buy . If everybody did this the price will go down anyhow . Keep up your good work , Peter .

[@c.augustin]

You've said it all, nearly nothing to add! Personally I have two aspects that keep me to film: Cameras (especially my Leica IIIf and some lenses) and affordable larger negative size options (medium format is quite affordable with older cameras, and even large format is in reach for many people, even though sheet film prices for color have sky-rocketed). And with film I can do things I would never be able to do with digital. If I want to just take some pictures, I use a digital (m43) camera or my iPhone …

[@abod331]

I like that many film cameras can operate without power; light, camera and film are all that’s required to shoot. Film photography also produces a near-permanent physical record which will last decades or longer. There’s also the romantic notion of film grains being directly affected by photons in a physical sense. Compared with grids of pixels which have their values interpreted through algorithms, calculations and mathematical rounding. The physicality and directness lends a special weight to the images in my mind. Thanks for the insightful video. Cheers.

[@3sixty2degres]

I will start darkroom print this week, your videos will help quite a bit thanks.

[@carltanner9065]

It's the whole process of using a film camera, developing the film and seeing what you get that intrigues me. I like digital too, but digital can become very passe and gets boring after awhile. Especially when you've rolled off 1000 shots to only get a few of them that are worth keeping. At least with film you can take your time capturing what you want and if it comes out good then it's a satisfying moment. Even with digital cameras, I tend not to rattle off a great slew of shots when I use one. I use them much like I use my film cameras and take my time to deliberate over a shot. I also like the idea of picking up a good camera relatively cheaply with film cameras. Try doing that with a new digital camera, or even many of the second hand ones. Unless you buy something quite old. A second hand Nikon D7100 or a Canon 6D II or not cheap. My Oly EM-1 set me back a good penny. So, if you go digital you have to be prepared to spend a good deal of cash straight up. It can be the same with some film cameras as well, but by and large they're cheaper than your digital cameras. Though, as with anything, the prices seem to be going up over time. In a 100 years time they'll probably say the same for today's digital cameras and a roll of film...that'll be worth a mint! You'll probably pay $1000 for a roll of Fomapan 400!! 😝 It'll become a collector's item.

[@markthompson3977]

Black and white is cheap as long as you avoid Kodak emulsions and develop at home. The issues with digital are the endless expense of the constant upgrade cycle of gear. Also as a darkroom printer there is no way of producing silver gelatin prints at home from digital images.

[@buyaport]

The pros and cons seem to be obvious. And especially when travelling, digital is much more convenient. But in the end, I just love the experience of analogue photography -- the experience of making, not only taking; pictures.

[@stevebutcher6117]

I almost gave up on film a few times after buying a string of cameras with issues and cameras that didn't suit my style of photography. But then I discovered the nikon f90x which cost a fraction of the other cameras, although it might not be vintage and have the same feel as a ae1 or similar era but it transformed my experience and every picture was exposed correctly leaving me just thinking about the composition.

[@Martin_Siegel]

Those SLRs from just before the digital revolution were the technical wonders of their time. Much underrated today and often available for little money because people regard them as plasticky and whatnot but they are great users. One values autofocus at a certain age ;-)

[@davefaulkner6302]

Also try the F80, fantastic little camera at a good cost. Same lenses of course ... Nikons are famous for this.

[@tadeusz11000]

On every photoshoot I go on, I will always have both digital and analog, often a combination of both 35mm and 120. It’s all about having the right tools in toolbox, depending upon the location, light availability and subject. I will never forgive Kodak for dumping Kodachrome 64, the best film stock ever.

[@thebendu33]

I will get into digital soon, but I really prefer shooting films. I intend on helping a friend of mine as a second shooter, to get more experience. And digital camera is easier in those conditions. But as I said above, I prefer shooting films, I like the slow part of it.

[@jaunman71]

I just love shooting film. Recently I found a bunch of undeveloped film in a drawer at my mums house. Developed them and oh my word it was like a lost Time Capsule of picture from a time 20 years ago. Been shooting film for the last 30 years never gonna stop. Only con I find is we have less choice of film stock. We used to be spoilt for choice.

[@kimc5750]

Btw.. when I was 15 making $1.65 an hour and film cost $1.30 a roll plus development was more. Given many years later its not that much today.

[@pbked164]

I liken film photography to fishing. I'm not into fishing, but a friend is. His point of view is that he doesn't really care if he catches anything or not. His fun is getting out of the house, enjoying nature and practising the skills of fishing. I think there are a lot of parallels there with photography. With only limited exposures you have to slow down, be more selective which, in turn, makes you observe the subject more carefully whether it be wildlife, landscape, street etc. As you point out in the video, with digital you can keep your shutter on the button and pick out the best shot later. I am not saying that digital doesn't require skill, but many of us who did our groundwork in film photography ( I have been shooting for 62 years ) found that we really appreciated the extras that digital gave us and I would suggest that anyone who wants to improve their digital photography should give film photography a go.

[@ivorcomment1526]

Agree with all this having gone back to film after 50 years - one other benefit I find nowadays is that people on the street find it none threatening - maybe its the old camera, or the fact that they think you are a "real photographer" or maybe they think it cant end up on social media - which it can of course, but instead of sometimes feeling awkward taking digital I usually feel welcomed with film !

[@sputumtube]

I was enthusiastic when I first bought digital around 12 years ago. I even made a little money shooting weddings, proms etc. But as my health deteriorated, I'm unable to race about blasting away with it. Shooting film is as slow as I now am myself. I bought again the camera that started me off circa 1980 (Ricoh KR10) and have since bought a stupidly expensive Nikon F2AS with a 55mm F1.2 lens, had it serviced for £114 and now I'm happy with what I've got. It may be worth remembering too, that the computing power needed to process 50 million pixels in RAW will also add to the cost of digital. Ultimately, the cost of a 10 x 8 analogue print and the same size digital print won't be much different..... all things considered. I won't even go into the backwards compatibility of digital in, say, 50 years compared to the easily replicated 'barn door' tech of film which already shows photographs that are 180 years old. Rant over... ;)

[@thomasmoje5926]

I love taking photographs with vintage 35mm film cameras but the cost of film and developing has become expensive to the point that I sadly look at my collection of classic film cameras and realize they've mostly been relegated to being display pieces but I still get each of them out once in a while to shoot film as a treat. For 'everyday' photography and just 'recording the moment' I use my digital camera but still enjoy the tactile and immersive experience of taking photographs with vintage film cameras.

[@robertwinter6974]

I love taking both film and digital. As a beginner in both I take same photo in both formats. Because if I mess up on film the digital covers me. Film is a great medium it teaches you more. And you can transfer your knowledge to digital. Unfortunately I have no room for a dark room so I have to use a dark bag and scan with digital camera. But I love doing that. How long it takes is no problem. And another upside is it helps my mental health. So win win all the way.

[@LesterBeasley]

I've decided to shoot black and white film and digital for color.

[@MarcoRoepers]

Just love shooting film. Its the old school comparable with these old photographs with scenes. It is kind of standing in a tradition. Love the dark room, with its low light condition (in opposition to a computer with eye tiring screens) and all the pro's you said. And I love to have photos made entirely without a computer. I use a Zenit 3M ( a not so good Sovjet camera but I love it) with an old Zeiss Ikon Ikophot Light meter. So entirely battery free! My Zenit goes with accompanies me on many trips.

[@bradleyjamieson7718]

My 1st ever film camera was an RB67. Prior to that I had only ever shot digital. There is just something incredibly magical and tactile about using a mechanical machine. Everything has to be wound or clicked and the sounds are wonderful. Digital is ubiquitous but can also be mindless. It's too quick and convenient and when you're done the photos clog up the cloud or an SD card. Even though you can print digital photos, for some reason, I'm more likely to print my film ones and people can hold and touch my prints. Indeed, there is just something organic and warm about film photos while digital ones feel cold and sterile. A pixel is a series of 0s and 1s with RGB values and no mattter how many you have, they can never be as authentic as light hitting silver halide crystals on film emulsion. I have more years under my belt with digital, but I've learned more about photography and in a shorter span of time with film.

[@johnbragg]

I have only ever shot film and provided that my cameras are serviceable, I have had no issues. I am 62 this year and I have 40 years worth of negatives to work with. I used to bulk load but stopped when I had one camera broken by a faulty cassette. I buy in packs of 10 and save a little that way. I have moved to Ilford HP5+ exclusively since Tri-X became so expensive and now I prefer it. My darkroom is mothballed and I scan and inkjet print. I only develop at home not trusting my work to be outsourced. The hybrid workflow suits me greatly, saving hours of spotting dust and blemishes. Personally I wouldn't like using a digital camera except when rarely taking a snapshot on my phone. Too old to want to change and too much in love with the whole film camera feel to even contemplate it.

[@kimc5750]

Digital is not free, all that storage needed and hoping the many hard drives don’t fail. Its 50/50, but I had old negatives printed in recently and they were great. Use both!

[@Answersonapostcard]

Film cameras are an investment as they are getting older and becoming more expensive to buy. I think many people like the tactile feel of handling film and cameras. Also, by shooting film you’re helping to keep the industry and film community alive.

[@TheMungo54]

I love everything about analogue photography except having to finish a roll before I can develop it. That’s one of the reasons I’ve now started shooting large format. Digital photography is nowhere near as much fun.

[@dominicknepper2082]

120 with interchangeable backs. I had a Kiev 88cm awhile back. Made like crap, loud as a dumptruck hitting a wall, but it actually worked really well. Only downside was that it was extremely heavy. I'm on the hunt for an affordable Pentax or Mamiya. (I'd get a Hassy, but I'm not a millionaire.)

[@garymorrison277]

Rodger, a year on and analogue wonderland is still great for their film prices plus there's plenty of ebay stores selling fresh film for reasonable prices. Plus, taking annual inflation, the cost of film isn't a lot more compared to what your pound is worth today compared to the 90's

[@jonathanreid30]

I find the use of film cameras a very involved process, from choosing which film to use through to seeing the final image. Hand held light meter readings (and assessment), adjusting camera settings to suit all aspects of the subject (and conditions), manual focusing, contrast filter choice etc all add up to create the personal involvement required of the photographer to create an image. I also like the anticipation of seeing the freshly developed film after each trip out, finding out whether I got it right this time. Alternatively, I could concentrate purely on framing the subject, then press the button and let a digital camera do all of the stuff that requires skill and a bit of thought on my part. But then that would probably take the enjoyment out of my hobby...

[@davefaulkner6302]

...or the creativity from your art.

[@pixelgenau2982]

After a year of shooting analog film cameras only I am looking for a digital mirrorless camera again. Film has gotten so expensive now, I decided to slow down using it. But the joy of shooting film can‘t be replaced entirely by digital systems.

[@LovelyRedBird]

Just use the insulating tape across all filmloading part - and no leaks at all! This really helps to reduce any unexpected light leaks on film.

[@lrochfort]

It's the choice different kinds of doom gives you, and the dynamic range for me. Oh, and slides of course

[@andyvan5692]

sflab there is one correction, at 2:42 you are right when infering 35 mm cameras (except the rollei 2000f &3000 which have removable magasines); but MF and LF have magasines/film holders (sheet film) so in these instances you CAN choose asa at whim, with multiple holders\mags loaded with different film stock, that is the bonus which these formats offer. One other consideration in the film debate is that the bigger the format the slower you shoot ( 6x4.5 = 15 shots, 6x6=12 shots.........4x5"/8x10"=2 shots (1 each side of the holders, as they are double holders, or 6 if you can shoot a 'graffmatic' ) this means you are definately getting your money's worth out of the stock you buy.

[@dirtywater5336]

Film photography is a labor of love. Yes, film is expensive. No, it isn’t getting any easier to find parts when they break. Yes, it’s time consuming and it’s not as easy to know how they’ve come out. But that’s the charm of film photography. It challenges you. It makes you think instead of blindly shooting off a hundred digital shots. “Spray and pray” as it’s called. I shoot film for the craft of it. It’s a medium that affords you to have a physical negative, and for some cases including mine, a print at the end of it. It’s something you’ve created entirely by yourself. And that’s special. I admire every aspect of film photography from choosing the camera and film for my subject matter to composing and metering for each frame. It’s all an enjoyable experience for me. And when I hold that print in my hand and admire the tones and the grain in it at the end, I feel a sense of pride and all the time I invested into it was worthwhile. It’s something I don’t often get with digital because digital often only ends up as a cluster of pixels on someone’s screen for a few seconds. I shoot film and print for me, mostly. But I love making prints for other people as well. My philosophy is simple. If it makes you happy, invest your time and money into it. It doesn’t matter that film is getting more expensive. It comes with the territory. It’s an aspect of our hobby that we just have to deal with.

[@Subdiv3]

Tony Newlands Hi Roger Until I Discovered you're channel Last year, I hadn’t shot film since 2003, I loved film, and always wanted to use a darkroom, I never had the room. In the late 80’s until the earls 2000’s I processed my own slide film, this was more satisfying than sending film for developing, but it wasn’t what I wanted. Then in the early 2000’s I went digital, No lies, I love the possibility, and reality of instant results, but it’s not the same. Since discovering you’re channel last year I have started shooting and developing my own film, and hopefully, I’ll have my Darkroom soon. I would love the satisfaction of seeing a Photograph appearing in front of my eyes, and knowing I did this. Film is expensive, as is Paper, but like you always say, shoot what you can afford, the satisfaction will be priceless. I’m a big fan of you’re Channel, keep the good stuff coming. All the best from Germany.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks Tony. Wishing you success with the darkroom

[@1967CougarXR7]

I enjoy collecting different things, and one day realized I had a big camera collection including my father's 35mm and my first one. Also some of the best slrs of the days. So why not have some of the fun I used to. I learned to develop it my because to many places only give you a disk of your shots and prints back not the negatives. As far as cost, it was a bit expensive back then too. I remember paying 4 to 5 bucks a roll in the late 1900s and now I'm finding it for about 10. I get a kick at how some people react to the sound of the shutter and drive when I'm out and about. I just think, what else would you use at an old car show or museum?

[@erichstocker8358]

I never stopped shooting film even after I switched to using digital mostly. I always shot some film. Indeed, I have increased my use of film. Yes, film has become expensive. I do roll my own both B&W and color. Given the cost of coffee in cafe and coffee shops, I'd give that up before I give up film. I do shoot mostly B&W with film and mostly use digital for color. I develop my own B&W and as I don't have room for a darkroom (I love printing), I use a hybrid approach where I scan my negatives. I just love the whole process with film shooting. It is part of the experience with me. It just adds to the overall joy of photography as a hobby.

[@Steve_Wardley_G6JEF]

I've just managed to pick up an OM10 to have a go at some black and white film shooting. I did a small amount of developing and printing back in the late 70s, just hope I can be bitten by the bug but it is a bit cost prohibitive these days. Just found your channel by the way and loving your content.

[@Uwe_Ludolf]

There is no reason for me to stop shooting film. I started photography at 15 in 2006, digital. I enjoyed it and went everywhere with my camera. Around 2010 I got my first film camera, a Mamiya M645j. I would still shoot mainly digital. I sold the Mamiya a few years later in order to upgrade to 6x6. But that never happened. Flash forward to 2018, I hardly held a camera anymore in this years. But then I again bought a M645. A nice kit, with 45,80,150 and a good light metre. I again went out to take pictures (only analogue). The way of working just feels great, watching through the viewfinder for quite some time, trying to compose and eventually not even taking a shot. When I shoot with digital, I would only see on the computer "shit, I would have been better if I put more of that branch in the frame". If ever I would put the pictures on the computer. Most of the time I even didn't care. Also did I learn that I prefer square, 4:3 or 7:6 ratios, rather than the standard 3:2 With a camera that's native for this ratio, it works much better for me. Furthermore I prefer an optical viewfinder over a screen and since digital is going more and more to EVIL cameras I have to stay with film. Furthermore I do like the variety of cameras and the old techniques in it. I found it fascinating that this little Pentax LX of mine can time 1/2000 of a second just with springs, sprockets and other mechanical parts. I like the variety of processes, colour positive and negative but also the variety of film within this. I have a shit load of Fuji Pro160 and 400H in the freezer, some Velvia and Provia. A bulk roll of HP5+ and a few bricks of it in 120. With that amount I could possibly shoot 4 years. If I buy once or twice a year a box of film extra, I would even take longer before I only can shoot new/expensive film. At the moment I don't feel the pain of high prices but to be honest, I would still buy it I would not shoot a single frame less, since I am in the luxury position that I can afford it. Have a nice weekend!

[@vedranr.glavina7667]

I will never ditch film. I like the tonality of B&W film, from pure white to pure black. No digital B&W is capable of showing that...unfortunately. CCD sensors have better colours than CMOS. That is why I will never sell my very old digital cameras.

[@RCAvhstape]

The last digital camera I bought was in 2004. It was nice for its time, and still works fine today. But I never use it. Not long after that I learned how to process my own film and make my own B/W prints. I caught the film bug hard, and there is no turning back. Yes, it's expensive, but as far as hobbies go it's not that bad. And I have a small collection of really cool vintage cameras, all of which are functional. When I travel somewhere I come home with a bunch of exposed film, and that keeps me busy in the dark room for the next few months. Digital is just empty calories by comparison. I use my phone for quick stuff, or for when I want to get color shots to toy with in an editing app, but that never gives me the feeling of accomplishment I get from making a good print.

[@gameloozer731]

This was my favorite channel when I was shooting film. I really love your work. I’ve got one of your pinhole prints. I ended up selling my lovely medium format camera and buying a Fuji xpro 2 for its filmy feel. I’m sad to say I have little interest in going back now

[@BarwickGreen]

I agree with all your "cons" but for me there are more "pros". First, because old film cameras are slower to use and require you to think, it slows you down. Secondly, I love a waist level finder. Having the camera lower and looking at a laterally reversed picture helps me see things afresh. Thirdly there's history. I just bought a camera made around 1951 and in it was a part-used roll of film. I developed it and got some interesting pictures including shots of a proud family by their brand new Mini car. The numberplate puts it in Wolverhampton in 1965. So the film was 58 years old when I discovered it and developed it. Recovering the images from digitals cameras just 20 years old can be far harder, the drivers won't load on a modern computer, and the card readers for the old formats of memory card are hard to find. What chance getting images off my memory cards 60 years from now? And I keep my digital images on a computer. They are backed up on a NAS and in the cloud. When I die, nobody is going to pay for my cloud storage, nobody is going to pay for my Flickr Pro account, after a couple of years all those images will be deleted for ever. My files of negatives will endure. And finally, I don't know why, I just find film fun! www.funwithfilm.com