Q&A - Film or Digital, YouTube as a Job, Underrated Gear, Film Prices

[@AdamAllen]

The 90's plastic SLR's are the biggest secret gem in the film game, hands down. They make no mistakes, and cost nearly nothing comparatively.

[@tompoynton]

For real, if you get a Canon or Nikon you get full access to their lenses. There not as aesthetically pleasing (although that might change as taste does) but they do the exact same job

[@jw48335]

Rebel Ti - no rubber grip to turn to goop.

[@Bjordgoltor]

So true!

[@markhopkinsphoto7257]

N90s and F100 here. Great cameras.

[@brandoboe]

I think the question about KZbin as a full-time job is an interesting one. There is a deluge of photo channels, and it is very difficult to get traction in the market at the moment. The thing to remember is that video production for KZbin, shooting photos constantly, editing, etc is all very exhausting. Anyone in a creative field will tell you that once your hobby becomes your job, a lot of the joy of the hobby is lost. I think the idea of quitting a 9-5 desk job is appealing to a lot of people, but I'm sure Kyle would surely tell you that he doesn't wake up everyday excited to do this job. Nothing is more soul-sucking than having to be creative when you aren't feeling creative at all. Sometimes logging into your boring job from 9-5 and then being creative after 5 without the pressure of paying your rent is way more freeing than doing it as your main gig.

[@stratocactus]

100% agree. I've changed my guitar making hobby into my full time job 5 years ago. And even if I still love it, some days (sometimes weeks) I'd rather do a paid boring job, just for the peace of mind brought by the monthly paycheck, whatever happens. Now that I've picked up (film) photography pretty seriously as a hobby, people around me tell me "you should sell prints, you could start a KZbin channel, or work in a film lab". No thank you. Don't want to kill the joy in my photography.

[@developingtank]

Yes, the idea of being an artist full time seems so appealing until you talk to anyone who is one about their day to day.

[@chriscard6544]

I used to be a press photographer for a famous newspaper, it was very frustrating: no freedom, no money, no regular incomes. Now I work in another field, I have a huge salary. I can afford any cameras, I shoot every weekend. I can travel more in better hotels etc...

[@RussWeymouthPhotography]

I agree. I have a small photography channel outside of my full-time job. For me, it's a creative release (when I have the time). It certainly can be time-consuming combining the photography with filming the video, then editing both back at home in the evenings.

[@AlexandruMusetoiu]

hi, as i am also highly interested in photography and had the chance of working in this domain in a way or another, after a shift or a job i felt the need to never touch a camera ever again, so i can agree with you. now i work in a crappy warehouse that feels like its ripping off my own personality off me but its still better than editing photos all day.

[@JCarlos.unknown]

The pleasure of film photography - I'm selling all my digital gear, for two simple reasons: to fund the purchase of rolls of film, and to fund my trips expenses (fuel, hotel and food). In my humble opinion, it makes all the sense. And the pleasure of pursuing film photography keeps growing and growing. Amazing, I must say.

[@DC-sp5ds]

What I found is that I actually start to look at my pictures. I have x-thousand digital images on disk, but often I never actually looked at them. Now, through shooting, developing and enlarging, I actually get a much better "exposure" to my own photographs.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yeah, I find I can be a bit lazy and overshoot with digital. I was reading an interview with Stephen Shore recently where he talks about how his approach with digital is similar to working with 8x10. Only shoots one image, and makes sure it's the best it can be before hitting the shutter.

[@robstammers7149]

So called cheap plastic slr cameras from the late 90s to early 2000s are the real hidden gems. I love using my Canon 300V, 300X and 50E 35mm film cameras, they are just so accurate fast focusing beauties to use, spot on exposure, with optical viewfinders, great ergonomics with no EVFs here. Back to film, for me, great decision. Regards Rob.

[@TyParmenter]

I have to say, that "cheap 90's" camera you show, the Canon EOS 650, is one of the most comfortable in-the-hand cameras I've ever used.

[@CwPlatapuZ]

Bronica medium format cameras are almost all underrated! The Bronica s2a is a beautiful camera that definately rivals Hasselblad and you can get a while kit for less then $400

[@yxwns]

bought an ETRS last december and it has been my favorite camera. amazing and satisfying shooting experience !

[@doriangasseling]

100%. I chucked an S2a in my backpack around Bali a few months back, reliable and tough little thing for how sharp the negatives are. Some photos on my channel if you're curious, just skip the chatter at the start haha.

[@CwPlatapuZ]

I'll check it out man!@@doriangasseling

[@chriscard6544]

@@CwPlatapuZ my first medium format was the Bronica ETRSi, awesome camera, very sharp. I also had an Hasselblad: I didnt like the lens, too soft for me.

[@garrettmain3712]

I love my SQA

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Great questions, and answers! On the landscape photography side, I agree that building community is much more important than just going to the icons and then trying to sell a print of that photo. There's so much out there, what really sets someone apart is the social connection and the individual style.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Brian!

[@TheRenalicious]

I can totally vouch for the 90's / 2000's era SLRs: I love my Canon Rebel 35mm SLR, especially when I want that faster run and gun film camera with modern features. Not to mention I can use virtually any EF lens on it, which is handy since I can swap lenses back and forth with my 5D mk4.

[@kamilpotato3764]

Recently I bought 6d mk1(less than 3k on shutter for £300) because of some good opinions about it's colour science and quality of skin tones it can produce for portraits. And I'm quite happy with it coming from fuji xt4 and xt2. Autofocus sucks a bit and lenses require bit of fiddling with calibration(using so far ef 50mm f1.4 and ef 85mm f1.8). After 6d I won an auction for eos 30 because why not. same mount. So I will shoot few rolls a year with it.

[@sethobates]

You're a good guy Kyle. We are lucky to have you. Loved the Hassy video recently also. All the best

[@KyleMcDougall]

I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@davidselby8115]

As a cheapish entry to medium format you could do worst than a ‘Texas Leica’ or rather Fujifilm 690. I already had an RZ67 but bought the Fuji specifically for its 6x9 format. It’s very straightforward- fixed lens of high quality, bulky plastic body , no light meter so no batteries, rangefinder viewfinder extremely easy to load and use. The quality of the 6 x 9 negatives blew me away. As good as any of the more popular high value cameras yet at a very affordable price.

[@SteyrM1912]

Pentacon Six TLs are a good option for medium format in 6x6, just need to get one that's been serviced and load/advance the film properly. You can usually get 13 shots on a roll with no clipping of the last shot if you load the film properly and don't let the advance lever snap back. I've only ever had issues on one roll with frame overlap after letting the lever snap back accidentally.

[@willmccleland2383]

This has given me alot to think about, i have struggled since leaving uni on what my goals are with photography and im still trying to work that out

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you found it helpful, Will.

[@marcp.1752]

Film is film, i do really appreciate and *love* the Film look ! One could have as many so called "Film simulations" as one want - but only film is real. Whileas i do shoot (seldom) digital also, film does always have a special spot into my heart. It's different. It's a haptic medium. It forces you to slow down, to make different choices, than with easy peasy digital.

[@carlomac]

Amazing video, thanks for the wise advice Kyle.

[@andrewgifford7740]

As a Brit I love seeing glimpses of your UK work Kyle and would love to see more!

[@myretiredlifeinjapan6146]

Got it! Binging your past videos. Love your passion and focus!

[@barryburns911]

Thanks for this, Kyle. Great collection of questions and clear, honest answers. All the best. BB

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@developingtank]

I like hearing how opposite the take on film vs digital can be from one photographer to the next. Like you, I think the film process is more interesting and compelling, but since I shoot mostly street it's hard to keep up with in terms of volume. Since my KZbin journey started more recently that bit of advice about sticking to what you really believe in is something I've struggled with, because I want to grow, but I agree that it feels more meaningful and purposeful that way.

[@CuDerRaGer]

Love you Kyle. Always so informative and motivating.

[@KyleMcDougall]

No idea. Can't speak for others, but I photograph this stuff because it's what interests me, and has for a while.

[@superkrell]

I`ve committed to shooting digital (mostly) on a Leica MD262, no screen, only because I prefer optical prints and premium scans that cost over $100 a roll including shipping and the cost of film. I will shoot film durning the fall using Ektar 100 which gives colors that digital can`t...!

[@fromanggio]

While I totally understand your argument about making it about other people when growing your online presence, it still saddens me that one can’t make it based on the merit alone. It makes me doubt the reason why I’m gaining traction- because of my photos or the social game. Makes me wonder if there was ever a time when that was possible Thank you for the video Kyle!

[@thomasgrant1850]

Taking the social media element out of it and apply that thought to every day life. How many people do we know who might be the most skilled guitarist, who has never made it big or how many amazing watercolour artists are there who's work only see's the inside of their studio. How many highly educated people never land their dream job because someone with connections but less qualifications comes along. Life is connections, merit rarely shines through on its own, only in the rarest of instances. It's who you know not what you know. I can't see that changing unfortunately

[@KyleMcDougall]

Don’t get me wrong, the work is still very very important. I’m not suggesting to ignore the craft and just make it purely about others. It’s gotta be a balance.

[@Obfluss.S]

There were hypes way before there's social media, internet, or even modern mass media. Fame and reception of artists/creative and their works were never purely about the works itself. We just have to have our own standard to evaluate ourselves, and try to carefully absorb sensible and meaningful appreciation and criticism, regardless the platform we are engaging in.

[@MarcWilson-y1y]

Hi Kyle, great video and glad you are enjoying my book Remnants. If you ever want to talk more just let me know. Best, Marc

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Marc!

[@andrewgifford7740]

And a shout out for Marc's new book 'The land is yellow' - introducing the calm and loved farmlands and close-knit community homes in southern Ukraine, the photos made on a visit shortly before's Putins imperial invasion. Gorgeous work, and all the more painful to know how much this peaceful community was impacted just a few months later.

[@MarcWilson-y1y]

Thank you Andrew so much. @@andrewgifford7740 As you know my wife is Ukrainian and this work is set in the village of her grandmother, where she learnt to swim in the river, as have her nieces and nephews since, (and we hope our 20 month old son will also be able to do one day soon) and make life long friends. It's a living breathing beautiful place. The book is being so well received which is a joy to us and those whose stories we are sharing with you.

[@brentmiller3250]

A really great batch of Q&A’s!

[@maxglaze1196]

Well thought out responses, thank you for making the time to make this video.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Max.

[@tompoynton]

idk, I think if you only use film then your overheads are going to probably bigger and that may have to be reflected in what you charge your clients, and you’d need to be open about that

[@KyleMcDougall]

Of course. If you're doing commercial or direct-to-client work, then you would factor that in.

[@chriscard6544]

Im so happy when you post a new video, it saves my day. I root for Nettar 517 in B&W with tmax 400@1600 in ID 11 1:1

[@filmstockreel]

Love that you take the time to do these. The knowledge you share inspires and keeps me motivated to share and keep trying new things. Love the channel and hope for more work in the future

[@KyleMcDougall]

Happy to hear that. Thanks for watching!

[@kendallwheeler8756]

This was super helpful perspective. Thank you Kyle

[@SlavaVeres]

Enjoyed the video! Thanks so much! ❤ And omg! Chloe! I love her The Caspian project

[@joanmichel]

appreciate the points you made across in this video. thank you for making this.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Joan.

[@adamcarter6649]

Hi Kyle, so interesting as always. Can I ask whether you had ever thought about becoming a photography tutor at a school or university? I think you would be great at it!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Adam. Something I've considered doing privately. Not necessarily through a school.

[@O.Persson]

Love hearing your view on some of these topics. Funny hearing you mentioning the RB67, as I just out mine up for sales. However my heart always wanted a Hassy, and since getting one I never use the RB. Still the RB is a beast, and I would agree it's bit underrated. Love and peace!

[@robertmilici]

Thank you Kyle! Great info as always

[@zacharyfuhrman7130]

The hat is back. 10/10 hat game. Content is awesome too!

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙌

[@doriangasseling]

Totally agree with the 90's SLRs. Those ugly canons were just built to work, accurate meters, fit modern lenses etc - what's not to like. Medium format entry level, I think the Yashica TLRs are still slept on - I would struggle to tell the difference in negatives between a Yashica MAT and a Rolleiflex. I know, cos I've tried. Also the folders are worth looking into, especially the coupled RF ones. Baldas/Ensign Commando/Welturs etc. Have always been more than impressed when doing a test roll after repairing those. Having coupled RF, an F3.5 or 2.8 lens, 6x6 AND 645 available and also folds away? Cmon..

[@KyleMcDougall]

Definitely some great old folders that can be had for cheap!

[@michaelbennettphoto]

Great video Kyle! I find videos like this very interesting! I would love to see them more often.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Michael. Something that I’d like to do more often. They’re a nice change.

[@patrickjclarke]

Have you ever talked about why you sold the Nikon scanner? I can see the dual use of the GFX AND the fact that you often shoot medium and large format film, but sitting here scanning with my Plustek 8200i with Silverfast and Multi-Exposure, a dedicated scanner like the Nikon is still probably the best. How are you scanning your LF stuff?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Dual use was the big one. The Coolscan sale funded the GFX. Speed was a big one as well. Absolutely loved the Coolscan, but the GFX is much much quicker, and I’ve been very happy with the results. As for 4x5, atm, I’m ‘scanning’ single frame with the GFX.

[@Pezinokrm]

Hello Kyle I enjoy your channel and photography, regarding your book on this video which firm printed it for you? Cheers! 🥃

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you. The book was printed by KOPA.

[@warren4261]

Great video Kyle. Great to get your perspective

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dansmouse7393]

Pentax 645…yes!

[@owen9939]

How often do you use 35mm? I struggle with it as I felt that it didn’t look good when scanned. I much prefer 6x6 but it’s the convenience of having a smaller camera

[@KyleMcDougall]

Not much at all. I find it takes me quite a while to get through a roll.

[@sgtLPH]

Good Q&A! The most important question however; do you really have your film fridge placed in front of a radiator? :D

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, yes! It’s turned off though.

[@nikitabaryshnikov1739]

Great job, great quality content!!

[@jamesbarnes3063]

Thanks for the info, have you done any alternative processes, Xray , dry plate and such?

[@KyleMcDougall]

I haven’t tried any of those.

[@jeremyjohns6890]

Excellent vlog, thank you.

[@juankamilo]

This is just the video we needed, thanks!

[@edwardleak8599]

I have the Hasselblad h6d 100c. which is a great camera. I send t back to Hasseblad three times before they discontinued it for the Hasselblad x2d 100. in downloading files to my Mac PRO, I notice that only a few files in Phocus software will download sometimes. the software will sometime crash. The h6d Hasselblad camera as marketed support to shoot raw 4k video in medium format. Are there anyone that have experienced the same probleM.

[@okyeabuddyguy]

I'm not sure if I missed this in the video but for Pentax67 or Mamiya RB67 type work in the field, for daytime shooting, do you find you can handhold shots and get quality sharp results or is a tripod always required? I guess you probably can't go below 1/60 but at that speed and above do you find the results sharp? Or should I be looking at something like a Fuji GW690 if I want to handhold medium format on the go?

[@AI-Hallucination]

The darkroom for me I love it

[@CryptoJones]

I would buy the shit out of print books of your photography if you make one!!

[@KyleMcDougall]

I have one available. :)

[@CryptoJones]

@@KyleMcDougall link me please!!

[@ViktorVaughan]

If you want to get rid of the 50r I'll buy it from you

[@KyleMcDougall]

Not going anywhere atm!

[@johnkaplun9619]

Portra is literally halve thE 90 pounds you mentioned here in the US

[@KyleMcDougall]

😢

[@dialac1]

Please what is the gear you are using at 6:55?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Beaulieu 4008 ZMII