I have always loved film cameras.
My love affair with film cameras started when there was only film. In 1988, I was sitting in art class and the teacher told us that we would have a new assignment. We would spend the whole day outside shooting with black and white film.
My heart soared. I immediately saw the elegance of shooting with black and white.
As the years have gone by and progress has been made, digital cameras are now the mainstay. Some of my photographer friends laugh at me when I share with them my love of film. They tease me "where are you going to find a dark room?"
I know that digital will continue to be the camera of choice, but film continues to have its advantages.
The best reason to support film is that it encourages the photographer to be present when taking a photo. If you are taking photos for social events or as a pro. There is nothing more encouraging to keep you in the moment than knowing you only have five more shots left.
I recently spoke with ILFORD, one of the main producers of film and they shared with me their thoughts on the current trend to use film cameras.
From a recent survey, most people obtained a film camera from a local photo dealer, or an online dealer. Most said they found them on eBay, and many said their interest started when they were given a camera by a family member. Nikon have been selling their FM10 in North America for some time and have most recently re-introduced it to the U.K.
People Share What First Attracted Them To A Film Camera
"Film was the standard option when I started with photography and I'm not that old. I like the physical process of photographing and printing, as opposed to the more abstracted approach of digital photography."
"I wanted to slow down and really think about what I was doing rather than just shoot 15 versions of the same shot to get it right. As I have grown into film, I also enjoy the craft aspects of it. Developing, etc."
"The fact that there goes a lot more thinking in taking a photograph. Because of the "limitation" of 36/12 pictures on a roll you think more about a shot you take. While with digital you just shoot."
"It's fun."
"It's retro."
"Nostalgia."
"Each shot is unique."
"It's a craft. Anybody can shoot digitally but only 'real photographers' use film."
"Price of top quality camera + glass + lots of film is much cheaper than a DSLR."
"With digital there are too many distractions (changing iso, white balance, preview screen, raw vs. jpg, etc). With film it becomes more about making the photo and my photography has improved greatly because of that."
"The creative possibilities with black & white by controlling the processes myself."
"I had an interest in film prior to, but my first experiences with film were to fill a class requirement for my BFA degree. After that I didn't touch my digital camera for nearly 18 months. There is a certain emotional experience that is associated with creating an image from film. Working primarily is black and white I develop my own film and make my own prints at home. In digital there is a detachment from the process that leaves a void. The tactile experience in actually having a hand in creating the final print is what keeps bringing me back."
I guess modern times and production schedules dictate that some of the 'names' in photography may have turned to digital. However, there are many legends in photography who use film such as Elliott Erwitt, Albert Watson, Nick Knight.
There are several professional processing facilities producing fine art prints such as Griffin in New York, Bob Carnie in Toronto, Metro in London.
I will continue to take photos with my film camera and will share them through my social media. Please keep an eye on my blog as I continue on my path to live the best life!
Happy New Year!
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