Film Photography Today

So what’s up with film photography lately?
Here’s a quick update:

1) After Kodak announced they are discontinuing their infrared film (HIE-135) back in November due to a decline in demand, this month they issued yet another list of discontinued film such as the EKTACHROME 400X Professional Film.
2) According to recent articles in papers, such as the NY Times, film processing locations are declining.
3) My favorite film Kodak T400cn has been discontinued! (in fact a few years ago). However, its not all bad news as this film did not just vanish but it was replaced with another similar film: Kodak Professional BW400CN.

Last week, while picking up my film, I was approached by a woman in the camera store (which is now selling mostly digital cameras, printing from digital and even recently displaying inkjet printers at the front of the store. And as if this was not enough insult, lately the film department was reduced in size and moved to the back of the store) anyway, the woman looked at my film and said it was very interesting to see someone who’s still using this dying breed.
And I thought; Give me a break! It was only a few years ago, that people saw a digital camera and had no idea what it was.
And now, how quickly it happened, film is as extinct as a dinosaur?

Saying all this, however, I noticed the growing number of toy cameras offered not only in obvious places like camera stores but also in unexpected trendy fashion stores such as Urban Outfitters.
I’m sure it means toy cameras, while becoming popular, are also going to grow more expensive.
But than again, it also means that more people are going to use film!

Paper Negatives

Photographic paper is typically used by exposing light to it through a piece of film. The image from the negative film is enlarged, exposes the paper, and creates a positive image. But because photographic paper is light sensitive like film, photographer’s can opt to create a paper negative instead of film.

In short, a paper negative is created the same way a film negative is created. Paper must be loaded into the camera in darkness, to avoid exposure, and the camera can be used to expose the paper just like film. In general, photographic paper is around an ISO film speed of 6, so the camera or light meter should be set accordingly. Black and white paper is generally used and is easier to expose, but some color paper negatives have been produced with solid results. The paper negative is developed like any print photograph, but you will have a negative image instead of a positive. If you want to then make a positive print from the negative, you follow similar guidelines of making a positive print from a negative by placing the paper negative directly on top of a piece of photographic paper, firmly holding both together, and exposing with light.

Paper Negatives

Photographic paper is typically used by exposing light to it through a piece of film. The image from the negative film is enlarged, exposes the paper, and creates a positive image. But because photographic paper is light sensitive like film, photographer’s can opt to create a paper negative instead of film.

In short, a paper negative is created the same way a film negative is created. Paper must be loaded into the camera in darkness, to avoid exposure, and the camera can be used to expose the paper just like film. In general, photographic paper is around an ISO film speed of 6, so the camera or light meter should be set accordingly. Black and white paper is generally used and is easier to expose, but some color paper negatives have been produced with solid results. The paper negative is developed like any print photograph, but you will have a negative image instead of a positive. If you want to then make a positive print from the negative, you follow similar guidelines of making a positive print from a negative by placing the paper negative directly on top of a piece of photographic paper, firmly holding both together, and exposing with light.

Why Make Paper Negatives?

Film can be enlarged to create a bigger print., while a paper negative print is limited to the size of the paper negative. Film can also be purchased in spools with multiple exposures available, while the paper negative must be loaded one at a time in a dark area. Paper negatives are also typically less sharp, more difficult to expose properly, and result in high contrast. So why bother with paper negatives?

For starters, a paper negative is a cost effective alternative to larger film formats. For beginner photographers looking to try camera systems that use single sheet film, the paper negative will provide a simple, cheaper way to practice using the equipment. Again, a paper negative exposure will not yield the same results as film exposure, but the equipment works the same using either.

Some photographers may simply like the results from a paper negative. Paper negatives are typically high in contrast and less crisp than film, and these limitations may be exploited for artistic expression.

Slide Film vs Color Print Film and Negative Film

 For color film photography, beginner photographers will often wonder about whether to use reversal (slide) film or negative film for 35mm film cameras. Both films will produce color photographs, but which film is superior to the other? Which film works better under certain conditions? As general statements and an overall guide to photography, slide film is the superior format. However, negative film is extremely flexible and forgiving, particularly under different conditions. The real question to photographers should be: quality or flexibility?
Slide Film Quality and the Flexibility of Negative Film

Slides are widely considered the superior film when it comes to color depth and clarity. But, it is less forgiving in high contrast conditions and detail is lost in such situtations. While the color depth of negative film is not quite as good as slide film, it has a larger tonal range and is more likely to retain detail in both highlights and shadows. Of course, this means the color negative film offer even colors while the slide film offers vibrant and true colors.

The other major advantage to slide film is that it is less grainy than the negative film counterparts. A negative can be enlarged to an 8x10 inch print with some noticeable grain, but it would not be recommended to print larger than that. Slides, on the other hand, can be enlarged well past the 8x10 inch size and still show less grain. If grain is not an issue for you, or you do not plan on creating large prints, then slide film may not offer you much in the low grain department. But for many photographers, graininess is always an issue and should be avoided.

Suitable Film Type for Lighting Situations

Slide film is ideal for situations where lighting can either be controlled or is kept at a constant. The fluctuations of outdoor lighting may be too much for slide film users and will either see results in poorly exposed film or be forced to stop photographing. Negative film is very flexible and can be used in controlled or varied lighting situations without much risk to poorly exposed film. Additionally, negative film is often produced to allow for exposures that are off by one or two f-stops to show no noticeable different from a properly exposed negative.

Overall, use color slide film if you are interested in always obtaining perfect, high quality photographs. Or, if you prefer the convenience of a flexible and freedom of film - use color negative film.

Color Reversal Film and Slide Film Types for Film Photography

Color Reversal Film and Slide Film Types for Film Photography

Color reversal film, or commonly called slide film, creates the opposite of color negative film or black and white film. Instead of creating a negative to be printed to a positive, the slide film is a positive of the image. As such, the slide film produces extremely rich and vibrant colors that come closer to the actual colors and tones present during exposure. Alternatively, slide film is not nearly as flexible as color negative or black and white film. Exposure must be precise and areas of high contrast are much more difficult to properly expose with slide film. Slides can be printed in the darkroom, but the process is generally more expensive.

Slide film can be used for 35mm film cameras and medium format film cameras. Modern day color reversal film is processed with the E-6 processing. The major filmColor reversal film mounted for slide film brands for color reversal film are Kodak and Fuji. The ISO film speed of slide film is typically slow film that results in extremely fine grains to produce sharper images.

How Color Reversal Film Works

As the name reversal suggests, slide film works the opposite of print film. In print film the red, green, and blue emulsion layers are exposed and leave a negative dye of cyan, magenta, and yellow. Slide film is a subtractive process that starts with layers of cyan, magenta, and yellow. When the film is exposed, the dye is subtracted to reveal red, green, and blue colors. Thus, when processed the film reveals the actual, positive, colors of the image.

Black and White Film Types for Film Photography

Black and White Film Types for Film Photography

There are a number of black and white (b&w) films available for 35mm film cameras and medium format film cameras that can still be found in film photography stores. While there are also a number of special films that require unique processing, it would be best to work with the basic black and white film types and learn how the film works before using these special films. The two major brands of black and white films are Kodak and Ilford. Unfortunately, the best advice for any beginner using black and white film, like color film or slide film, would be to try a variety of brands and subtypes within those brands to find the right film for you.
How Black and White Film Works for Film Photography

The image on a black and white film negative is actually the inverse of the actual image. That is to say, all the areas that show white on the negative will be black on the print, and all black areas of the negative will show white. When printing onto photo paper, light is able to Black and white film print vs film negative pass through the white areas of the negative, resulting in more light hitting the paper, and leading to a dark spot. Of course, black areas of the negative are the opposite, resulting in less light hitting the paper to produce a light spot.

Simple black and white films are made of three layers. First, there is a light-sensitive emulsion layer that captures the image that will result in the film negative after processing. The emulsion contains grains of silver salt that are able to absorb light and react with a developing chemical to break down into pure silver and remove it to reveal an image on the negative. Second is a layer of plastic to support the emulsion. Third is an anti-halation layer that is used to capture light and refrain it from bouncing back to the emulsion. This final layer eliminates blurry images or foggy film.

The amount of silver salt and grain in black and white film decides whether the film is more or less sensitive to light. Fine grain film will require more light to produce an image and large grains will require less light to produce an image. The amount of grains on the film help determine the ISO film speed of the black and white film. Fine grain leads to slow film and large grain leads to fast film. To learn more, please see the ISO film speed page.

Guide to Photography 35mm Film Size

35mm film is the most popular film photography type. 35mm film, or 135 film, was introduced by Kodak in 1934. Fitting 35mm cameras, including single-lens reflex (SLR) and range-finder cameras, basic 35mm film photography is named after the size of the film – 35mm 35mm Film for Basic Film Photographywide. Individual rolls of 35mm film are enclosed in a single-spool, light-tight, metal case that allow it to be loaded into cameras in the daylight. Therefore, when the roll of film is used, it must be re-wound back into the spool before opening the camera. In the case of disposable cameras, the film is kept in a light-tight casing until opened by a lab technician in the dark. Both sides of a 35mm roll are perforated to allow mechanisms within the camera to advance and rewind it.

The standard image size on a 35mm film roll is 24 x 36 mm with a perforation size of KS-1870. This standard ensures that the film properly advances eight perforations to allow a two millimeter gap between frames and eliminate overlapping of images on the film. Of course, there are other 35mm film types that have different image sizes, but these are rare and will likely only be found in specialty stores. The 35mm film standard will be found in any common convenience store and all camera shops. Most 35mm film is found in 24-exposure or 36-exposure counts. However, with most cameras and proper film settings, you will be able to squeeze out an additional two or three photographs.
Basic Photography Tips for Medium Format Film

Medium format film is much larger than the 35mm counterpart, and is preferred by many professional photographers. Of course, due to the size of medium format film, a medium format camera will be needed to use it. Most often, medium format film is 6 x 6 cm square or 6 x 4.5 cm rectangular (commonly referred to as 645). Today, medium format photography utilizes the 120 film format and, in some cases, the 220 film format. These formats are nearly identical except that 220 film is twice as long and allows twice the number of exposures. With 120 film, you can get either 12 or 16 exposures and double that amount with 220 film. Medium format film is still readily available at most camera shops and online distributers.

There are no perforated edges to medium format film, but instead the camera takes the film from one spool to another. When the roll is finished, the roll wraps around the second spool, making the film light-tight, and allows the photographer to open the camera and remove the film. There will also be a sticky tab that can be used to tape down the film and prevent it from unrolling. Additionally, the film will now be labeled exposed to indicate that the film has been used and is ready for processing.
Large Format Beginner Photography Film Tips

Large format film works a little different than both 35mm film and medium format film as there are no spools used. Instead, large format film is individual 4’x5’ sheets that are loaded into a special film holder that locks into the back of a large format camera. The holders will hold two sheets of film on both sides, and must be loaded in the complete dark. When loaded into the back of the camera, the light protective sheet is removed and will allow you to release the shutter and expose the film. The protective sheet is then returned to the holder before your film is removed. The film will remain in the holder until ready for development.

Film vs Digital Quality Comparison Myth

The dynamic range between film and digital photography is too complex to compare. Many photographers have attempted to compare film and digital images, but most have varying results. Some say that digital cameras need more of a dynamic range as much as three or four stops, yet others contend that digital cameras show a much larger dynamic range that either print or slide film.

But one thing is certain, each claim seems to have major inconsistencies. For instance, many people compare the quality of a digital photograph to the quality of a scanned negative. Immediately, one has to think, how can you compare a first generation image to a second generation scan? This would be like comparing a print to the computer screen, it’s just not going to work.

The simple fact is that comparing digital to film quality is like comparing apples to oranges. One cannot simply go out with a digital camera and a film camera and compare the quality of each. There is too much to consider, including:

    * Type of film
    * Size of film
    * Type of sensor in digital camera
    * Sensor size
    * Type of scanner

The real question becomes, how do you match a film camera with a digital camera? One exposes film and the other makes digital conversions from an analog sensor. Perhaps the fairest way of making a comparison would be to print the best possible print from a digital camera and inkjet printer, and then print the best possible print from a film camera and a lab darkroom. But then it would likely come down to a difference of opinion rather than fact, much like asking someone which shade of blue is better – it’s just a personal preference.

Cleanliness of Film and Digital Cameras

When it comes to the cleanliness of your digital or film equipment, it may be too hard to tell which is better. The photographer is largely responsible for keeping his/her equipment clean or storing it in the best environments; and dust is a constant issue for all types of photographers. With that said, digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras are typically more prone to dust problems. With film cameras, the film is constantly advanced through the camera and minimizes the chance of dust lying on each frame. With digital cameras, the sensor (digital film) remains stationary at all times, making it more susceptible to dust, and has been a well noted problem for many digital photographers. This could become an even larger problem if the photographer is constantly changing out the lens in dusty environments. However, if you take extra care of your equipment and spend time cleaning it, the dust problem can be minimized for both film and digital.

With film cameras, because the back of the camera is opened everytime you load a roll of film, the back of the camera can be exposed to debris such as dust or dirt. There is the potential that the film can be scratched as the film is wound through the camera, and may damage the entire roll. For a long time, digital cameras remained only light tight and not sealed, allowing dust or dirt to get into the backs of the cameras. This can cause a problem equal to that of film cameras and may require professional equipment cleaning services. Some modern digital cameras are beginning to adapt dust and weather seals to avoid this problem altogether, but it still remains an issue in the majority of equipment available.

Regardless on your camera of choice, dust is a large problem and can be menacing to anyone. The best thing you can do is store your equipment is a dust-free environment, or at the very least, inside a protective camera bag. You will likely never be able to completely eliminate the dust threat, but you can certainly take proper steps to minimize it.

Archiving Film and Digital Photographs

Modern film photography is easily archived to last hundreds of years, and your negatives and prints are just as likely to outlive you. The majority of professional papers is archive paper, and a well developed print or negative with fixer chemicals will keep the print or negative from discoloring. As long as you keep yourself organized and you keep your prints and film in archived, acid-free containers, theywill last a long time. As long as film is kept in ideal conditions, prints can be made years after the film was developed and still achieve impeccable quality.

The archival potential of digital photography can be similar, but at the same time, is less understood due to its somewhat new existence. Archival paper and printer inks are available for digital photographs, but the extended data for these simply does not yet exist. Another point to consider is the digital media storage devices. Flash memory cards and hard drives may lose data after ten or twenty years of use, and everyone knows they are susceptible to failures and other problems. Data recovery systems have vastly improved, but when you risk losing the original digital negative, it can be frightening. Another point to consider is that as technology grows, so do the formats with which we store things. Compact flash cards are already being replaced by other cards, and the RAW image format (which is a proprietary data format) is replacing the JPEG. While digital photography may someday rank highly with the archival capabilities of film, the future for it is still uncertain.

35mm, Medium, and Large Format Photography Cameras

Guide to Photography Film Cameras

Film cameras come in a variety of types and sizes for film photography. The most common and popular camera is by far the 35mm single-lens reflex camera. Not only does the 35mm film camera use the most popular film type (35mm film), but it is also a fairly inexpensive and quality camera that offers plenty of options including interchangeable film camera lenses. The SLR format is also available for medium format cameras. While more expensive, this film camera uses larger film types and has even more customizable options than its 35mm counterpart.
Large Format Photography Cameras

The viewfinder camera is the most popular large format camera available. The bulky camera and large film gives large format photography the advantage of unparalleled film and print quality. Plus, the large format camera controls offer the unmatched ability to completely control depth of field, perspective, and focus. However, it's size and need for a tripod requires time for setup and detracts from the ability to quickly capture moments.

35mm, Medium, and Large Format Photography Cameras

Guide to Photography Film Cameras

Film cameras come in a variety of types and sizes for film photography. The most common and popular camera is by far the 35mm single-lens reflex camera. Not only does the 35mm film camera use the most popular film type (35mm film), but it is also a fairly inexpensive and quality camera that offers plenty of options including interchangeable film camera lenses. The SLR format is also available for medium format cameras. While more expensive, this film camera uses larger film types and has even more customizable options than its 35mm counterpart.
Large Format Photography Cameras

The viewfinder camera is the most popular large format camera available. The bulky camera and large film gives large format photography the advantage of unparalleled film and print quality. Plus, the large format camera controls offer the unmatched ability to completely control depth of field, perspective, and focus. However, it's size and need for a tripod requires time for setup and detracts from the ability to quickly capture moments.

Additional Film Camera Types

Other camera types include the range-finder camera in which the viewfinder does not offer the same view as captured through the camera lens. This is known as the parallax error and requires the photographer to compensate for close-up film photography. Twin-lens reflex (TLR) cameras also suffer from the parallax error, but are a much more inexpensive alternative to medium format SLR cameras.

Please see the film types page to learn more about different film formats for each camera, and the importance of film speed and how it plays a role in exposure settings through the aperture and shutter speed. And for some basic photography tips and techniques see composition, motion photography, night photography, and winter photography.

Weighing the Benefits of Photography Film vs Digital

No doubt, the benefits of digital photography and cameras are tremendous. With an ability to shoot thousands of photos without the expensive need for film, preview buttons to be sure the desired shot was taken, and no need to spend hours processing film, scanning, or printing in a darkroom. However, there is still much to be said for film. If you are not patient and want instant satisfaction, film photography is not for you. But if you love the anticipation of developing a roll of film to see the results, watching a photograph develop on paper in front of your eyes, and the satisfaction of knowing what you created without the simplistic and robotic motions of a computer, then film photography is perfect for you. Read on to discover more film photography tips and techniques in this guide to photography.

Cost of Film Photography Compared to Digital

 Another point to consider is the cost of film photography. While many argue that film and development can be expensive – compare that to the even higher cost of technology upgrades. The end result for a few thousand dollars? Higher resolution, less grain, and a slightly smoother image than last year’s model. And yet, how many digital cameras, after two or three years are still considered “good” cameras. Film cameras, on the other hand, are known to last for decades. It is not hard to find film-based photographers using cameras and lenses that were made before the 1970s. With only a few minor tune-ups, the cameras are fully functioning and work just as well as the day they were made. And don’t forget those old film cameras that have been dropped and bruised over the years and still hold up. If you drop your digital camera – it’s likely that you’ll be buying a new one shortly.

Digital vs. Film Photography

Digital cameras are indeed amazing and an almost effortless tool for photography. With one memory card, you can shoot any angle, any time, thousands of times. Of these thousands of images taken, of which the majority would be suitable, only a very small percentage of the images are processed and printed. And yet, where is the work put forth? Masters-of-photography have studied and learned, much through trial and error, the photography film medium – film speed and grain, response curves, and tonal range. The speed at which digital photography is taken leaves the potential for less thought in each image.

The film camera, whether the time and cost of film or otherwise, involves much more thought to ensure that every image has the correct film exposure, composition, and lighting. A proper guide to photography and techniques is most definitely needed to understand the work that goes into making a camera work – whether it’s a 35mm, medium format, or large format camera. After all, you may not have the chance to go back with photo film to try and take the photo again. The result, however somewhat inconsistent, is a high percentage of used and printed images – especially when compared to digital. And as many film photographers will argue, the strangest occurrences can become the greatest mistakes on film and result in a more invoking image.

Welcome to Film Photography

Welcome to the ultimate film photography website, the best source for beginners hoping to learn basic film photography – or even amateurs who want to expand their knowledge. Please follow any of the links in menu to the left to read more information about a variety of topics, including basic photography tips and techniques. Whether you want to learn digital vs film photography or the costs of film photography, various film camera types, including 35mm film cameras, medium format cameras, and large format cameras, and camera lenses, or different film types such as color print film, black and white film, and color reversal film and how film speed, aperture, and shutter speed affects exposure – it’s all here.

Q Weddings still loves film!

“In September 2003 I excitedly bought my first digital camera.  Two months later I went back to shooting film.  There were so many reasons…terrible skin tones, blooming highlights, wonky exposures when using strobes, slow focusing, back focusing. Wrong focusing. And forget about making a great black and white image!  Everyone else seemed to be enamored with digital technology, but I happily went back to shooting film.   I even remember reading a prediction that film would no longer be available after 2008.  I’m proof that film is still around and beloved by myself and folks like Jose, Yvette, Bryan, Jonathan, Tanja and Leah.

I know that it’s possible to spend a fair amount of time in post, running actions or presets to get some pseudo-film results.  But film is gorgeous straight out the camera, no futzing needed.  One example is cross-processed film, like this image from Cat and Matt’s wedding in Uncertain, Texas. This almost kiss was captured at an old fishing camp on Caddo Lake.  Saturated color straight out of the camera and still the skin tones are perfect.  It also helps to have an experienced lab like Richard Photo Lab for something like this.  They spent time learning my preferences (strong blacks, dreamy color, and my penchant for shooting with vintage cameras).  I pinch myself sometimes when I think how lucky I am to have found a lab that loves film as much as I do.”

Film Shooters Unite

Film is an amazing product with its durable equipment,  low cost start up and provides the best skin tones anywhere. While digital often tries to get good skin tone, film comes with it!  The cost of film can easily be offset by expensive digital bodies that are very fragile, the constant need for hard drive expansion and of course file management.  Time is money right??  If film could save you 10-20 hours a week, what would that time be worth to you or your business?  More on this later!!