Why do you use film?

Paul Goutiere · Nov 19, 2013

I love this site, I've learned so much about photography from APUG, even though at my age I should have known most of it by now.

I love film as well, pretty much all of what I do with a camera is with film cameras.

-Film's known permanence.
-Film seem less harsh than electronic methods I've seen so far.
-Film can have enormous exposure latitude.
-I like the simplicity of a camera like my ratty old M2 or my
scruffy old F2A. Form follows function, no menus etc.
-I like the way a film camera slows me down.
-I like the fact that I can choose a camera that is NOT battery dependent

This is some of my reasons for liking film, may I ask what is your reasons?

wildbill · Nov 19, 2013

it's the only thing that's cut the right size to fit into my film holders.
my cameras don't take anything else.

cliveh · Nov 19, 2013

It has a physical integrity and thereafter I don't really care about production, although I do print in a darkroom before the introduction of digital conversion.

DannL. · Nov 19, 2013

I enjoy the craft of making photographic prints by hand.

pdeeh · Nov 19, 2013

I like the way my pictures look on film

Rick A · Nov 19, 2013

Been shooting film for over 50 years, don't plan on stopping any time soon.

Hatchetman · Nov 19, 2013

I was dropped on my head as an infant.

David Brown · Nov 19, 2013

I shoot, process, and print black and white film because I have 45 years of experience and have gotten fairly adept at it. I also just like the way it looks. On the other hand, I went to a garden yesterday, took 85 digital snapshots and posted a dozen of them to Facebook, with the Fall colors really pumped up in Photoshop. Yee haw ...

NB23 · Nov 19, 2013

I don't like nor do I understand the joys of cyber-sex. Same goes for digital photography: totally pointless practice.

munz6869 · Nov 19, 2013

It's better - especially for folks who choose to own a car or home instead of a Hasselblad H4.

Digital, and

Film!

These are two snaps I made at work the other day - one with a 10mm lens on a Canon 600D, and the other on a 5x4" with 65mm lens and Kodak Portra 160. Hmm, I like the film one a lot better

Marc!

summicron1 · Nov 19, 2013

because i can use it to create images like this:

mooseontheloose · Nov 19, 2013

Because I like the different cameras I can use with it.
Because I like the look of it.
Because I love working in the darkroom.

Thomas Bertilsson · Nov 19, 2013

It's the only medium with which I find joy in photography.

NedL · Nov 19, 2013

There are many reasons, but one is that I work all day on a computer and my hobbies must not be more of the same.

Thomas Bertilsson · Nov 19, 2013

NedL said:
There are many reasons, but one is that I work all day on a computer and my hobbies must not be more of the same.

I can empathize with this 100%. If I had to do photography glued to a computer screen for most of the time, I would have to shoot myself.

removed account4 · Nov 19, 2013

cause its fun ?
and because i can ...

eddie · Nov 19, 2013

Thomas Bertilsson said:
It's the only medium with which I find joy in photography.

I'm with you, Thomas. I think it's the only legitimate reason. For me, film/darkroom gives me a tactile, intimate connection with each, and every, print. I also enjoy the solitude of the darkroom, without the distractions which can occur sitting at a computer. And, that magical feeling when an image formed on the blank piece of paper is just as strong after thousands of times, as it was the first time.

Thomas Bertilsson · Nov 19, 2013

eddie said:
I'm with you, Thomas. I think it's the only legitimate reason. For me, film/darkroom gives me a tactile, intimate connection with each, and every, print. I also enjoy the solitude of the darkroom, without the distractions which can occur sitting at a computer. And, that magical feeling when an image formed on the blank piece of paper is just as strong after thousands of times, as it was the first time.

Yes, I can never get enough of the darkroom! I always want to go in there and make prints.

The darkroom, for me, is purpose built. In the dark, with music, there are no distractions. Only the image and I. That way I can focus on my attempt to make that single print perfect without interruption. That is a big part of the beauty of film and darkroom, in my opinion. To create something elegant with big and clunky tools is just the perfect pastime for me.

I'd like to add that I also enjoy the level of care that has to be taken at each stage. Mistakes are expensive, and that really helps me focus intently.

benjiboy · Nov 19, 2013

Because that's what my cameras take.

markbarendt · Nov 19, 2013

jnanian said:
cause its fun ?
and because i can ...

yep.

NedL · Nov 19, 2013

Thomas Bertilsson said:
I can empathize with this 100%. If I had to do photography glued to a computer screen for most of the time, I would have to shoot myself.

Hi Thomas, yep no doubt for me I'd have a different hobby!

bdial · Nov 19, 2013

One major reason is that I spend too much time in front of a computer already (15 or so hours so far today).

Aside from that, film is what I know, besides, it's not worth it to me to dump my collection of film gear for pennies on the dollar then spend hundreds or probably thousands more for digital gear that would be equivalent.

MartinCrabtree · Nov 19, 2013

'Cause that's how I started. And it's always worked. I do the electronic thing too but it's just not the same.

thegman · Nov 20, 2013

Film cameras are much nicer to use, and I find the process of achieving results more satisfying.

Huge amount more for your money too, price up a 4x5 film camera and what is required in the digital world to achieve similar results.

But in the end, it's a hobby I prefer, like I prefer whisky to wine.

smithdoor · Nov 20, 2013

Try pricing a good 4x5 Digital back around $30,000.00
Now the number of photo pay for the back even at high price $10 each you will need to take 3,000 photo or more to pay for the back
Also film just looks better than digital photos

Dave

Why do you use film?

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