Film Is Not Dead

Film photography has survived more than one supposed replacement. Digital cameras made it possible to take hundreds of photos without changing a roll and smartphones put a camera in nearly every pocket. Still, film is being produced, old cameras are being put back into use and new photographers are learning a process that predates the screens they are used to shooting with.

The format also has a long history behind it. Some of the most recognizable photographs in history were captured on film, including the iconic Apollo 11 moon landing, which was captured using a modified Hasselblad and Kodak film. Today, the same basic process can happen with a camera found at a thrift store.  

What keeps photographers interested is partly the result. Different film stocks have their own color, contrast and grain, and the imperfections associated with film have become part of its recognizable look. Digital presets and filters regularly imitate those characteristics, from visible grain to faded colors and softer images.  

Actually shooting film is a different experience too. A standard roll of 35 mm film usually provides 24 or 36 exposures. There is no SD card to fill and clear, and there is no screen to check afterward. Simply take the photo, advance the film and move on.

For beginners, those limitations can be useful. A manual film camera requires an understanding of aperture, shutter speed, focus and available light. With fewer exposures available, there is more reason to consider those settings before pressing the shutter. Not every frame will turn out, but an underexposed or blurry photo makes for a learning experience that can be applied to the next roll.

Of course, making those mistakes can get expensive.  

Popular vintage cameras can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, while film and processing create an ongoing expense. However, an expensive camera is not a requirement.

eBay, Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores and antique shops are full of older point-and-shoots and SLRs. There may even be one sitting in a family member’s closet. For a first camera, the name on the front matters less than whether the shutter fires, the film advances and the lens is in useable condition.  

Choosing film does not have to be complicated either. ISO 400 color film is a versatile starting point for everyday shooting. Lower ISO films generally work better with plenty of light, while higher ISO options provide more flexibility in low-light conditions.  

Once the roll is finished, labs such as Reformed Film Lab in Ormond Beach can develop the negatives and provide digital scans within a few days. Buying film in multipacks and skipping physical prints can help control costs as well. For those interested in the entire process, developing and scanning at home is another skill to learn.

Film is not as fast, predictable, or convenient as digital photography, and it does not need to be. For someone interested in trying it, a working camera, a roll of film and a basic understanding of photography are enough to get started.