Eric, you nailed it when you said that us older folks saw all these wonderful cameras back in the day and couldn't afford any of them. That is me to a "T". I now have more film cameras than I can shoot, but I love having them. I bought an Olympus OM-1 in 1976 on time and have the paperwork where I paid it off in three months (I still have the OM-1). That was the only camera I had until I got a new Nikon D40 in 2008. There is something about a 30-40 yr old camera that can't be matched with todays digital cameras. Don't get me wrong, I have plenty expensive digital cameras, but I just love the old film cameras.
Hi, I'm right there with you. I have the latest and greatest digital cameras but I mostly use them for video. Most of my still photos are taken on film (probably about 10,000+ film photos by now). I love the whole process of selecting the film stock, and even which camera I want to use when I shoot film. It's great fun for me.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel I’m buying it when I find it. I think I’ve only bought two rolls of it in 35mm this year (that’s how rarely I come across it..), and just a few days ago I bought a roll of it in 120. I know that I’m paying WAY too much money for it these days, but at least I know it’s in my freezer for when some special opportunity appears.. 🤞.
I've been using film cameras since the late '60's when I was a boy. Sure, I use digital cameras but film is what I love. I still get a sense of excitement loading a roll of film, finding a subject and taking some shots. Then comes the excitement from the anticipation of how they are going to turn out. I don't get the same thing from digital photography. Whatever floats your boat!
I have a Chamonix F1 4x5. A Hasselblad 503. Minolta Autocord and a Nikon F3HP. Plus two other 4x5 cameras and about six more 35mm. Oh and I have a Darkroom so yes I am very dedicated to Film :). I am one of those that shoots one type of black and white film almost 100%. Starting to throw some Portra 400 in the Minolta which is a 6x6 camera.
It sounds like a great collection of film cameras. I love the look of 4x5 and other larger format film stocks. I haven’t yet taken the plunge into 4x5.
I got all my cameras from friends and family. Started with my dad's K1000, then once I gained some confidence, I started using the old Kodak Signet 35 that a cousin had given me when I was a kid, which I always thought looked cool, but I had no idea what all the numbers meant. Also it is nice nowadays that you can download the manuals for old cameras. It turns out it has a "box camera" setting, so you can use it like a point and shoot if you want.
So far....never found a film camera for pennys....I am up to 3 cameras that have problems...all 2 from e bay and 1 from craigslist...mold is always present in all 3 so far.....
Great introduction to film photography. However, at 4:05 you say, "With film, you don't have the option to take a colour photo and change it into black and white, in Photoshop or Lightroom later on. That's just not an option." I don't understand this statement and find it a bit misleading for beginner film photographers. You absolutely can digitize any colour film photo and change it to black and white. I'm wondering if you misspoke and meant to say something else? Even with colour negatives you can make a black and white print. Please clarify. Otherwise, great video and channel. Keep it up!
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Ok. If you can, please edit the video, or put a clear disclaimer pinned to the top of the comments explaining the error, to avoid further confusion among future viewers.
New sub here. Was worried about you since been long time since last vid. In these times you need to post updates to your subs to let us know you are OK. Kindest regards.
Thanks so much and my best holiday wishes for you and yours. Thanks for checking in and I do have plans for 2021. I think we all want to put 2020 in the rear view mirror.
Nice info! I watched your Electro 35 vid bc I just bought one. I have some Ektar 100 and HP5 for b&w, but didn't know about the diffs in grain. So thanks! Subbed✌🏾🚀
Thanks for the sub and I’m glad you found my vid helpful. The electro 35 has a great lens with wonderful bokeh so I think you’ll be happy with the results.
03:16 well this would be me, but if i would be able to develop C-41 i would probably shoot color too, its just so that can only develop bw-film easily. And of course i love black and white, but i would also love to shoot color from time to time if i could develop it myself
My friend, if you can develop black and white, I have every confidence that you can develop C-41. It’s as simple as 1 min prewash, 3:30 developer, 6:30 blix and final rinse- all at 102 degree Fahrenheit. Blix is ok from 95-105 degrees. That’s it. You know the rest, ie loading the film into the development tank, etc. the chemicals last forever and c-41 is very forgiving in terms of exposure latitude. Happy holidays!
@@FilmPhotographyChannel in theory yes, but i reality i dont have the room for all the stuff, and also i really really like bw :) I really am addicted to PANF+ but would like to shoot some portra from time to time ...
Hi Eric, for myself, since the late 80s, no Brainer - Kodak Tri-X 400 (TX400) that Film is iconic. I use & love to shoot, but when shooting something more price-sensitive, APX 100 from Agfa @200, for increased black, contrasts. Also Ilford HP5+, XP2 Super, Delta 100 are my faves. Fujifilm Acros 100 (II) is terrible expensive into 2020 & beyond.
I’ve never tried any Agfa B&W films as of yet. I agree with your sentiments about Tri-X and HP5+ and XP2. I’ll add my new (to me) favorite which is Rollei RPX. I’ve tried RPX 25, 100 and 400. It’s a very sharp and contrasty film with deep black tones but somehow manages to offer a great tonal range at the same time.
Lots of great info here, sir. I tell new film users that unlike digital users who fret over the latest-and-greatest sensor, for $5 or $10 you can install a new sensor in any old film camera to "adjust" the look. That said, I agree that sticking with just one film stock for a long time ensures you know it --- and how you see the world --- inside and out. I'm ... not ready yet for Ektar. Nearly every example I see shared online is too red, although I really want to see what it can do with a variety of blues! (I'd rather explore Pro Image first.) And I don't know that Fuji's consumer color negative film always work well for me without pushing/pulling and I'm tired of remembering which. ColorPlus 200 remains a stone-cold bargain that's easy to work with, easy to adjust later in post. P.S. I really miss Sensia 100. It wasn't Fuji's "pro" reversal film but I got great results from it when using "modern" light meters (in 1990s cameras ... ) I remember it as having great balance between natural greens and honest skin tones.
Kodak’s Ektar 100 is one of my favor ite color films. It’s very sharp, dries really flat so it scans well and has beautiful saturated color. I consider it as a viable substitute for color reversal film although I have limited experience with slide film. I’d encourage you to try it out especially if you’re shooting landscapes.
I’m trying to go in the reverse of your recommending learning how to shoot in B&W. I’m an old geezer who learned on B&W as a kid because I couldn’t afford color. I’ve never been able to completely stop thinking in B&W, even though I’ve shot color almost exclusively for the last 35 years.
If I look in your freezer for film, I am not getting past the ice cream, especially the Drumsticks. Especially now, as my brother has informed me of his covid-19 pandemic coping mechanism which consists of ordering various ice cream flavors with his food deliveries so that he can sample a full range of flavors and styles. He is also dong the same with cookies. Currently he is working his way through many of Wegman's store brand of ice cream offerings. I was pondering your frozen film until I saw the ice cream. Good video, useful information. Best wishes!
Thanks so much. Your post made me laugh or loud. It sounds like your brother has a sound and delicious coping mechanism! Let’s hope for a quick and safe return to normal. Happy Thanksgiving and please be safe.
I'm with you on the Reala. That was an excellent film. It's a shame it was discontinued. At that point in time, Fuji was considering abandoning all film. Was supposed to be completely eliminated by 2022. Someone in corporate said "HEY! This is a dumb idea. It's all of a sudden selling like hotcakes & there are requests for discontinued formulas'. Then they said "Let there be Across II". And there was much rejoicing. :vD I absolutely love that film. That & the Ferrania P30 are my go-to's. P3200 is another good one & you can't knock Tri-X. It has after all been around for about 80 years, so Kodak has to be doing something right. Speaking of, have you tried the new Ektachrome & what do you think of it? I've been happy with it. I sent out the first few rolls to Dwayne's to see what I was dealing with. After that, all the E6 tanking was done at home. Except for the 120. That gets sent out until I'm set up to handle it. One last question, do you shoot any movie film in your 35mm cameras? I get great results with the various Vision II & III films tanked on C41 & now that kits are available ECN2. Great video & I look forward to more along these lines. One last thing..... You can open the camera & chimp film, you just won't like the results. Lol! Regards!
Lol, I may have chimped a film camera once or twice. I’ve tried cinestill a couple of times but never tried the film that has the black layer which needs rinsing off before developing. Ektachrome is pretty nice but I’ve had mixed results developing it at home. I’ve had the best results by far with Provia 100. I’m lured lured back to trying slide film from time to time after saying never again. I think next time I’m using a lab.
Forgot to ask... How did you do your E6 processing? I just kept my chemicals in a warm water bath and used a thermometer graduated to .5F. I’ve used the 4bath Kodak Hobby-pac, the 7bath 1L Kodak kit, and 3 bath third party E6 kits. I know that the first developer is the critical one for control at not more than +/- .5F for temp variance (although I was ok if if varied by 2-3 degrees) for critical results. The color developer can vary up to a few degrees and the bleach/fix, even more. I don’t shoot slides anymore due to cost and also because my DSLR gives me results with a color palette like Ektachrome E100.
Hello Eric. You mentioned the storage temperature for professional films. If memory serves me right, it’s to be stored at a 55F maximum temperature. Are you still using Rollei RPX 400? I remember in another video you commented that you really liked it. I’m going to try it when I order some film soon. I’ve been doing my black and white film in D-76 because I like the look it gives.
I know and my apologies to the people out there that posses the skill and patience to properly manage slide film. I’ve only ever gotten the results that I wanted from Provia. The new Ektachrome and Velvia have more often been epic fails for me. I made a video where I ended up using (wasting) three rolls of slide film and never really got great results. I found out some interesting info and some of the comments were very helpful and in depth. th-cam.com/video/IRmu4aMx6rU/w-d-xo.html
Couldn’t agree more about your final point. The tunnel vision to the subject and what you’re doing is like no other
Thanks
Eric, you nailed it when you said that us older folks saw all these wonderful cameras back in the day and couldn't afford any of them. That is me to a "T". I now have more film cameras than I can shoot, but I love having them. I bought an Olympus OM-1 in 1976 on time and have the paperwork where I paid it off in three months (I still have the OM-1). That was the only camera I had until I got a new Nikon D40 in 2008. There is something about a 30-40 yr old camera that can't be matched with todays digital cameras. Don't get me wrong, I have plenty expensive digital cameras, but I just love the old film cameras.
Hi, I'm right there with you. I have the latest and greatest digital cameras but I mostly use them for video. Most of my still photos are taken on film (probably about 10,000+ film photos by now). I love the whole process of selecting the film stock, and even which camera I want to use when I shoot film. It's great fun for me.
Great video. Thanks
Thanks for all your insights. Just getting back into film.
At last! Someone who appreciates the “superiority” of Fuji Superia Reala 100! It is by far my absolute favorite color film .. ever! Nice!
Absolutely! Superia Reala is what film should look like. I love the moody, saturated colors, sharpness, etc. I don’t like that I’m running out of it!
@@FilmPhotographyChannel I’m buying it when I find it. I think I’ve only bought two rolls of it in 35mm this year (that’s how rarely I come across it..), and just a few days ago I bought a roll of it in 120. I know that I’m paying WAY too much money for it these days, but at least I know it’s in my freezer for when some special opportunity appears.. 🤞.
Thank you for your videos. I find them very helpful. I’m glad you made them. Cheers from Poland:)
Glad you like them!
C'mon man. More Videos. Keep on fighting. TH-cam is tough business 😉
I’m working on one now. 😀
I've been using film cameras since the late '60's when I was a boy. Sure, I use digital cameras but film is what I love. I still get a sense of excitement loading a roll of film, finding a subject and taking some shots. Then comes the excitement from the anticipation of how they are going to turn out. I don't get the same thing from digital photography. Whatever floats your boat!
I agree with you 100%. I have digital cameras but really only use them for video. Film is great fun.
It's mad this was only a year ago and the prices of film now are so drastically different
I hear you on that. Ektar is nearly $20.00?? That’s crazy. I’m thankful I have a pretty healthy stockpile in the fridge lol
I have a Chamonix F1 4x5. A Hasselblad 503. Minolta Autocord and a Nikon F3HP. Plus two other 4x5 cameras and about six more 35mm. Oh and I have a Darkroom so yes I am very dedicated to Film :). I am one of those that shoots one type of black and white film almost 100%. Starting to throw some Portra 400 in the Minolta which is a 6x6 camera.
It sounds like a great collection of film cameras. I love the look of 4x5 and other larger format film stocks. I haven’t yet taken the plunge into 4x5.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel They add up over the years 😊
You can play in menus with your F6.😉
Very true. I think it would take a month for battery to die tho.
I got all my cameras from friends and family. Started with my dad's K1000, then once I gained some confidence, I started using the old Kodak Signet 35 that a cousin had given me when I was a kid, which I always thought looked cool, but I had no idea what all the numbers meant. Also it is nice nowadays that you can download the manuals for old cameras. It turns out it has a "box camera" setting, so you can use it like a point and shoot if you want.
Tmax if you gotta pick and your new to this
Love your videos Eric! Good explanations and no rush. Very good tips also.
Thanks!
Eric is Great!
So far....never found a film camera for pennys....I am up to 3 cameras that have problems...all 2 from e bay and 1 from craigslist...mold is always present in all 3 so far.....
Great introduction to film photography. However, at 4:05 you say, "With film, you don't have the option to take a colour photo and change it into black and white, in Photoshop or Lightroom later on. That's just not an option." I don't understand this statement and find it a bit misleading for beginner film photographers. You absolutely can digitize any colour film photo and change it to black and white. I'm wondering if you misspoke and meant to say something else? Even with colour negatives you can make a black and white print. Please clarify. Otherwise, great video and channel. Keep it up!
Hi, yes I was talking about black and white film specifically in that section of the video. I didn’t catch that but thanks for pointing it out.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Ok. If you can, please edit the video, or put a clear disclaimer pinned to the top of the comments explaining the error, to avoid further confusion among future viewers.
New sub here. Was worried about you since been long time since last vid. In these times you need to post updates to your subs to let us know you are OK. Kindest regards.
You’re so right about that. Thanks for checking in and I hope all is good with you and yours. Thanks.
4.99 is wonderland
Yep. Ektar is almost $20.00??
New sub, this channel is wonderful & I'm learning so much !! Thank you for up loads!
Thanks for the sub! I’m glad you find my content useful.
Just stopping by to say I hope you had a merry Christmas, Eric. And...Happy New Year! I look forward to seeing the channel in 2021.
Thanks so much and my best holiday wishes for you and yours. Thanks for checking in and I do have plans for 2021. I think we all want to put 2020 in the rear view mirror.
Your videos are always so informative. I’ve purchased a Canon A1, Mamiya 645 and Olympus XA the last few months because of all your videos.
Wow, thanks. I’m glad you enjoy them!
@@FilmPhotographyChannel also got an rb67 recently lol. :)
Final thoughts, absolutely great!
I really like how kentmere 100 looks when developing with rodinal. It's a really cheap combo!
Nice info! I watched your Electro 35 vid bc I just bought one. I have some Ektar 100 and HP5 for b&w, but didn't know about the diffs in grain. So thanks! Subbed✌🏾🚀
Thanks for the sub and I’m glad you found my vid helpful. The electro 35 has a great lens with wonderful bokeh so I think you’ll be happy with the results.
03:16 well this would be me, but if i would be able to develop C-41 i would probably shoot color too, its just so that can only develop bw-film easily.
And of course i love black and white, but i would also love to shoot color from time to time if i could develop it myself
My friend, if you can develop black and white, I have every confidence that you can develop C-41. It’s as simple as 1 min prewash, 3:30 developer, 6:30 blix and final rinse- all at 102 degree Fahrenheit. Blix is ok from 95-105 degrees. That’s it. You know the rest, ie loading the film into the development tank, etc. the chemicals last forever and c-41 is very forgiving in terms of exposure latitude. Happy holidays!
@@FilmPhotographyChannel in theory yes, but i reality i dont have the room for all the stuff, and also i really really like bw :)
I really am addicted to PANF+ but would like to shoot some portra from time to time ...
Great job young man! really like your approach.
Thanks so much!
Hi Eric, for myself, since the late 80s, no Brainer - Kodak Tri-X 400 (TX400) that Film is iconic. I use & love to shoot, but when shooting something more price-sensitive, APX 100 from Agfa @200, for increased black, contrasts. Also Ilford HP5+, XP2 Super, Delta 100 are my faves. Fujifilm Acros 100 (II) is terrible expensive into 2020 & beyond.
I’ve never tried any Agfa B&W films as of yet. I agree with your sentiments about Tri-X and HP5+ and XP2. I’ll add my new (to me) favorite which is Rollei RPX. I’ve tried RPX 25, 100 and 400. It’s a very sharp and contrasty film with deep black tones but somehow manages to offer a great tonal range at the same time.
Lots of great info here, sir. I tell new film users that unlike digital users who fret over the latest-and-greatest sensor, for $5 or $10 you can install a new sensor in any old film camera to "adjust" the look. That said, I agree that sticking with just one film stock for a long time ensures you know it --- and how you see the world --- inside and out.
I'm ... not ready yet for Ektar. Nearly every example I see shared online is too red, although I really want to see what it can do with a variety of blues! (I'd rather explore Pro Image first.) And I don't know that Fuji's consumer color negative film always work well for me without pushing/pulling and I'm tired of remembering which. ColorPlus 200 remains a stone-cold bargain that's easy to work with, easy to adjust later in post.
P.S. I really miss Sensia 100. It wasn't Fuji's "pro" reversal film but I got great results from it when using "modern" light meters (in 1990s cameras ... ) I remember it as having great balance between natural greens and honest skin tones.
Kodak’s Ektar 100 is one of my favor
ite color films. It’s very sharp, dries really flat so it scans well and has beautiful saturated color. I consider it as a viable substitute for color reversal film although I have limited experience with slide film. I’d encourage you to try it out especially if you’re shooting landscapes.
I’m trying to go in the reverse of your recommending learning how to shoot in B&W. I’m an old geezer who learned on B&W as a kid because I couldn’t afford color. I’ve never been able to completely stop thinking in B&W, even though I’ve shot color almost exclusively for the last 35 years.
Interesting. When I was a kid I couldn't afford color either. I developed and printed B&W at home on my cheapo Beseler enlarger.
Great vid ... really good overview. I'll be trying the TRI-X 400
Thanks so much. Tri-X is an immensely popular and classic film. I think you’ll like it.
Tri-X is a great film for street photography.
If I look in your freezer for film, I am not getting past the ice cream, especially the Drumsticks. Especially now, as my brother has informed me of his covid-19 pandemic coping mechanism which consists of ordering various ice cream flavors with his food deliveries so that he can sample a full range of flavors and styles. He is also dong the same with cookies. Currently he is working his way through many of Wegman's store brand of ice cream offerings. I was pondering your frozen film until I saw the ice cream.
Good video, useful information.
Best wishes!
Thanks so much. Your post made me laugh or loud. It sounds like your brother has a sound and delicious coping mechanism! Let’s hope for a quick and safe return to normal. Happy Thanksgiving and please be safe.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Thanks! God bless you and yours!
I too saw the Drumsticks and it made me want one!! :)
@@donaldjr1969 It is a covid release!
I'm with you on the Reala. That was an excellent film. It's a shame it was discontinued. At that point in time, Fuji was considering abandoning all film. Was supposed to be completely eliminated by 2022. Someone in corporate said "HEY! This is a dumb idea. It's all of a sudden selling like hotcakes & there are requests for discontinued formulas'. Then they said "Let there be Across II". And there was much rejoicing. :vD I absolutely love that film. That & the Ferrania P30 are my go-to's. P3200 is another good one & you can't knock Tri-X. It has after all been around for about 80 years, so Kodak has to be doing something right. Speaking of, have you tried the new Ektachrome & what do you think of it? I've been happy with it. I sent out the first few rolls to Dwayne's to see what I was dealing with. After that, all the E6 tanking was done at home. Except for the 120. That gets sent out until I'm set up to handle it. One last question, do you shoot any movie film in your 35mm cameras? I get great results with the various Vision II & III films tanked on C41 & now that kits are available ECN2.
Great video & I look forward to more along these lines.
One last thing..... You can open the camera & chimp film, you just won't like the results. Lol!
Regards!
Lol, I may have chimped a film camera once or twice. I’ve tried cinestill a couple of times but never tried the film that has the black layer which needs rinsing off before developing. Ektachrome is pretty nice but I’ve had mixed results developing it at home. I’ve had the best results by far with Provia 100. I’m lured lured back to trying slide film from time to time after saying never again. I think next time I’m using a lab.
Thanks so much. I’ll check it out.
Forgot to ask... How did you do your E6 processing? I just kept my chemicals in a warm water bath and used a thermometer graduated to .5F. I’ve used the 4bath Kodak Hobby-pac, the 7bath 1L Kodak kit, and 3 bath third party E6 kits. I know that the first developer is the critical one for control at not more than +/- .5F for temp variance (although I was ok if if varied by 2-3 degrees) for critical results. The color developer can vary up to a few degrees and the bleach/fix, even more.
I don’t shoot slides anymore due to cost and also because my DSLR gives me results with a color palette like Ektachrome E100.
It’s been a while but I posted a video on my E-6 process. I think I went through 4-5 rolls with mixed results. youtu.be/
Hello Eric. You mentioned the storage temperature for professional films. If memory serves me right, it’s to be stored at a 55F maximum temperature.
Are you still using Rollei RPX 400? I remember in another video you commented that you really liked it. I’m going to try it when I order some film soon. I’ve been doing my black and white film in D-76 because I like the look it gives.
Thanks. I keep my film in the freezer but I’ve heard lots of schools of thought on the temp.
Can’t believe you don’t like slide film...🙄😆🤪
I know and my apologies to the people out there that posses the skill and patience to properly manage slide film. I’ve only ever gotten the results that I wanted from Provia. The new Ektachrome and Velvia have more often been epic fails for me. I made a video where I ended up using (wasting) three rolls of slide film and never really got great results. I found out some interesting info and some of the comments were very helpful and in depth. th-cam.com/video/IRmu4aMx6rU/w-d-xo.html
I am looking for a cheap paper for contact sheets and having some fun ... which one would you suggest?
It’s been quite a while since I printed film photos but I used to use ilford multi grade FB. I’ve never developed color prints.