My Considerations For Continuing To Shoot With Film

When I started this blog back in 2015, I published several articles to explain why I recommend photographers to try or continue shooting with film.

In 2018 I summarized why I still shot film then.

In 2019 I added a new digital camera to my toolbox (the Fujifilm X100F) and another film camera (the Leica M4).

Film is relatively expensive to use, as compared to shooting digital and I have to annually assess (convince myself) whether I want to continue using it. So now, almost two years further on the road, it is time for me to reassess whether I want to continue shooting with film going forward.

First, let's go back to the main reasons I mentioned in the past for shooting with film and see if these are still valid.

The need to be disciplined and follow a set process

It is essential to follow specific sequences to capture an image with most film cameras: from setting shutter speed and aperture to framing and focusing your subject.

The need to know your photography theory

Still valid! And very much related to the first reason mentioned above. To get the exposure you want, you need to know how shutter speed and aperture will impact the result. You also need to know the specifics of the film you are using, whether it is a reversal film or a slow black and white emulsion.

Film is just better for some shots

I love shooting with medium format cameras. For my fine-art images (link to ArtPal), medium format provides excellent results with its shallow depth of field and great details. Digital medium format backs, however, are quite expensive and create huge digital files that my computer can't handle.

Also, some grain effects (for example, as achieved when shooting an ISO 3200 film) are almost impossible to reproduce with a digital camera or post-processing.

Less post-processing needed

And talking about post-processing: once you have mastered a specific film and camera combination, it is my experience that it is possible to get consistent results with not much post-processing needed after scanning the negatives. And who wants to spend more time behind their computer than necessary?

In conclusion, based on my assessment: I still want to continue shooting with film.

And there is one more reason I have not mentioned yet, which is the most important: I just love to work with film cameras!

Let's be clear: there is no need to shoot film. It is a personal choice.

I love it: the process, the results.

I love handling a film camera, going through all the actions to ensure all settings are correct. It is just more fun than working with a digital camera, even if you are shooting a DSLR or mirrorless camera in 'full manual' mode.

So do I want to continue shooting with film in 2021? Yes!

Both digital and film have their merits, and, depending on the situation, I choose a specific medium and method of creating images. I am lucky I can experience both worlds, with as my main go-to cameras for daily use the trinity Fujifilm X-Pro1, Fujifilm X100F, and Leica M4.

And keep in mind: whatever medium you use for creating images; in the end, it is not the tool that is important. Far more important is going out and creating at all.