Back to film!
Author
Discussion

nellyleelephant

Original Poster:

2,711 posts

263 months

Thursday 17th February 2011
quotequote all
I know I will probably be called stupid for stepping back to 35mm film after digital, but I've done it anyway!
I started my SLR use back in the mid 90's with a lower spec Minolta, a 500si Super, I was just starting out at the time and enjoyed using it and (in my own opinion!) took some nice pictures over the years.

I probably stopped using it in about 2000 I guess, once I had found beer and cars. I met my ex in 2007, she had a 350d which then turned into a 50d last year. Good cameras which re-ignited my interest.
Although, I always did have a hankering to go to film again, not based on quality of images but more the fact that I used to rattle of loads of digital pics and not think about what I was taking. Film forced me (it's a personal thing!!) to think more about what I was doing.

So, where is all this going?? I recently ordered a 2nd hand but very nice condition, Minolta 7xi. I lusted over one of these when I started but they were out of reach as I was an apprentice on a very low salary! I'm reliving my late teens / early 20's!

Does anyone still use film on here? If you do, what film are you using? I'm a landscape person really, with the odd blazing sunset chucked in when the conditions allow. Also, with the reduced usage of the medium, who are the reliable developers these days? I know it's scoffed at when the subject comes up but as someone who spent years restoring a VW, I'm used to being mocked!

PS any ex 7xi users on here with tips?

Cheers

MikeGTi

2,728 posts

230 months

Thursday 17th February 2011
quotequote all
Stupid. wink

I still use film on my Lomo... Horses for courses.

I can't offer any advice though, that would be far too simple..

ian in lancs

3,853 posts

227 months

Thursday 17th February 2011
quotequote all
I shoot a few rolls a month. Portraits mainly so use kodak or fuji 160asa stock. Now I always shoot colour, scan and process in PS. That way I can get a variety of B&W etc as well as colour. I never have prints done when the film is developed. Compared to digital the results can be quite disappointing but with a little effort can sometimes surpass the tonal quality of digital.

RobDickinson

31,343 posts

283 months

Thursday 17th February 2011
quotequote all
I dont understand using 35mm film.

MF or larger yes, its still impractial for most to afford digital versions, but 135?

HereBeMonsters

14,180 posts

211 months

Thursday 17th February 2011
quotequote all
I've been given a pair of Nikon F100s, but disappointed with results compared to wife's D50. CBA with them any more. Still use my Leicas and Rolleiflex though...lovely.

nellyleelephant

Original Poster:

2,711 posts

263 months

Friday 18th February 2011
quotequote all
ian in lancs said:
I shoot a few rolls a month. Portraits mainly so use kodak or fuji 160asa stock. Now I always shoot colour, scan and process in PS. That way I can get a variety of B&W etc as well as colour. I never have prints done when the film is developed. Compared to digital the results can be quite disappointing but with a little effort can sometimes surpass the tonal quality of digital.
You develop your own? Or you get them them developed then scan?

ian in lancs

3,853 posts

227 months

Friday 18th February 2011
quotequote all
nellyleelephant said:
ian in lancs said:
I shoot a few rolls a month. Portraits mainly so use kodak or fuji 160asa stock. Now I always shoot colour, scan and process in PS. That way I can get a variety of B&W etc as well as colour. I never have prints done when the film is developed. Compared to digital the results can be quite disappointing but with a little effort can sometimes surpass the tonal quality of digital.
You develop your own? Or you get them them developed then scan?
developed and scanned at club35 in London. i found them to be the best price / quality mix. you'll hear people suggest peakimaging - when i used them they were terrible and had to rescan. As for cameras I have a Nikon F5 that can use all my FX lenses and an Olympus OM2n with a range of lenses from the late 80's. I have tried medium format, Bronica but didn't get on with it. The Mamiya 645AFS might be a better fit and it can take a digi back... My mate has one and both film & digital images are awesome.

nellyleelephant

Original Poster:

2,711 posts

263 months

Friday 18th February 2011
quotequote all
ian in lancs said:
developed and scanned at club35 in London. i found them to be the best price / quality mix. you'll hear people suggest peakimaging - when i used them they were terrible and had to rescan. As for cameras I have a Nikon F5 that can use all my FX lenses and an Olympus OM2n with a range of lenses from the late 80's. I have tried medium format, Bronica but didn't get on with it. The Mamiya 645AFS might be a better fit and it can take a digi back... My mate has one and both film & digital images are awesome.
Thanks for that, have looked at Club35 and their prices don't seem that bad at all.

Cheers