Film looks like a memory in a way that digital never can.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Wonderfully stated! And so true. Thanks for watching!

@jw48335

7 ай бұрын

@@phillipbanes5484 If you think you can get Sony's poop-tastic colors to look like 400H or Provia, call Fuji cause they'll probably want to buy your secret formula🤣

@SloopJohnBee-vq6dw

7 ай бұрын

Yep. Film comes in a ‘can’. It’s real, you can hold it in your hand, and the results. I shoot digital mostly but love film too. Vintage cameras etc. It’s a true joy 👍📸

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

@@SloopJohnBee-vq6dw Absolutely! And I think each has its own unique way to look at the world. So glad we live in an age where both exist! Cheers!

@SloopJohnBee-vq6dw

7 ай бұрын

@@vintagecameradigest yep man. Absolutely. Let’s pray for good light in 2024. Happy New Year 👍📸

This video left me breathless. From your excellent commentary on film to the spectacular images at the end. This video was superb, to say the least! In the picture section I had to pause with every image and simply gaze upon & study it a bit. For me @ 78 years old, I was skipping heart beats at many of them. And on a side note, you did such an excellent job of preserving them. If there are awards or accolades for You Tube videos, this one deserves a healthy nomination!! Why shoot film today? My best analogy is with cars. I drive modern vehicles, but am also an old hot rodder. While my daily transportation is a newish Toyota Camry, the opportunity to sit behind the wheel of a Tri-5 Chevy or a C3 Corvette is nothing short of a thrill! In today's digital age, shooting film seems to provoke those same kinds of feelings. So, in essence, going out with a film camera today is the same for me as taking a '68 Corvette Stingray out for a joy ride. I shot film from 1970 to 2002, and developed & printed my own b&w from day 1. Starting in the 1990's, I also took a photography course at a local Community College "every" semester for 10 years running, where I could print my own color negatives AND transparency film. Bought my first digital camera in 2002 (a 6 mpix Fuji), and from that point to recently, I put film photography in my rear view mirror. It was your first video that renewed my interest in film, particularly b&w. So, you get the credit (or blame 🥰). I recently purchased a mint Yashica Mat 124G, and, already owning a couple of vintage Nikon F2's, I made my first investment in 35mm & 120 b&w film in over 20+ years, from B&H. Loaded up with T-Max 100 & my favorite, Tri-X, I am now going to further mimic you by going to a variety of places nearby, find interesting subjects & compositions, take meter readings with my hand meters, and fully enjoy and engulf myself!

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

I’ll happily take the “blame” for that :-) By the way, I was out with the Yashica-Mat 124G today and enjoyed it thoroughly. That’ll be coming up next! I like your car/camera analogy. It’s been made by a few others on here, as well. The user experience is different for just about every one you pick up. However, I’ve not shot with one yet that gives me the same feeling as a ‘68 Vette. I’m still searching for that one! Thanks for watching, my friend!

@ant9944

6 ай бұрын

This is a bit of a late reply, but as someone who is a lot younger (20s), digital has been around for my whole life, but I get that same feeling you describe from using a film camera. I'd always had an interest in the history of technology which eventually led me to get my parents' old film cameras out of storage and try them out, and I've been primarily using film ever since. For me, it's the fact that it's something far more tangible than digital photos and just feels more "real" to me.

How cool you still have your childhood camera 🤩🤩

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

I’m surprised I found it. Lately I’ve been thinking about taking it on a shoot. May make an episode?

@danielcalvocamacho4538

7 ай бұрын

@@vintagecameradigest go for it!

Beyond its tangible value, the manual process of chemical photography offers a unique and artisanal experience. Using a fully mechanical camera allows photographers to have complete control over every aspect of the image-making process. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper connection with the craft, where every step, from loading the film to developing the final print, becomes a deliberate and thoughtful act. The tactile nature of working with film, along with the anticipation and unpredictability of the results, provides a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that is often unmatched in the digital realm. Excellent video, very nice vintage pictures, thanks for sharing. 👍👍

@vintagecameradigest

Ай бұрын

Many thanks! You summed up my feelings spot on. Cheers!

Those old photographs are a treasure found.

@vintagecameradigest

8 күн бұрын

The stories they could tell….

Born in '92, I didn't have much experience shooting film other than probably a few random frames on disposable film cameras that my parents bought throughout the years. I bought my first digital camera in college about 13 years ago and up until recently, I was shooting digital exclusively. I picked up a film camera about 2 years ago and was instantly hooked at the process. It felt like I was discovering photography again. What I thought I knew about making an exposure shifted. Knowing that each frame could be financially punishing forced me to slow down. Looking for better compositions, being careful with settings to get proper exposure, etc. It taught me patience among other things. But I also have a knack with collecting tangible items. Something about cutting film and storing them in sleeves is very therapeutic to me. Even if the negatives are not even mine!

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

What I’ve come to understand - from your comment, as well as some from others - is that the “younger” generation’s reason for using film isn’t much different from mine. It teaches patience and method. And I need that as much as anyone! Thanks so much for watching and sharing your perspective. And keep picking up those random negatives!

@jamdealer

7 ай бұрын

@@vintagecameradigest That's it! Something about analog feels much more natural too in a sense. In terms of creating an image from the light-exposed emulsion and chemistry. No electronics needed. Similar to the process of vinyl record playback; it absolutely blows my mind that a needle can reproduce recorded sound just by tracking a groove (electronics needed to spin the record and amplify the tune of course, but you get the point)! Analog is just much more human than digital. The sheer curiosity of the method behind the madness is fascinating to me, which is perhaps another reason I was drawn into film. Anyhow, great video and keep it up! Will be looking forward to your uploads in the future. Enjoy the holiday season. :)

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Funny you brought up the vinyl LP analogy. I just mentioned that to someone else. How such a technology can produce beautifully music is basically magic!

@cityvisual

3 ай бұрын

Also interesting is the need for. Correct / no mistake, photographic process. Composition, lighting, depth of focus…. Many other factors that can change, moment to moment. With the Rollei, you see the moment of ‘truth’, the experience is unlike any Hassleblad, Mamya, or SLRs. Then there is the RUSH of the entire job experience. Wow. Being sent out with 2 rolls (24 exposures) and expect to deliver 20 near perfect compositions. Wedding photography is another level.

I can relate. I started shooting with Canon FD cameras as a kid in the '90s. Back then these cameras were only seen as obsolete, and people would just give me gear they had in the closet. I went on to work as a newspaper photographer for over 12 years. I don't regret that career move one bit, but I ended up burned out with no desire to do photography for myself anymore. After a career change a few years ago, my inspiration has come back. I've been rediscovering photography as a hobby again, and a big part of that has been picking up my old film cameras.

@vintagecameradigest

Ай бұрын

So glad you’ve found a renewed inspiration with film photography. Hope you still have that awesome FD system to use!

I always felt like was a little bit of a wizard or something when I would be able to develop my own film and print in the dark room. Making images appear on a piece of film or paper just felt like magic, especially when I used a fully manual camera. It always made me feel connected to the process and the image itself. I feel almost disconnected from my digital photos. I also loved the ability to try printing photos on things you just can’t with digital. I do love my digital camera and all the benefits that go with it but it will never replace film as long as film is still available.

@vintagecameradigest

10 күн бұрын

I think the “disconnectedness” of digital really resonates with a lot of people. Digital takes you straight to the destination. Film requires a bit of a journey to get there. And that entire process is what I find fulfilling. Are my film shots technically superior to my digital photos? Not likely. But are they more valuable to me? Absolutely. Thanks for watching!

Well said, Sir. I have nothing I can add to what you so eloquently stated.

@vintagecameradigest

Ай бұрын

Many thanks!

I shoot film in all formats to include 4X5. I really do not know why I do it , it just so enjoyable that the cost is justifiable ( at least to me it is). Not only does it slow you down but the entire process is great. I shoot, develop, scan and print at home. Once I am done I have a negative and a print that will out-live me. Love all your videos. They are very entertaining and very informative. Thank you for dedicating you valuable time to us and the art of Photography.

@vintagecameradigest

Ай бұрын

Thanks so much for the kind words! I’m glad there are others that enjoy the entire process as I do. It’s not always about getting to the results as fast as we can. I think that the journey is just as important as the destination. Cheers!

I've been shooting film since the 70s, but these days, for me shooting film is all about the process - from measuring the light through the tactile process of using a mechanical camera to the developing, printing (or scanning). On the financial front, you can get a very nice film camera plus lenses for less than the cost of even an entry level mirrorless camera and have money left over for some film. Of course the marginal cost of each film frame is higher, as you say, but the total outlay need not be prohibitive.

@vintagecameradigest

8 күн бұрын

I agree. It’s about the process for me, as well, and the tangible result. It gives me the joy that digital just can not provide. Cheers!

Very well said my friend. Physical pictures seem to be a tangible legacy that outlives us all. My mother passed last year and I’ve got a box of negatives she had spanning all the way back to the late 1800s. There are only one or two people remaining that can potentially identify who they were before they will simply be lost to unnamed history like all of us at some point.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

You know, my grandmother had a boxful of old prints (and some negatives, surprisingly), and we sat down with her one day to try and identify who some of the people were. We only got through about half the box and never finished. She’s gone now, so any possibility of identifying them has passed. I regret not following up on that. But at least we have them and not all will be lost. Thanks so much for watching!

From the digital age but my father had a dark room and I remember spending time with him watching the pictures develop . I bought a film point and shoot and a holga and I'm hooked. My digital cameras get me perfect images but I am not as happy with them. Getting a nice film image means more to me, I can't say why though.💁

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Maybe it seems more of an accomplishment? I mean anything we can do that DOESN’T require a computer makes me feel more in touch with whatever that thing is? Possibly…

I'm not sure why I still shoot film. As you enunciated so well the reasons that digital photography is way better than film, I can only offer a few reasons why I still prefer film over digital. It is what I started with as a boy using my Dad's Brownie box 616. A very cheap camera but it produced outstanding contact prints of the many trips we went on during my growing years as well as documenting the progression of Easter day family portraits we always made. Then when I joined the military as a young man, and was able to buy my own camera, it was a Nikon F that I purchased from the BX in Okinawa. I used that camera and an assortment of lenses to document everywhere I was stationed throughout the 30 years I was in the service. Those negatives and slides are a history of all my travels and the things that were important to me at each location. While I have stacks of CF and SD cards as well as an on line library of all the pictures I have taken with my digital cameras, I use my film cameras to make prints I hang on the walls of my home. These are tangible evidence of what I like most about the art of photography.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

And it’s a perfect way to tell YOUR story. I imagine that what you were able to capture during those 30 years is no less than amazing.

I shoot digital for work and film ( 35mm, 120 in 6x9 form ) for fun. "Fun" is the key word that keeps me coming back.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

I agree 100% with that statement

I'm 45 now I started out with film on a old Nikon f gifted to me from My Grandfather. He was a cold war military photographer that followed Elvis in 1958 , 1959 His assignment was Vietnam for most of the 60s .I seen all on film even the bad. I never moved away from that nikon f, it sets in my bag with a 7dmkii, 5dmkii and 5d4 also fe2 and fm2 . The life you gave to that random film you found is beyond words.

@vintagecameradigest

3 ай бұрын

Many, many thanks for the kind words! So cool that you keep a film camera(s) in your current bag.

Nice vintage pictures, thanks for sharing.

@vintagecameradigest

Ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching!

I just now subscribed to your channel as I’m thinking that we are about the same age and probably have similar film photography backgrounds. My father taught me 8mm & 16mm filmmaking when I was 6 or 7. His best friend was one of the most popular still photographers in the region. So I’ve been around film for over 60 years now. I’ve been collecting and repairing old, vintage film cameras for several decades now and am thrilled about this analog film resurgence. I’m sure I’ll enjoy your content! Thanks for this one!

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Thank you for the sub! I hope you’ll enjoy these as much as I do. Be sure to check out the other episodes, and I’m always up for suggestions for new ones!

As I am now 58 I grew up with film. Digital started for me in the early 2000's. since retiring from social photography I now find my self yearning to shoot film again and also digital. I still don't know why but this video does ring true. I do make a point of printing my digital work ( only the stuff I like) in the hope it will stand the test of time. People simply don't print enough IMHO

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

I think prints are a big part of it. And I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t print enough. Maybe it can be a New Year’s resolution for me - more printing! Thanks so much for tuning in!

@RichardsModellingAdventures

7 ай бұрын

Have a great new year. I look forward to your future content :) @@vintagecameradigest

Film photography is a hobby I enjoy. Hobbies do not require justification. I think the whole idea is that hobbies are pointless. Heck, 90 percent of what people enjoy doing is pointless. Yeah, not much to say about it really. I just like it.

Digital or film, I print my favorite photos of the year annually. In fact, I am picking the photos of 2023 next weekend. Otherwise, these photos would be eventually lost in the computer.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

That’s such a great idea! Thanks for sharing that!

I love looking at old photo's of people I dont even know. Always hoping that had happy and good lives.

@vintagecameradigest

6 ай бұрын

Most of the old photos I have do suggest they had those moments of happiness. Although some do evoke a bit of melancholy here and there. Not unlike most of us, I suppose.

@darrenbarber791

6 ай бұрын

I am a 61 year old rough and tumble builder, your comment bought a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.

wow, this is the first of your videos i've watched and i wasn't looking for this, but, your explanation of this, well, it somehow re-kindled why i decided to start shooting film again. and at best, i'm a hobbyist photographer. i'll never make money taking pictures, and i'm okay with that, and i'll never have a popular YT or INSTA showcasing what i shot, and yes, digital makes the most sense for someone like me, but at the same time, i'm like, you know what, i wanna commit to this shot, even if doesn't come out. i love my digital camera and will basically always use it, but, i still like loading a roll of whatever, even expired film, in a film camera that i could have never afforded when it was relevant, and, well, just experiencing the process. i've shot a few rolls of film where i didn't even know what i was going to get back because i waited so long to either pay to get them developed or i took the time to develop them myself, and you know what, i was still happy with results, even if those results sucked. i'm subscribing after this one. not that it matters, but, it's nice to hear a fresh, and or, a real take on film photography and why people do it. i mean, beyond its resurgence with certain demographics that solely rely on the "film aesthetic".

@vintagecameradigest

13 күн бұрын

Thanks for watching! There’s just something about the entire film process that makes me feel more invested in the photos I take. For me, it’s COMPLETELY different from digital. I have different goals and expectations, and I tend to pay much more attention to my subjects. And, like you, it’s a terrific opportunity to use those cameras that I could’ve never afforded back when. And the lack of immediate feedback adds layers of suspense, excitement, and a bit of the unknown. And the results tend to be even more meaningful - to me, at least, if not to anyone else. Enjoying the entire process is a wonderful reason to shoot film! Thanks for watching and the sub! Hope you enjoy the channel! Cheers!

"Because photography is worth it!"

@vintagecameradigest

2 ай бұрын

Exactly. Cheers!

Very thought provoking. I grew up in the film days and look forward to reading comments from those who didn't.

@vintagecameradigest

6 ай бұрын

There are some interesting comments, for sure. Thanks for watching!

The people with the row boats at 9:17 is really lovely. Thanks for standing up for the craft of film photography and the beautiful images it can create in such a rich, tangible way.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

That shot has a “Great Gatsby” sort of vibe, I think. It came from a 5x7 glass negative. Incredible detail. Perfectly exposed. My guess is they paid handsomely for that moment. Glad I can help preserve it. Thanks for watching!

I think what really draws me to film is that it reignited my love for photography as a hobby. I love my A7iv and my autofocusing lenses for professional work but all those bells and whistles take away some of the fun from the process of photography. There's an excitement to finding out a week later that you NAILED the focus with the shallow depth of field. I love how tactile shooting film is. I like the slower pace that film warrants and I like the little imperfections that can give a photo a more unique character. Don't get me wrong, for paid work I'm always going to use digital as my main camera but I've been adding my Canon A1 as a secondary cam lately to give my clients something a little more special and unique.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

I agree 100%. And I’m glad you’re working film into your current work. Again, I think it adds value, and I imagine your clients do too.

I shoot film because I love and miss using my film gear. I love looking at vintage photos from long ago, it's like walking into a time machine.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

I have to admit that I do love the old gear, as well. Something about using it is also sort of like going back in time - kinda like the old photos.

I will be 95 in a few days! Took my first photos by the end of WW II in France before serving in the US Army in 51-53. I was really in love with photography and movies later on. When I touch a negative I know it really «saw » the subject, the event, before it became an image ! Took my first professional wedding shots at age 21 ! only stopped a few years ago. My favorite BW camera has always been the Rollei SLR and SLX not the Leica even though I I own an M6 and love its construction. I miss developing and printing BW. Thank you for the video.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Well, let me wish you a VERY HAPPY 95th! I really like the idea of the film “seeing” the actual subject. I’ve not thought of that before, but that’s a great way to describe film. And one of my bucket list cameras is the SLX - such an amazing work of art! Thanks so much for watching!

What an excellent video. Absolutely spot on. I grew up taking film, kept on it for years, moved to digital this century. Now mixing it up. btw, it's not just digital that can disappear : I had thousands of slides, prints and negatives destroyed by water whilst they were in the care of a storage company. I was not at all impressed.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Man, that sounds like a horror story to me. I know there are some crazy, unexpected things that can happen. But I would have had higher expectations from that company. That sucks outright.

I learned photography on film and switched to digital around the year 2000, and I came back to film 5 years ago. The 2 main reasons I still shoot film is the process of shooting film manual is mode complex, reading your light, which shutter speed to choose, the limitations of one ISO for differents situation, etc and the second factor is the feeling of the camera when you press the button to snap the shot. The feeling of my Nikon FE when you press the button is totally different of the one of my Nikon D750 or Nikon Z6, and if I shoot medium format with my Bronica ETR with the waist-level view finder, try copy that on a digital camera, IMPOSSIBLE

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Yes, I do appreciate the way it slows me down to be more deliberate with my shots. Again, each shot is not “free” - as it seems with digital. So I’m a bit more careful - or at least I try to be.

I had this desensitized feeling recently with my photography as well, until I got my hands on a Zeiss macro lens and found an adapter for my mothers old Canon FD lenses (I'm using a 90D)... The manual focus forced me to slow down and become more in touch with what I was shooting...Those lenses came with my moms old AV-1 that I'm anxious to try out, though I find it a bit intimidating.

@vintagecameradigest

2 ай бұрын

Anything that gets you back in touch with a love for the craft is a good thing. Apparently that macro lens was just what you needed for new inspiration. It does open up a new way of seeing all the normal things. As for that AV-1, I encourage you to pick a roll or two of film, a battery, and approach it as another “new’ way to look at all the normal things. I think you’ll be surprised! Cheers!

I shoot film and have mostly been brought up in the era of digital, though as a young child we did sometimes get given disposable cameras to take on a family holiday. Why do I shoot film? I guess in part because it feels like a reprieve from screens, which surround me the rest of the time whether its work or play. I like not having any temptation to immediately review shots seconds after they were taken; I like the excitement of waiting for a roll to be developed. I also like old things, and its fun to use old cameras from various eras and create good images with them.

@vintagecameradigest

6 ай бұрын

I think the excitement of waiting plays a big part with me. The anticipation of pulling the film out of the wash and seeing that (hopefully) there are images there.

On a rainy day in April of 2020 my wife and I took a drive into NYC. What we witnessed was incredible. In a city of 12 million people there wasn’t a soul on the sidewalks, cars driving on the streets. I took my Nikon F3 with me to take pictures but I didn’t really think before we went I was shooting history. As we walked through Central Park we saw maybe ten people walking their dog when in fact there should have been thousands. You could walk down Madison Ave and not get hit by a car. Few cars were driving. I sent the pictures out for development and loaded on an USB thumb drive along with my negatives. Five months later the USB drive stopped working. If not for my negatives the pictures would be lost.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

That is the horror story that I dread to hear. But it certainly happens more often than I’d like. So glad you do have those negatives. No doubt they’re historically significant. Glad you were able to capture that!

I, with pleasure took on the roll of Family Archivist and have pictures that date back to the civil war. I'm lucky, because I know who most of these people are and in the last few years gotten to know them intimately, through family history. Having been entrusted with these printed photos and daguerreotypes, I feel like I've resurrected their memories and been given the opportunity to celebrate them and their existence as my ancestors. Thank you so much for this video and your inspiration to All of Us!

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

That is an excellent way of keeping those stories alive. And you have tangible media that you can share with the generations to come. I know it’s a lot of work, but I’m sure you’ve found it to be worthwhile. Cheers!

The people in these photos certainly dressed in their finest fine for these moments. Worth every penny to them, and should be framed and displayed again. Have not been in a darkroom in 28 years and looking forward to getting back into the game. Having bulk loaded my film back then, I have serious sticker shock with the prices. Two rolls of Ilford Pan F and SFX for $30 two weeks ago and I still have not taken a shot yet. Don't want to waste it but I will shoot soon.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Definite sticker shock. The good news is that, in the UK at least, Kodak is dropping prices on some films. Ilford has always been a little more affordable, but still, the price of a 100’ roll of Delta 100 is not painless. But regardless, I’m gonna keep giving them my money.

Excellent reasons to keep on going in film! Thank you for the video!

@vintagecameradigest

27 күн бұрын

Thanks for watching!

What a wonderful video musing on something inherently more interesting on the nuts & bolts of cameras and film stock (as interesting as those obviously are). Despite agonising over the cost and environmental footprint of film, I actually shoot film because it is an act of assigning value and import to people, places, moments... Something that digital, to my mind, due to its dematerialised, blasé, easy-come-easy go nature doesn't do. As somebody who sews her own clothes with linen and wool fabrics on a low-fi 1950s Singer sewing machine, I see a lot of parallels between photography and 'fashion', with digital photography - despite all its ease, technological potential, 'convenience' - being analogous to fast fashion: cheap, glitzy, synthetic abundance that loses its lustre within minutes... (And yes, of course, I clean and calibrate my secondhand sewing machine myself, just as I do my vintage cameras...)

@vintagecameradigest

6 ай бұрын

What an excellent analogy! Many thanks for sharing that. And I agree - it all comes down to assigning/creating value for the subject. Thanks so much for watching!

I started phototography more than half a century ago, when film was all there was. For the last 20 or so years, I have collected mechanical 35mm cameras. I like to use these cameras, and the most economical way to do this is monochrome film, which I bulk load, and process myself.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

I do love some good B&W. It’s my film of choice. Color tends to be too “literal” of an interpretation for me. Although, I do usually keep some color film around if the project calls for it. Thanks for watching!

Well well, i´am one of the people, that got into Film after digital. Although my very first photos were taken on an old single use p&s that my grandma gave me from time to time. I´am born in the late 90´s so i did grow up in an more and more digital world. My first own Camera was my frist phone. i think i was in the 6th grade, but the pictures from that phone... ohu well. I really dont want to call that musch a picture. When i was about 12 or so i got a phone with a camera that you cud use for something at least. I started to take pictures with that more and more. I always got the old phone of my Sister. My frist Photos that i took that i was impress by the Quality was from the IPhone 6 that i got from my Sister. After school during my social work year i Safed all my money that i got for my first "real" camera. A Canon 80D. I loved that Camera! I never payed more for anything else in my life before that. Well well. I had some good years with that Camera. And than around 6 Years ago i steppt into Film photography. I wanted to have a stronger connection with the pictures. I was board of all the Files on my Laptop. That at least 85% of the Pictures were Stuff that i don´t ever looked at again or deleted directly. Very very funny by the way was the Moment when i got my Canon 80D. The Camera arrived and i opend the Box. I did not have the money for a lens, so it was just the Body. My Dad started to smile and sad i shut wait a Sek. And that he got back with an old Camera case. Inside was his own Camera… It was a Canon T80... Well and there were these two, side by side. It was a spacial Moment for me. May by i had this story in my head with the pictures that my dad had taken. I started to look for a nice film camera. i got a Canon AE-1 (what else...) with a 50mm1.4. But Sadly the Camera had some problem. So a started to get into the repair side. And so the story went on and on. For about 2 Months now i a have a Darkroom and i develop all my film myself. A lot of Cameras gotten through my Hands since. I sold most of my little collection and just have some very nice once left. Film photography has gotten so important to me, especially in the corona years, that i´am now thinking about may by looking for a job in that world. Lets see what will come. But for me, its one of the biggest joys to work on a camera that may by is broken or something, bring it back to life and that go out and shoot with it. Now that i just stuck my thoes into the Darkroom world, i can hear alice calling from far once again.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Thanks so very much! That is a great story, and I’m so glad you shared it. And it does give me some perspective on the “younger” generation’s use of film photography. It appears, in the end, that your reasons aren’t really much different than mine. And that does make me smile. So thank you for that. I also think it’s wonderful that you’ve gotten in to the repair side of things. These cameras aren’t getting any younger and a lot of them need some help. But I hope you’ll be able to help keep some of them alive. You know, what little bit I’ve played with camera repair has shown me one thing - that these cameras are superb examples of craftsmanship and engineering. Like a fine watch. Thanks so much for watching and for the great comment! And I meant to say earlier that your dad’s T80 is a definite collector’s item in some sense. Nice.

I'll soon start my 74th year. The reason I shoot film is I like fooling around, with a purpose, with my old cameras. I like taking pictures with the film cameras because they are different from the digital. I agree, it really isn't logical looking at the cost. However.... we spend our money some where in some way. I choose photography... the film variety. I really enjoyed your views on the why of shooting film. The slide show of the old photos was really nice. In an hour I go to pick up prints from my first roll through the Nikon FT N given to me by my bro-in-law. I just counted... I have ten film cameras now.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

You’re absolutely right - we’re going to spend our money someplace. And I can’t think of many more meaningful ways. Thanks so much for watching. Now, about those 10 cameras - which is your favorite of the moment?

@markgoostree6334

3 ай бұрын

@@vintagecameradigest Favorite? you've asked a tough question. My first 35mm from '71 is a Konica Autoreflex T was my only camera for 35 years. I really do love that one. I also like shooting the Nikon FM. So, I am not sure I have that slot filled in. Fun to think about. Enjoy your views on photography and the videos you share with us. Thank you!

I was shooting fiom as a kid in the 80's and 90's as evevyone were at the time, but had a very cheap camera. In the early 2000's till a few years ago, i was mainly taking pictures with my cell phone. I was mostly interested in music and music gear at that time. And my step mom (my girlfriend's mom) passed away in 2017. While going through her stuff with my girlfriend, we found a old praktica mtl5b, and it clicked. I looked at my girlfriend and said I'm keeping this. And stating experimenting with it. Read many tutorial, watched countless videos on KZread. Bought a few more cameras, mostly Minoltas, got a bunches of lenses. Tried so many different films. Spent cash on get them developed, waiting to see how what i captured turned out. Sometimes it was really bad, sometimes, it was great. I love the feeling when you get your pictures. I recently bought a nikon d750, got my first photography contract. I love the camera and i can recognize the practical aspect of shooting digital, but my love for film is still there and can't wait to have a personal project to shoot.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Ah…Minoltas….I have a soft spot for Minolta cameras, since my first “real” camera (in ‘86) was an X-700. The memories…. Glad you were able to get a hold of that Praktica and put it to use. I’ve never had the pleasure of using one of those. Wishing you luck on your photographic endeavors!

@thebendu33

7 ай бұрын

@@vintagecameradigest thank you. And wishing you happy holidays.

You talked about the cost of film, but the cost of equipment is another factor that may be just as important. I have a nice collection of Canon manual focus cameras and FD lenses that I purchased over the the last 40 years. Some of these lenses cost 5%-10% of the price of an equivalent modern autofocus lens. It's a similar situation with the camera bodies - $200 vs. $2500 and up. In most cases, the modern digital cameras have capabilities I simply don't need. I did buy my first "real" digital camera for an upcoming project, but I'm using an old manual focus lens with it because the modern equivalent is simply unaffordable for me. While learning the digital camera and the accompanying workflow, my feeling is that there is too much choice. When I shoot with film, I can take a picture and say that's what the scene looked like, even if it may be lacking in some ways. With digital, there are a thousand ways to manipulate the image to change the look. Which one, if any, is "real"? This is a purely emotional reaction on my part, but this aspect of digital repels me. Ultimately, there is a place for both. For me, I'm going to take my old film cameras and go out and learn the things I should have learned 40 years ago instead of setting the camera on Auto and just firing away. I've always just documented. Now I want to learn how to see.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

“Learning how to see…” that perfectly sums it up, I think. I find that I’m still learning that. And this film camera project of mine has contributed much to this. As to the cost of equipment - yes, now film cameras and manual lenses are often much less expensive than contemporary lenses and cameras (otherwise I certainly wouldn’t be doing this channel). But if you go back to when these cameras were new (and you adjust for inflation), they were more or less equivalent to what cameras are selling for now. But I think this is a perfect time to be experimenting with vintage cameras and lenses - especially since you can use those lenses on a lot of modern cameras.

I am 52, I received my first (film) camera at 12 for a Boy Scout trip to Japan. I did not really pay attention to photography until I became a father and my son started playing soccer. Digital was just getting big and I went in…, I have been a sports photographer and middling portrait shooter since. My nephew wanted to learn photography from the roots the other year. I picked us up a couple of Olympus OM-1’s and I now have a Bronica S2. I’ve learned to develop my b&w photos with Cafenol and have a ton of fun going on Photo Days with my nephew. Film is tangible not only for the prints, but for the memories made while looking for subject matter valuable enough to commit to film, the joy is sharing the hobby with someone close and the personal growth in the crafting of the images. Great discussion and photos.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

The OM-1 is a nice camera - and tiny! And I agree that looking for and finding suitable subject matter for film is rewarding in its own right. And I’m glad that you have your nephew to share this with. I’m sure it’s something he will remember fondly in the years to come. Thanks so much for watching!

Thanks for taking the time to scan all of these. This is one of the coolest videos I’ve watched in awhile. 🎉

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

It was such a fun project to see these old negatives come back to life. Thanks for tuning in!

What a solid presentation. You have a great sounding voice - perfect for nostalgic memories. I just bought three cameras: Konica autoreflex TC (the camera I had to shoot my high school yearbook in 1981-83. I miss the darkroom) Holga 120 N (just because of its wackiness - will be sending a test roll along with the above Ilford HP5 400j Fujifilm X-T1 with the manual Samyang 8mm fisheye II that just arrived today - loving this, I miss velvia e6 so bad I love my digital - hate the post processing. This is why I chose fujifilm - film simulation. Love this. BUT there is something about film…I can touch it…I love velvia large format…like word processing vs writing with my fountain pens and typewriters…drawing and hammering letters. Thanks for a great memory…now I’m going to buy some old negatives and e6 from eBay. I’ve got my eye on Chroma cameras there six 17 and 8x10 just because YOLO!

@vintagecameradigest

2 ай бұрын

Many thanks for your kind words! Looks like we were in high school about the same time (I graduated in ‘85). I often wonder how my teenage years would have been different if I had been into photography at that point. I didn’t get serious about it until college. Anyway, you’ll need to let me know how you like the TC now that you’ve revisited it. The most “modern” Konica I have currently is an FS-1. But I do like the AutoReflex series a lot and I like the lenses even better. Quite underrated, I think. I’ve never used a Holga…but I do have several old “Brownie” style cameras that would seem to be similar. I mean, like you say….there’s a whackiness factor. I will warn you, however….those Chroma super-wide and large format cameras will only lead you to purchase a nice old Wista or Toyo….or (gasp) a Linhof! :-)) Have fun! Because yes, YOLO!

Even I will have to sell a kidney, I will still shoot film.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Some things are worth it! Hope it doesn’t come to that, though. Thanks for tuning in!

Well, I’ve gotta admit I’m a bit older then the digital age. My father used to do photography. And won prizes with it in the late 70’s early 80’s before I even was born. He took me a few times into the darkroom and showed me the magic of light and chemistry. Sadly he passed away early in my life. However my teenage years where all on film. Mostly on trow away cameras I shot everything I thought was pretty to shoot. Vacations, little trips. Time spend with girlfriend. (Whom I later married.) Then we got kids in the early 00’s film was there still. But digital was more convenient. A few clicks a print and there was a picture. Now… 20 years later. I look back on there lives. And think sometimes. I made pictures. And a lot of my kids. And A Lot of pictures. But like you said. I have lost so manier pictures to failing harddrives. That I now wish I shot it all on film. My brother in law I had a connection with photography also. We used to compare and contrast with each other. He passed half a decade ago and photography took a backseat. Fast forward to today. I bought an AE-1 something that looked like what my dad had. But he was a Nikon man. And you know kids like to go against their parents in some way or another. I still have the negatives from my childhood. Sadly I don’t have the harddrives of my kids pictures anymore.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Kids DO like to contradict their parents in a lot of ways, but you did well with Canon, lol! Digital is certainly more convenient, and I couldn’t do my day job without it. But film is fun. Your father sounds like he was quite the accomplished photographer, and it must’ve been nice to have that sort of influence. You may or may not recognize it right off, though. I’ll also add how lucky you were to have a camera “partner” with your brother in law. One of my very best friends got a camera the same year I did - we were about 21 yrs old at the time. We photographed everything together, and I still cherish all those crazy and weird photos we made - along with the great memories. Thanks so much for your comment! Cheers!

Great discussion . At the old age of 77, I switched to digital at the turn of the century. Was shooting weddings. What a game changer, digital was..... Sold of all my 35mm and some medium format stuff, to purchase digital equipment. I did keep my 4x5 , one 6x6 and some rangefinders . Then about 4 years ago, I started seeing film videos on YT. I still had some developing equipment . Got the remaining cameras serviced, and started shooting film again. What a relaxing experience . I have to think, before I push the shutter button. Shot 10 sheets of 4x5, I decided that was too much , lugging gear around. My medium format is much better to hand hold, as is 35mm . However , I do scan all my film, as dark room processing is too much, and time consuming . But, I do not process the digital images, any further, than a lab would do . I still keep a digital camera on hand, for important work. Thanks. Take care. KB

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Digital was absolutely a game-changer. I couldn’t agree more. Especially when you’re making a living through photography. It was amazing. But I always missed the process of film, developing, printing. And the overall challenge of it all. I’ve come to the realization that with digital, I just shoot and shoot and eventually get it distilled down to what I’m going for. But with film, I have to think about it all first. Which is something I used to do all the time. Funny how quickly we can become accustomed to something new and completely forget the old.

Why shoot film? Why Not! I grewe up shooting film and treasure my negative collection. I have documented many things. Everyone should do sol. I loved your video!!!

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

Thanks, I really enjoyed your thoughtful and thought-provoking video. The photo sequence was very moving, all those lives. I recorded many family shots in the 1980s and 1990s on film and am rediscovering them recently by digitising the negatives, so a crossover of sorts. I also have come back to shooting film in the last few months and the process is a reward in itself, though costly :0

@vintagecameradigest

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for tuning in! Film photography is certainly a bit costly. But as you said, the process can be rewarding in itself. And I guess that’s what keeps me going, also. I’m sure it’s fun for you looking back over all those old negatives - recalling the stories behind each one!

Excellent video. My father and several uncles were good amateur photographers and I've managed to save 100's of pictures of family and friends, some from before I was born. My father bought me my first camera when I was about eight. That was about 1960. I've been a film photographer ever since with the exception of about 10 yrs. around the turn of the century. For serious photography for a serious amateur that was a huge and regretful mistake. For the person who is thinking about getting into photography as a serious hobby you need t factor in the entry level cost of a quality camera which you can control and understand. For film you can get an excellent used working camera for $100. I just looked up prices for Fuji and Nikon quality cameras $1000 - $2000. That's a lot of film. If yo really care about the quality of your result and take your time planning to get it, what's 0.35 or 0.40 cents. The same cost as shooting a deer rifle.

@vintagecameradigest

4 ай бұрын

Thanks! I think there are some great entry-level film cameras out there if you’re willing to spend around $200. Gone are the days when these could be picked up for $50 (wasn’t that long ago, actually). But I’m glad there is increased interest in film photography in any shape or form. Cheers!

I technically grew up in the digital era but I started with film, just got my first digital camera, and quickly am back to film. It just feels better. It’s more tangible, feels more like art, and you have to take more time with it. You have to be intentional. That’s why I love it personally. And nothing compares to printing in the darkroom

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

I will agree on all those points. And the process does make it feel more like an art. Those are the skills I’d really hate to see fade away. Cheers!

When you shoot film on 35mm you get 36 shots. These shots are expensive so you take care to get the right exposure and composition. You have to think as a photographer. Then you process the photos and it’s like your birthday or Christmas as you never know what you are gonna get. Sometimes you are disappointed but most of the time you are grateful and surprised. These images you can treasure for ever.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Bingo! The thrill of pulling the film out of the final wash to see the results will never get old.

Can someone tell kids of these days photography is not about sharpness and perfection but about capturing the moment and documenting history.. Those negatives and photos are just surreal.. and did you notice most of them were out of focus or not sharp ( but who cares in the real world other than gearheads and photography snubs ).. Film is just what we had when I was younger and going back to film is nolstagic..I still shoot digital but film's imperfection is what I love.. in music we call it ( Film's got a SOUL.. digital is soul less )

@vintagecameradigest

2 ай бұрын

I do agree with that. I think there are (at least) two schools of thought here. 1) Photography as a document; and 2) Photography as a technical pursuit. And I often find myself bouncing between the two, and oftentimes landing somewhere in the middle. We absolutely can’t ignore the power of the photograph and its place in vernacular history - that has the potential to outlast any oral history that is passed down. That is what draws me to these old images. My desire to know the stories, even though I know I can’t. As for the technical side, it allows me to challenge my vision and keep improving my ability to “see”. After all these years I still have a lot to learn! Thanks for watching!

Great video. Like that you rescue and save old negatives. 👍

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Thank you! It’s fun to give these a new life. But sad at the same time, like why are these even for sale??

oh what a brilliant images you preserved - thanks for sharing. i consider modern digital photograpfy too perfect and literal. i love the way film renders the light. i myself see things more like film does. i would have to be stoned to see all those hdr landscapes so popular in digital photography nowadays. it is not necessarily bad. if someone enjoy that - go ahead. i am more into film aesthethic with it's limitations, imperfections and character.

@vintagecameradigest

4 ай бұрын

Totally agree! Digital is indeed quite literal. And I think that’s why I even gravitate to Black & White over color. It’s just a further step away from reality.

Film offers me the ability to pay homage, to practice the medium, to document history forever--physically, to be more creative, to use cameras and glass my idols and family used, to spread joy, to slow down, to be more thoughtful, to make it count, delayed gratification, to photograph the way it was designed. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL images at the end. I myself have bought and scanned images from the flea market as well, I gathered a collection of about 90 images of a single family over the course of a few months digging in a box of a couple thousand photos from a weekly seller. Over the course of these weeks I restored and scanned them all and did a huge amount of research to find the house that was in most of the photos, to put a long story short I plan to reunite all the images digitized and restored to the original family which I have identified, I visited the mausoleum where they are cremated and took flowers with some custom prints I made of the restorations embedded in the bouquet. I also visited the location of these photos to find a restored home and a nice new owner that had spent half a million bucks restoring to keep it original. I still get goosebumps thinking about all of it. Let's just say when I visited this family, after working on their images for hundreds of hours and feeling like I knew them, it was a more emotional experience visiting them than it is for family members I have lost.

@vintagecameradigest

3 ай бұрын

Such a cool story! I have a similar group of negatives that chronicles a large portion of life for a young girl. Difference here is I have absolutely no idea who she is. To be able to identify and locate the family as you did, though, DOES bring chills. Kudos to you for some very good work!

Even an amatuer such as I can find digital images, not to mention the experience, less than enchanting after a couple decades. Well said. One thing though; the initial outlay for a digital camera and a lens or two need to be part of the per shot cost calculation. I just bagged a little old 35mm slr from the early 50s for $100, and it's recently had a cla - new shutter curtain, for example. Compare that to my current basic digital gear costing $2500 in 2017, even ignoring the fact it's an upgrade from 3 previous cameras I didn't wear out, by the time the shutter wears out it will have cost about 10 cents per shutter actuation. Still a lot cheaper than film, but I'll wear it out faster than any mechanical film camera, allowing myself more latitude for bracketing and such. For the difference, I can afford, at the rate I'll use it, a few years worth of film and processing, and I count that money better spent, for me, than upgrading to the next level digitally.

@vintagecameradigest

2 ай бұрын

Excellent comparison and point. And $100 is a bargain for a camera that’s already had a service. I’d say that such a find is rare but not totally unheard of. Still, even if it were $200 - a definite good buy. I hope you get many years of enjoyment with it!

It isn't just shooting film vs digital. It is using cameras made of brass and gears that have a weight to them. It is setting your shutter speed and aperture using your meter and your own intuition about the lighting and waiting until you get your pictures back to see if you made the right decision. I'm in my mid sixties and love shooting digital, but there is a visceral joy to using old Leica's and Nikons, Canons and Exaktas that you will never get using a plastic digital camera.

@vintagecameradigest

4 ай бұрын

Agreed 100%. The whole process seems tangible, not just the results.

@jeffirish3402

2 ай бұрын

@@vintagecameradigest I think another factor is that while film is more expensive, it is also so much better than what was available fifty years ago. Back then you had Kodachrome 64 and Kodacolor was ISO 80, so you needed expensive, fast lenses to get the hard shots.. Now you can use film with 200 and 400 ISO with a tight grain. This opens up a lot more photographic possibilities using film, and you get a lot more bang for the buck.

Very well formulated. You hit the nail of my thoughts as well 👍

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Thank you kindly!

Thanks 👍

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Well slowing down is a big part pf the process I think, that and creating something tangible from a fleeting moment maybe never to be seen again. Digital makes the whole process so much easier but sometimes you wonder who took the photo, you or the modern little beast of a camera, more so with evfs today.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

I agree. Slowing down to be more deliberate with my shots is a good exercise in discipline and patience.

I love old photo's, and they always seems to have a natural composition we seldom see these, days

@vintagecameradigest

2 ай бұрын

They do seem to in a way.

Very nice Steve! I love finding old photos in antique stores. As you say, every single one was an image that meant something to someone, sometime. I think my main reasons for shooting film and 1) that it is, as you say, tangible, you can hold it in your hand and it will last a long time, and 2) I focus on older MF and LF because it's complex and difficult, which means every frame is taken with care and consideration. I think if I take a photo of you, the photo is a moment in your story, but the taking of the photo is a moment in my story. So the negative, or print, or whatever, is a unique moment where your story and my story intersected for an instant. I guess that concept is there with digital, but without that instant being transferred onto a physical object, a digital moment remains just a concept. Maybe that's why Instax has become popular, and Polaroid has made a comeback!

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Wow. The statement about “stories intersecting” is a perfect description of how I feel about film - I was just unable to articulate it so precisely. It’s a commemoration of a shared moment. And that digital remains “conceptual” - I can’t think of a better descriptor. When I returned to film a decade ago, my motivation was slowing down and taking time. And while I’ve done that, the connection with the subject became a bit more important (and accidental). It was surprising how it matured my reasoning for photography in general. Many, many thanks for the comment, my friend. You absolutely nailed it.

@the120ist

7 ай бұрын

@@vintagecameradigest so much easier coming up with clever words when I'm sitting in front of a keyboard! Point a camera at me and I become a monosyllabic buffoon!!!

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

I know what you mean, lol.

I shoot mostly digital but love loading up one of my various film cameras and enjoying it old school like I did in the 80s and 90s. I love buying vintage cameras and trying them out. It’s an absolute joy 👍📸

@vintagecameradigest

5 ай бұрын

It’s a lot of fun. The old cameras are basically what brought me back to film. It’s a great diversion from digital.

This video touched deep inside me. I thank you a lot for it. Merry Christmas

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

So glad you enjoyed it. It was my pleasure! Merry Christmas, my friend!

I still have my childhood camera that my dad gave me when I was 4. An Imperial Mark XII Flash plastic 620 film camera. Just recently shot a roll with it after I modified a 120 roll. I also recently found the negatives of my first roll.

@vintagecameradigest

2 ай бұрын

That is so cool! I’ve been thinking of shooting a roll or two with my little 110 Instamatic that I first had. It’s awesome that you found the negatives from the first roll. Incredible! Btw - How did you modify the 120 roll? I have several old 620 spools that I sometimes transfer 120 onto, but it’s a bit of a pain.

@markandrst8767

2 ай бұрын

@@vintagecameradigest I found a couple videos on KZread that file down the spool ends on sandpaper. I thought about re-spooling but, like you, I thought it will be a pain. The sandpaper method is not perfect but it worked!!!

@markandrst8767

2 ай бұрын

@@vintagecameradigest kzread.info/dash/bejne/inmfuJSGd6iXdLg.htmlsi=Q1O0eJFELoaa8ZK4

@vintagecameradigest

2 ай бұрын

Well…now that makes perfect sense!

Very glad I happened across your channel this year , you have quickly become one of my favourites.I always enjoy your videos...best wishes for a great new year

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for tuning in! Happy New Year to you as well!

My thoughts nicely summarized. :) No digital data survives. If it's not for hardware failures then compatibility issues will kill them for sure.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Exactly. Or the fact that people just don’t care enough to make sure those things survive. They’re “just” photos after all.

Being born in November of 1998 (currently 25 years old), my experience with film growing up was basically taking my moms point and shoot out on the farm or on a family trip and taking whatever random photos I felt like. At the end of the roll we would take it to our local drug store or Walmart to have developed for 5 bucks in an hour while we browsed around in the store. Now that I'm an adult, I take film alot more serious and put time and effort into every frame because as you mentioned it is not economically friendly. There is a certain value to each image you capture, and doing street photography, like I mostly do, you run into and have conversations with some amazing people that otherwise you would have avoided because they look "weird" or "dirty" or just simply because they are strangers. The whole process of film is delightful and the memories are more "permanent" in the sense that you remember taking the photo alot more than digital. I can easily burst 30 photos in a few seconds on my digital camera, or I can set up my camera and composition carefully and take one, maybe two frames of the same subject on film and be alot happier with the results. I love this channel and am very happy I found it. By chance, your metering video was in my recommended and I sat and watched the entire video and I am glad I did.

@vintagecameradigest

2 ай бұрын

Many thanks for the kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed that video. And I’m glad to hear from another about their film photography experience. It’s especially interesting due to the fact that you’ve grown up in the world where digital photography has been the norm. It’s also interesting that despite that, we have very similar feelings about the value of film photography and the overall experience. Street photography isn’t really a thing where I live since it’s such a small town. But I can understand it’s appeal and the opportunity to observe and perhaps have a few unexpected conversations and connections. I’m not too far from Atlanta, and have been toying with the idea of driving in one day and just walking around the city for a few hours with a camera. Many thanks for watching! Cheers!

Excellent though provoking video, thanks for sharing. I started shooting film in the 1960s when I got my dad's old Agfa Isola 6x6 camera. At one point I had a darkroom and enlarger, then haven't shot for a while. I tried digital several times but never really managed to connect to it beyond using my phone. I returned to film maybe 5-6 years ago, the main attraction is that it forces me to slow down, especially shooting medium and large format. The need to slow down, think about the exposure and framing, adjust exposure, etc., is very meditative for me. Not to mention messing with the chemicals and the anticipation of seeing the developed image. I don't care if my images have any intrinsic value or they last after I am gone. I just like the process and enjoy the tactile feeling of mechanical cameras.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Yes, I think the process is as important to preserve as the subjects that are captured. There’s something about working with that process that keeps me appreciating film and darkroom work. It keeps me connected with the craft. Thanks for watching!

I play with cameras everyday. I have a film camera shop and there's nothing like film. Fuji specifically and a few others, a little Photoshop work you can get similar film like look. But it's just not the same. Especially printing. Lastly, there are so many film cameras and they all have a a unique design and are a beautiful object themselves.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

I agree. Every camera model is a unique experience - like driving a classic automobile.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, many of which I have shared with others re: digital vs. film over the past few years. And many thanks for sharing the images. The stories behind each one of them could make an interesting short story or even a book! Several images spoke to me so directly that they provoked an emotional response from within. And some,seem to be more; to be art. I starting shooting film when I was 8 years old and like you remember my first camera and photograph. I starting shooting film again three years ago for all the reasons you mentioned plus the joy (and frustration) of using the cameras themselves, which you lovingly share with us each week. Thanks for this video.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much, Joe! Looking at these old images again and putting that slideshow together gave me a similar feeling. It’s real history through the eyes of real people. And I absolutely love being able to use those old cameras to create new stories. It’s a great age for photography now, since we can use both methods - digital and film - to different ends. Long live film!

Nice, well done. Like you, I remember the film era. I used the RB67 in my studio for the year I had it open, I am not a people photographer but gave it a whirl. I have been a wildlife photographer for many years now but just got an RB67 again for landscapes and such. Thanks for a great video.

@vintagecameradigest

6 ай бұрын

Thank you! Even though the RB is absolutely historically significant, I have yet to get my hands on one. It’s on my wish list.

@MooseHenderson1

6 ай бұрын

@@vintagecameradigest you will love it

Thank you for this

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for tuning in!

I recently got into film photography after shooting digital for all my life (I’m 38). I do recall seeing my mom’s photo book and how those photos made me feel. You nailed it with explaining how film carries some sentimental value to it. I find the process of shooting, waiting for my film to be developed and physically holding my photos so pleasing. I can say on one hand how many digital photos i’ve actually printed (3) in the last 10 years. I also feel like film photos feel more like a memory compared to anything digital. With that being said digital has allowed me to catch some amazing memories that film will have never allowed me to catch.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Since the analog process doesn’t give you immediate feedback, it seems we have to work a bit harder at it. Pay more attention. Slow down. Anticipate. And it’s one thing, at least, that doesn’t rely on a computer do accomplish. But I certainly do agree that digital is much more flexible. There is a time and place for each. Thanks for watching!

I grew up with digital cameras, and with the start of the age of smartphones that we have now. The main things that drew me to film were being able to use older cameras, as I've always had an interest in vintage stuff and technology, but also the fact that as a medium film is far more tangible than digital. You said it well in the video, you at least have the negatives, instead of just files on some hard drive. The process of taking each picture and then developing each roll is something that is just nothing like digital, and I find it more fun than digital.

@vintagecameradigest

6 ай бұрын

There’s definitely something tangible about film. One commenter brought up a really interesting perspective that I’d not considered. They said that their way of thinking about it was that the film, or the single frame of film, “saw” the subject. It was there in the same space as the subject at the same time. That really hits home to me - especially considering these 100-yr-old plates. Those were there in the same room as the subjects who are in them. It’s just really cool to me to think about it like that.

Such a compelling and beautiful montage making your case for film so elegantly. Thank you! I too was moved by individual images, but also by the totality of many lives caught in their living moments. In addition to all the reasons for shooting film often mentioned, we cannot forget the effect on our human subjects when they observe us deploying our ancient cameras. The more arcane, the better. Portrait subjects sense, as you argue, that this image will have more value than all the phone pics they typically endure. It can transform the resulting image.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

You’re absolutely right. I had a nice conversation with a gentleman today while out with the Yashica Mat 124G. He had a lot of questions about the camera and process. But as he left, he encouraged me to “keep up the good work”. Obviously, he’s never seen any of my work, but I think the fact that it was film gave it some gravitas. It does have an effect on our subjects. They can sense it.

Most excellent video! Liked and Subscribed!

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Thank you very much!

Great work on those old images, they are worth saving. Such things allow me to lay my eyes on people I would have never seen, in this life, and it allows me to add them into my prayers, as I do with all people I see. They made good efforts in making those old photos and deserve a salute to the unknown photographers. Life is fleeting indeed, and those images provide food for thought. Good work! Have a blessed Christmas!

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

So true! Thanks so very much!

Nice video. Those vintage pictures really hit hard, man!

@vintagecameradigest

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! All those unknown stories just fascinate me.

A grande verdade sobre fotografia em filme. Como fotografo amador ha mais de 30anso, revelo e amplio os meus negativos para deixar para futuras gerações o meu trabalho. Excelente video parabens. passei a ser seu subscritor no seu canal. Festas felizes e um excelente 2024 cheio de boas fotos em analogico. Um grande abraço de Portugal , Claudio Gomes

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching and subscribing! Film is a wonderful way to pass the memories down. Have a great year in 2024!

I shoot film because it's fun and the images look good.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Who needs a better reason than that? Thanks for watching!

Great video and fantastic photos... I just hope that I can create photos that nice some day lol. Its amazing how nice those photos look after all those years. Thanks for taking the time to scan and edit and convert blah blah and bring those images back to life.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Thanks, Jennifer! One of the reasons I started collecting negatives (instead of prints) is that they look like they could’ve been taken yesterday. No faded colors, sharp as they can be. And some of these - especially those on glass plates - would’ve cost a pretty penny to have done. The 5x7 glass plates are especially impressive.

Agree with every word of this. And smiled all the way through the old photographs you showed - thanks for posting.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

My pleasure! Thanks for continuing to support the channel!

Wonderful content and lovely old photos. I am an old film shooter. I shoot both film & digital now, but with film I get so much more satisfaction. Thanks so much for this video!

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for stopping by and watching!

The reason I enjoy film became apparent this year when my mother gave me an envelope of negatives. The colour and quality is impressive. Most of the photos where taken on my fathers Canon AE-1 which I shoot with today. I now have images that I thought were lost to time. With a bit of research, I have even figured out the dates and these photos are now in chronological order. I can see the importance of documenting family and community with film moving forward. I like to think that “nostalgia is the patina of the mind”. Thanks for sharing such a great video.

@vintagecameradigest

6 ай бұрын

What an excellent way to put it - “patina of the mind”. Thanks for watching!

Great episode. Very much appreciated your take on film photography.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much!

VERY well said. Great video, please keep it up

@vintagecameradigest

4 ай бұрын

Thank you!

I enjoyed hearing some of your personal work history. When the series of antique photos began, I stopped and cleaned my glasses for a better look. The clarity and evocative nature of those old photos is wonderful. Thanks a lot. I really enjoyed this one. I’m using a Rolleicord and a C220 w/ 55mm lens. Good luck to you too! (from Victoria, BC)

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for watching. So glad you enjoyed the trip to the past. One of the reasons I collected the negatives and plates instead of the actual prints is that when scanned, these negatives look like they could’ve been taken yesterday. Most are very clear and the larger ones like the 5x7 and 4x5 plates are simply incredible. How do you like the C220? I’ve never touched one, but I hear they’re much bigger than your standard TLR.

So well put. I feel the same and now understand why people appreciate the photos I take on film a little bit better.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

I’m glad others know enough about it to appreciate the extra effort. Thanks so much!

I'm coming to this video unusually late for me, but I thought that I would add my own reasons for shooting film. Initially, it was simply because I can. I had learned how to develop it for myself and thought that I would enjoy diving down this particular rabbit hole. At this point, your value comment is one that I agree with. I often shoot film when I especially value my subject. This has become so strong that I am hoping in the next year to build a small dark room and take it all a step further, producing prints as well. The other aspect as an everlasting student is the education value that I get from shooting film. I have learned so much more that it improves all aspects of my photography. So whilst I am not a pure film photographer, I value the craft immensely.

@vintagecameradigest

6 ай бұрын

Film does allow for that further “exploration” of photography. And a real connection with the subjects. I hope you’ll pursue the darkroom. It’s been many years since I’ve been in one, but it’s a world unto its own.

A great video as always👍, I started my photography path on film 7 years ago at the age of 33, I then turned to digital not long after but I find myself reaching for the film camera more and more, and as you say film has more feeling and emotion than digital, and that one thing digital will never beat.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! Yeah, there’s just something special about film - that tangible result of a stolen moment.

I’ve moved away from film. About 80% of my output is b&w but I don’t have a darkroom to produce a print that I visualised when taking the picture. So I have to shoot colour, scan in and then use the software to produce what I want. It’s just easier to cut out the film. Also, having 36 shots on a roll is annoying. I never use a whole roll in one session and you can bet the light conditions are very different when I next want to shoot, probably making the choice of film in the camera not as good as it could be. I’d rather use 120 - my old Mamiya 7 only got 10 shots per role. If companies went back to producing 12 shot film canisters I might be persuaded.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

I will admit that scanning color negatives is a bit tedious and hard to be consistent unless the work is done at the lab. Most of my work “for fun” is B&W, so I don’t have to deal with those issues. And I see your point about not shooting an entire 36 roll, but the next day have bad lighting conditions. Does make sense. And a valid perspective, for sure.

I've gotten really into shooting film over the last year, my dad who is a professional photographer who came up during film and switched to digital is baffled that I'm sticking to analog. But for me who's only doing it as a hobby I find it much more satisfying. You're involved at every step of the process, from picking the right film for the situation, working with a camera that's a mechanical device that you manipulate to get the most out of that particular film, carefully considering the composition to not waste your precious few frames, then taking time to properly develop and scan the negatives. It takes work and planning and there's risk involved, at any step you could screw it up. But when you get those few perfect shots from a roll it really feels like you earned it and that you actually created something beautiful. I don't get that feeling from pointing a sensor at something and pushing a button.

@vintagecameradigest

5 ай бұрын

I absolutely agree that it just feels like a different process altogether. The risk/reward cycle is quite satisfying. And the anticipation of the results is also a big part of it for me. Pulling the film out of the was and actually seeing images on the negatives is a moment of celebration. Glad you’re enjoying film!

Very true

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for posting this video. The old photos and plates are fascinating! What a treasure! It's also great to see how many younger photographers pick up analog photography even though they started with digital, as analog already wasn't a thing anymore when they first picked up a camera or smartphone.

@markgoostree6334

7 ай бұрын

I think part of this is the younger people are getting many film cameras from grand parents estates and see the potential of a good piece of photo gear.... everything old becomes new again!

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, I assume a Gen Z’er will have very different reasons than I do for choosing film. And it’s something I really want to understand as a fresh perspective.

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this excellent video. And the slide show is all the proof one needs, film is worth the extra cost. Oh boy, thank you very much for sharing this.

@vintagecameradigest

2 ай бұрын

Many, many thanks! And I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I have to remind myself from time to time why film is, indeed, important - and ultimately worth it.

It’s all very well having the facility to have endless photographs on a sd card but if you don’t print them off they are just digital naughts and crosses that will disappear at some point. How soon before the current latest technology is obsolete. Take pictures. Make pictures. Use film. Simples.

@vintagecameradigest

7 ай бұрын

I agree. Digital allows us to shoot in ways we couldn’t do with film. But I think it’s changed our motivations FOR the image-making process. I do shoot both. But the film images mean a lot more to me, by far. Thanks for watching!