Why do you still shoot manual film SLR?

**gofour3** · 01-10-2016, 10:10 AM

Originally posted by Xmas

6x6 slides even E6 are superlative when projected.

70mm cine theatres must be good too.

At the other end of the size scale, I did start off shooting Kodachrome 126 with my Instamatic.

Phil.

filmamigo · 01-13-2016, 12:36 PM

Originally posted by Alex645

All the Super8 stocks are transparency/slide films, not negatives, and are E-6 processed. Color neg stock starts with 16mm and up.

Sorry, that's not been true for quite a few years.

The only transparency Super 8 for projection is Tri-x black and white. All the colour stocks are negative. E6 Super 8 went away with all the rest of Kodak's E6 portfolio. Colour negative Super 8 is intended to be scanned, as an origination medium.

Super 8mm Products | Motion Picture Film

As for who shoots Super 8 ... it's film students, it's artists working in motion picture, and it's professional shooters seeking a different look (music videos, clips for use in documentaries or dramatic films that were shot on other formats.) Kodak's goal is to ensure there is an accessible format available for all of the above users, building a constituency of shooters who are familiar with film and understand the process.

Super 8mm Filmmaking Intensive | Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto

-- correction -- it looks like Wittner still offers a reversal colour film, based on Agfachrome

**Alex645** · 01-13-2016, 12:40 PM

You're right, I stand corrected. Plus-X, Adox and Fomapan are also available as reversal stock.

Xmas · 01-13-2016, 04:48 PM

Originally posted by gofour3

At the other end of the size scale, I did start off shooting Kodachrome 126 with my Instamatic.

Phil.

I've got some kchrome 25 slides from 110 cameras.

**ChrisPlatt** · 01-13-2016, 05:41 PM - **1 Like**

When someone finally markets an affordable large sensor digital that is truly as simple to operate as a classic manual 35mm film camera I'm in.
Until then I'll stick exclusively to film.

Chris

**Alex645** · 01-13-2016, 06:16 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

When someone finally markets an affordable large sensor digital that is truly as simple to operate as a classic manual 35mm film camera I'm in.
Until then I'll stick exclusively to film.

Chris

I agree. Although you can get a Nikon Df refurbished for under $2300, I wish Nikon (or Pentax) would come out with a FM2 or LX equivalent for under $500. I like analog style dials and aperture rings, and I think there would be a huge market for this type of retro interface. I say Nikon and Pentax only because all my lenses mount them.

fuent104 · 01-13-2016, 09:25 PM

Originally posted by Alex645

I agree. Although you can get a Nikon Df refurbished for under $2300, I wish Nikon (or Pentax) would come out with a FM2 or LX equivalent for under $500. I like analog style dials and aperture rings, and I think there would be a huge market for this type of retro interface. I say Nikon and Pentax only because all my lenses mount them.

I agree with you. The Fuji XT-1 has a great set of dials - it's similar to my Pentax ZX-5N, which is the most efficient interface I've ever used. I'd buy a full-frame digital ZX-5N-type camera, even if autofocus and the sensor were not of the latest generation - those things aren't the most important to me.

A lot of people think we're stupid for wanting such cameras, though.

**gofour3** · 01-14-2016, 08:47 AM

Originally posted by Xmas

I've got some kchrome 25 slides from 110 cameras.

Oh my that's about half the frame size of a 126 slide!

How was your 110 camera's meter for various lighting conditions? My Instamatic under exposed a lot if the lighting was not even throughout the shot.

Phil.

Xmas · 01-14-2016, 10:53 AM

Originally posted by gofour3

Oh my that's about half the frame size of a 126 slide!

How was your 110 camera's meter for various lighting conditions? My Instamatic under exposed a lot if the lighting was not even throughout the shot.

Phil.

HiPhil

I used two

Rolli A110
Minolta mk1 zoom

The meters on both were ok for Kchrome 25, I think, as this was 1971 summer hols.

Noel

**mattb123** · 01-14-2016, 11:27 AM

I still shoot my 645 now and then. I like the FOV, makes lenses seem wider than on the 645D and Tri-X or Velvia are fun to shoot with.
I mostly shoot digital but I like film now and then for variety and for the look.

**From1980** · 01-15-2016, 08:21 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Alex645

I wish Nikon (or Pentax) would come out with a FM2 or LX equivalent for under $500. I like analog style dials and aperture rings, and I think there would be a huge market for this type of retro interface

I've agreed with this kind of opinion before. I also think there is a place for an analog controlled (preferably like LX) digital backed camera; using K-mount of course.

Xmas · 01-17-2016, 10:11 AM

Originally posted by From1980

I've agreed with this kind of opinion before. I also think there is a place for an analog controlled (preferably like LX) digital backed camera; using K-mount of course.

Leica did a digital back the DMR
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leica_R8-R9

**From1980** · 01-25-2016, 09:16 AM

Great info Xmas, thanks for posting. I was not aware of that one. However, I have to continue to wish -now a camera of this type for which I can afford some lenses.

Xmas · 01-26-2016, 02:57 AM

Originally posted by RR84

In an age where photography has become so automated and convenient, why do you still choose to shoot fully manual vs AE, AF cameras? Is it nostalgia, an unwillingness to adapt to newer technologies, or perhaps something deeper than that?

If so, please mention which manual Pentax body if your preferred weapon of choice and why (SV, SP, KX, MX etc).

I mis read your post, sorry:
I take photos with a wide at 2m or less instinctive point prefocused, preset shutter speed and aperture, don't really need the delay of a SLR but can tolerate, don't want an auto focus somewhere else.
Yes I could use an auto focus lock camera and tolerated more delay but it is simpler using a simple camera: K1000.

I do have a Nikon F3 but only use it in manual.

Sometimes more is less.

Eg DX code reading is ok until your film manufacturer stops it... as Foma is rumoured.

**ivanvernon** · 01-26-2016, 02:33 PM

I travelled around the world about two dozen times with a Sears version of something like the K1000 or Ricoh equivalent using mainly 50mm f 1.4 lens, Sears brand. I shot entirely manual because that was the only choice. There was either no light meter, or it was not working--cannot remember which. I just used sunny 16 and learned how much to back down for darker environments. I hardly ever totally missed a shot although there were occasional over/under exposures, but generally no more than 1-2 stops. When you shoot this way, you get used to relying upon your own instincts. Today's cameras, film or digital, have huge amounts of technology available, and I use it, but sometimes I wonder how necessary all of it is. I still use my MZ-S in manual mode, and of course it has a built in light meter which is a great help. I find that I get addicted to the technology, and that I am less willing to trust to my own instincts. I will say that using a manual camera with no light meter assistance, entirely in manual mode, works better if you are using your camera quite regularly.

01-26-2016, 02:33 PM	#75
ivanvernon Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Medina, OH Photos: Albums Posts: 7,224	Shoot film manual I travelled around the world about two dozen times with a Sears version of something like the K1000 or Ricoh equivalent using mainly 50mm f 1.4 lens, Sears brand. I shot entirely manual because that was the only choice. There was either no light meter, or it was not working--cannot remember which. I just used sunny 16 and learned how much to back down for darker environments. I hardly ever totally missed a shot although there were occasional over/under exposures, but generally no more than 1-2 stops. When you shoot this way, you get used to relying upon your own instincts. Today's cameras, film or digital, have huge amounts of technology available, and I use it, but sometimes I wonder how necessary all of it is. I still use my MZ-S in manual mode, and of course it has a built in light meter which is a great help. I find that I get addicted to the technology, and that I am less willing to trust to my own instincts. I will say that using a manual camera with no light meter assistance, entirely in manual mode, works better if you are using your camera quite regularly.

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01-10-2016, 10:10 AM	#61
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,091	Originally posted by Xmas 6x6 slides even E6 are superlative when projected. 70mm cine theatres must be good too. At the other end of the size scale, I did start off shooting Kodachrome 126 with my Instamatic. Phil.

01-13-2016, 12:36 PM	#62
filmamigo Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 797	Originally posted by Alex645 All the Super8 stocks are transparency/slide films, not negatives, and are E-6 processed. Color neg stock starts with 16mm and up. Sorry, that's not been true for quite a few years. The only transparency Super 8 for projection is Tri-x black and white. All the colour stocks are negative. E6 Super 8 went away with all the rest of Kodak's E6 portfolio. Colour negative Super 8 is intended to be scanned, as an origination medium. Super 8mm Products \| Motion Picture Film As for who shoots Super 8 ... it's film students, it's artists working in motion picture, and it's professional shooters seeking a different look (music videos, clips for use in documentaries or dramatic films that were shot on other formats.) Kodak's goal is to ensure there is an accessible format available for all of the above users, building a constituency of shooters who are familiar with film and understand the process. Super 8mm Filmmaking Intensive \| Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto -- correction -- it looks like Wittner still offers a reversal colour film, based on Agfachrome

01-13-2016, 12:40 PM	#63
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	You're right, I stand corrected. Plus-X, Adox and Fomapan are also available as reversal stock.

01-13-2016, 04:48 PM	#64
Xmas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 617	Originally posted by gofour3 At the other end of the size scale, I did start off shooting Kodachrome 126 with my Instamatic. Phil. I've got some kchrome 25 slides from 110 cameras.

01-13-2016, 05:41 PM - 1 Like	#65
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,694	When someone finally markets an affordable large sensor digital that is truly as simple to operate as a classic manual 35mm film camera I'm in. Until then I'll stick exclusively to film. Chris

01-13-2016, 06:16 PM - 2 Likes	#66
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt When someone finally markets an affordable large sensor digital that is truly as simple to operate as a classic manual 35mm film camera I'm in. Until then I'll stick exclusively to film. Chris I agree. Although you can get a Nikon Df refurbished for under $2300, I wish Nikon (or Pentax) would come out with a FM2 or LX equivalent for under $500. I like analog style dials and aperture rings, and I think there would be a huge market for this type of retro interface. I say Nikon and Pentax only because all my lenses mount them.

01-13-2016, 09:25 PM	#67
fuent104 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,356	Originally posted by Alex645 I agree. Although you can get a Nikon Df refurbished for under $2300, I wish Nikon (or Pentax) would come out with a FM2 or LX equivalent for under $500. I like analog style dials and aperture rings, and I think there would be a huge market for this type of retro interface. I say Nikon and Pentax only because all my lenses mount them. I agree with you. The Fuji XT-1 has a great set of dials - it's similar to my Pentax ZX-5N, which is the most efficient interface I've ever used. I'd buy a full-frame digital ZX-5N-type camera, even if autofocus and the sensor were not of the latest generation - those things aren't the most important to me. A lot of people think we're stupid for wanting such cameras, though.

01-14-2016, 08:47 AM	#68
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,091	Originally posted by Xmas I've got some kchrome 25 slides from 110 cameras. Oh my that's about half the frame size of a 126 slide! How was your 110 camera's meter for various lighting conditions? My Instamatic under exposed a lot if the lighting was not even throughout the shot. Phil.

01-14-2016, 10:53 AM	#69
Xmas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 617	Originally posted by gofour3 Oh my that's about half the frame size of a 126 slide! How was your 110 camera's meter for various lighting conditions? My Instamatic under exposed a lot if the lighting was not even throughout the shot. Phil. HiPhil I used two Rolli A110 Minolta mk1 zoom The meters on both were ok for Kchrome 25, I think, as this was 1971 summer hols. Noel

01-14-2016, 11:27 AM	#70
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,872	I still shoot my 645 now and then. I like the FOV, makes lenses seem wider than on the 645D and Tri-X or Velvia are fun to shoot with. I mostly shoot digital but I like film now and then for variety and for the look.

01-15-2016, 08:21 AM - 1 Like	#71
From1980 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Essex, Ontario Posts: 682	Originally posted by Alex645 I wish Nikon (or Pentax) would come out with a FM2 or LX equivalent for under $500. I like analog style dials and aperture rings, and I think there would be a huge market for this type of retro interface I've agreed with this kind of opinion before. I also think there is a place for an analog controlled (preferably like LX) digital backed camera; using K-mount of course.

01-17-2016, 10:11 AM	#72
Xmas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 617	Originally posted by From1980 I've agreed with this kind of opinion before. I also think there is a place for an analog controlled (preferably like LX) digital backed camera; using K-mount of course. Leica did a digital back the DMR https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leica_R8-R9

01-25-2016, 09:16 AM	#73
From1980 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Essex, Ontario Posts: 682	Great info Xmas, thanks for posting. I was not aware of that one. However, I have to continue to wish -now a camera of this type for which I can afford some lenses.

01-26-2016, 02:57 AM	#74
Xmas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 617	Originally posted by RR84 In an age where photography has become so automated and convenient, why do you still choose to shoot fully manual vs AE, AF cameras? Is it nostalgia, an unwillingness to adapt to newer technologies, or perhaps something deeper than that? If so, please mention which manual Pentax body if your preferred weapon of choice and why (SV, SP, KX, MX etc). I mis read your post, sorry: I take photos with a wide at 2m or less instinctive point prefocused, preset shutter speed and aperture, don't really need the delay of a SLR but can tolerate, don't want an auto focus somewhere else. Yes I could use an auto focus lock camera and tolerated more delay but it is simpler using a simple camera: K1000. I do have a Nikon F3 but only use it in manual. Sometimes more is less. Eg DX code reading is ok until your film manufacturer stops it... as Foma is rumoured.