[jake.astig]

I'm a film user as well. I develop my own BW negatives and now that we have extra space, we're putting up a darkroom

I have a number of Pentax manual focus bodies and lenses (m42 and K) that I rotate. Also was lucky enough to acquire a complete 645 and 6x7 outfit, with 45mm, 55mm, 105mm, 135mm, 165mm lenses, all in a huge case, for about 600 USD!!!

I find the current crop of DSLRs too bulky for street. I use rangefinders a lot too. I'm hoping that Pentax releases a small DSLR body that we can use with the pancake lenses. That would be sweet. My current street kit is an ME Super with the M 28mm F2.8 lens.

I only use digital when I borrow my girlfriend's C***N 400D. I got her an adapter so she can use my Takumar lenses. It's funny because her favorite shots are the ones from the SMC Takumar 50mm and the Flektogon 35mm. Even when she borrowed a 16-35 F2.8 L lens from a friend.


Cheers!

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Last edited by jake.astig; 08-21-2008 at 02:18 PM.

[drewallen]

I'm a filmaholic myself.

I enjoy shooting with my two MXen (recently serviced by Erik), K1000, 645 an old Graflex 22(6x6) and a couple of Kodak Brownie Hawkeyes. The MX in combination with a 77mm or 31mm limited is a real joy to shoot with.

Its funny--as the technology advances, I find myself drifting in the opposite direction; in a year or so I want to experiment with wet-plate. The way I figure it if film ever "dies" (unlikely) I can always mix my own emulsion and coat my own plates. Hell, it doesn't even require electricity.

Until recently, I worked at a weekly newspaper, where I had the luxury of being able to use film on assignment. But I wasn't the only one; there's even an AP photog or two who keep a Hoya or Graflex on hand for the appropriate moment.

Granted I do have a K10D that I use frequently. And a C***n G9. But I rarely use these if I'm shooting creatively or if the subject is something I feel strongly about preserving.

My own feeling is that I spend so much time in front of a computer for work, that I really enjoy the mechanical, tactile interaction with the old medium when I'm feeling truly creative. I find it more meditative, and I find myself paying more attention to the subject than the camera.

Then there's the printing. I finally have my darkroom set up so that I can print up to 16x20. I love the alchemy of silver gelatin printing and--at times--the relative lack of 'control' when compared to digital printing.

To me all of the "film v. digital" and "film is dead" talk is nonsense. They are two very different media, each with their own respective niches to fill, advantages, disadvantages, unique characteristics and master artists. You don't see watercolor painters crowing about how "oil is dead." Each is a distinct medium, with its own particular feel and capabilities.

If you find yourself really hankering for the company of film junkies, I would invite you to visit the community at www.apug.org (the Analog Photography Users Group). I will warn you, however, some there are militant film loyalists.

Happy shooting,
Drew

[CSoars]

Gave some reasons here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/402568-post40.html

if you're too lazy to click, I think #4 counts the most
"I love the build quality and tactile mechanical operation of older cameras. Love the massive viewfinders and wonderfully smooth lenses. The process is just as important as the outcome."

I went through a K100/k10D and the limited primes, sold 'em and am back to MX & LX. I do miss auto ISO though...

[ChrisPlatt]

Count me in!

Chris

[k100d]

after shooting 7 rolls in NYC over 3 days, i don't really want to shoot digital any more

[séamuis]

after shooting 7 rolls in NYC over 3 days, i don't really want to shoot digital any more

haha, that's the spirit.

[Ratmagiclady]

Does anyone shoot flm with a small digital P&S for backup?

Me, ... at least for a little while longer. I carry a Lumix FZ-7 alongside my Canon FD or Mamiya stuff, ...this saves film and enables one to get a mess of snapshottey stuff. It was all I could get at the time a few years ago, and is goodfor what it does. (With the hood and shroud on there, it fits a bag like a half-sized SLR, )
Only problem there being the EVF and shutter lag can get frustrating when trying to cover anything that's moving.

..I've been looking to upgrade to an entry-level or older DSLR for a while, now, waiting for something I could live with to come into reach, ...I'm glad I waited, cause I lucked into a chance to go right to a K20D.

This rearranges the picture a little. I can do weddings and events with this pretty respectably, when health allows, ...any of the stuff people want faster, these days. I still intend to trade on my film skills, since those are getting rarer...but I can save it for what film does best.