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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
08-22-2008, 04:49 PM
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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
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