SteveR Loc: Michigan

I was looking at my old Canon Ftb and zoom lens. I was amazed at how light the lens was compared to my Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VR. I remember getting great photos with that lens. Ofc, it was pre-AF and I had to do the focusing myself, and I had to make sure that I shot faster than the focal length. The 50mm f1.8 would have been good in low light situations if I had done low light (a 1.4 and 1.2 were available). I used flash for my purposes. Digital is certainly convenient. I see some guys worried about filling up gigabytes of drives with the ten thousands of photos that they've taken. Back in my film days I had to parcel out the shots and the rolls because of the cost, so each shot was important and thought out ahead of time. The extra time it took to get the focus right meant that the focus was very good. I look back now and I can appreciate some of the shots that I thought were bad back then.

So....for those of you who have shot completely manual film (no AF) and know what I'm talking about and shoot with the big bulky lenses of today......which gave you the most satisfaction? If you could....would you go back?

tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

Can't go back, my vision precludes really accurate focus. I miss the excitement of actually finally getting your processed images...either waiting for the mail, the darkroom, or Costco! But as to quality, convenience, ease of use I am a complete fan of digital and what it allows one to accomplish, so easily. Still have most of my old Canon film stuff, and my children learned how to shoot film and can better appreciate the advancements of current technology.

billwassmann Loc: Emerson, NJ

I started taking pictures 74 years ago so I remember film and slow heavy cameras. I smile and shake my head in wonder at the comments of today's photographers. For all their concerns about lenses, the pictures aren't all that much better.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

If digital photography evaporated overnight, it would be hard for me to go back to film. I like being able to take lots of shots and work with them. As for the big, bulky lenses, many digital lenses are smaller than the old film lenses.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

No, I don't think I'd go back.
Lens difference is no consequence for me.
No waiting for film to get back;
Being able to see if you got the shot, no wondering;
Having the ability to tweak things on the computer;
Having more than six or so rolls of film for a trip, not having to "ration" shots; ...
(But I still do appreciate the depth in film.)

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

No.
You can't go back; and you can't stop what's coming.

SnappyHappy Loc: Chapin, SC “The Capitol of Lake Murray”

Just to play with my FD lenses again I bought a used Fugifilm XT1 and a turbo adapter. Like tinplater my vision isn't what it was 40 years ago, so it's not exactly going back, but I really enjoy the feel of the camera. The turbo adapter effectively opens another stop of light on your lens while removing the crop factor. I wouldn't use it to shoot fast action but for the things that catch my eye most often it's a whole lotta fun. Kinda like leaving my cell phone home for the day, a peaceful enjoyable experience

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

I don't want to go back but, I seem to have a problem blasting off 50 images at a time. Like in the film days, I find myself concentrating too much on each image not wanting to waste pixels. Some habits are hard to break.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I still have my FTb and the 100-200mm f5.6 zoom.
I loved using it too and still take this combo out. In fact I have it loaded with some film right now.
Just a simple camera and lens and it was all on you.
I do like it. Too bad AF as you said cannot be in it as the eyes get older focusing is harder.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Agreed. I don't spray, but I'll take three or four (more for ocean waves), where with film I might only take one or two.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I occasionally get out my AE-1 and my A-1 and run a roll of film thru them, just to make sure they still work. What I'd like to see is split image focus screen available for my Canon DSLR'S.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Both do...that's why I still shoot film.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I still have some images in my portfolio that I shot on film.
Without Photoshop one had to be inventive in getting that image right in camera.
It's amazing to me that I used to shoot for a newspaper with all-manual cameras and lenses (Nikon F, F2 and FM) and get good images..of course, I was younger then.
The limit of shorter rolls, 20-36 frames for 35mm or 10-20 frames with a 6x7 medium format camera, not to mention large format and the cost per frame of any film, made one think more about the shot.
Also, the camera updates weren't as frequent and not as groundbreaking.
Less GAS...at least with camera bodies.

I really like the convenience of easier retrieval from my files using key words vs the old way. At work yesterday someone requested photos of a faculty member who passed away recently. Entered her name and within a minute ACDsee located several I had keyworded. Those images were on facebook within 15 minutes of the request.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Go back? Is that rhetorical?
Go back to WHAT?! Crappy old non-coated lenses that flared just because?
Going back would be like going back to underwear made of un-combed cotton and had stickers in them!!!
Just because we're old doesn't mean we're stupid!!!
SS

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

There was a difference In that period of attitude.
Yes that is missing.
I would go back if I were that young again and know what I know now.
But we all know we prefer the new digital equipment but it is fun to use the old equipment.
I enjoy firearms for fun but use the best for defense not a single shot muzzle loader.