Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I am from a generation that started to learn photography at James Madison High School in Brooklyn, NY.

I borrowed the Teacher’s Canon AE-1. I saved all I could and bought a Zenit-E from Olden Camera in NYC.

I began experimenting with different films. Soon I became hooked on specific Ilford and Kodak films. I particularly loved Black and White films because I was starting to learn film’s Dynamic Range.

The book Making Kodak Film, Expanded Second Edition by Robert L. Shanebrook is an excellent read. At times, it does get a bit technical and you may need to read that portion again. It gives great insight to the second half of photography. I picked up a copy from the author and am having a hard time putting it down. Mr. Shanebrook go to tireless lengths with drawing and photographs that explain just about everything. I would like to see several good books dedicated to cameras especially digital and mirrorless.
I suggest to all my fellow hoggers even if you have no intention of using film, the book explains how we advanced in photography.

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

I don't reckon I will use film again. It has become too expensive, both for the film and for the processing.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

That’s Okay. I am not upset about your desire to avoid film. Many people threw away the desire and probably sold their cameras. I enjoyed film then and still do. Some days, I take my film cameras for a spin.
I take a pick between a Canon AE-1, Canon 1v-HS, and a Canon EOS Rebel 2000. I grab a few rolls of film from the refrigerator and I just roam. I develop my film by East Coast Photo. They are very reasonable.

Just remember, Film isn’t dead. It just smells funny.

pj81156 Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

Another reason to like you Scruples. I also shoot film. Wouldn’t give up my Olympus OM4 for anything. Photography is about creating images. How one chooses to do this is personal. it’s not about the camera. It’s about the artist chooses to create.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Thanks for the recommendation.

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

I enjoyed film. When I was in the 8th grade my mother gave me my first camera for Christmas. It was a Brownie Holiday Flash camera using 127 film. I used it until I was in the army and bought a 35mm camera, an Argus C-20 from a buddy. Then a few months later I got my first good 35mm camera, a Petri Green Window range finder model with f2.8 lens. I found it in a pawn shop one payday night in Fayetteville, NC. It still had the original roll of film in it. There was a photo taken in Korea, one taken in Hawaii and one in the States. I reckon the owner wanted beer money so he hocked it. I still have that camera. The guy in the pawn shop began at $35.00 and I began at $17.00. About 30 minutes later we met at $25.00 and I gladly shelled out that amount. It was the most advantageous purchase I ever made.

LDB415 Loc: Houston south suburb

Currently one copy for sale for $124.99 plus shipping. Ebay.

Smudgey Loc: Ohio, Calif, Now Arizona

👍

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I have never used an Olympus. I’m sure it is a great camera. I will rent one and just crank out a few rolls. To experience another camera’s ability definitely enhances my skill set.

ArcticTrails Loc: Valdez Alaska

You might also like this YouTube video on the making of Kodak film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQKy1KJpSVc There are three parts. It’s a pretty amazing process.

Cheers.