Leopold Lysloff

Thank you very much IvanF for your contribution to this forum. This is a great example of how photography is so integrated. Film and digital can very often partner up to produce some rewarding results. Photographic techniques that date back to the very beginnings and to this day are still produce splendid images. This is why our hobby will survive and grow more as film falls further back in our fast moving digital world. We grow more aware of how film was the creative pallet for so long and still is for those who choose to use it.
I get such wonderful feelings whenever I view some new slides (mostly via scanned onto disc). The detail and feeling of how film captured those moments. That little bit of edge makes a difference (to many of us).

mirobins

I shoot film almost exclusively, both 35mm and medium format. But I also process my own film and develop my own prints in a darkroom (at the Smithsonian) with other like-minded enthusiasts. I have to say, I get a kick out of producing a great print in the darkroom and toning that print with selenium. I don't know if the quality of the actual print is better, but I thoroughly enjoy the experience -- particularly the discussions with other photographers not just about printing, but about composition, style, subject matter. Plus our instructor is a genius. I think all in all, this experience has made me a better photographer.

Leopold Lysloff

Welcome to our forum mirobins and thank you for your comments and support for film and our fun and rewarding hobby. You are truly into the depth of it all with processing your own work. It is always very inspiring and motivating to discuss and share, as you mention, the various approaches to taking pictures and watching the results that you personally experience. To have a hands on and full control of what you are producing can be very stimulating. I personally have been using Fuji slide film (Velvia 50 and 100) with results that can often be hard to imagine. People don't always realize that film (even to this day) has evolved and improved so much. Our better lenses can be revealed so much more with these films. Even old classic lenses suddenly bring astounding images. (my 60's 18mm Zeiss Contarex seems to sing out when I view the images).
We hope that you will continue to contribute more of your experiences in the future to many of us that enjoy the exchanges.

mirobins

Thanks for the encouraging note. I hope to participate in discussions more frequently in the future...and to share some of my work.

Leopold Lysloff

We look forward to it.

kenb Loc: K.Tex

Leopold Lysloff
I agree with you I still have two 35mm cameras , I think it teaches you to think before a shot. (snapshot vs photograph)
Film has come such a long way over the years as far as grain is concerned it is in most cases not a problem.
I have an assortment of lenses for my 35yr old Canon that I could not replace on my Digital camera.
Film is not gone by a long shot.

Leopold Lysloff

Thank you kenb. I agree with you on all counts. This is by no means to put down progress and digital. This is all about still getting the most out what you may have. Those vintage Canon (or most other) lenses are treasures within themselves. They are the heart of any camera and you might find that most lenses made today may not even be as good or as well made as your older ones. Having several different lenses gives you that much more to express with. Good lenses mostly = great pictures.
You are also so right about thinking more about what you need to do before taking that special shot. It brings out that creative energy you may have hidden inside of you. In most situations it is worth that extra effort to capture not only the moment but also the feeling.
We are so glad that you are with us and hope that these exchanges and discussions will be helpful to everyone. I know they are for me.

kenb Loc: K.Tex

I took this with Fuji 35mm film and I have made 20x30 blow-ups of it with no detectable grain.

Leopold Lysloff

That little guy cannot hide! Especially from your sharp lens (and Fuji ultra high res. film).
Great shot, nice colors.

kenb Loc: K.Tex

Thanks