I'm sick of being in this digital world, where mostly everything is about post processing. I feel that there is no way I can go out and better myself as a photographer if I am constantly thinking about what I can do after the shot has been taken. I want to start giving much more attention to pre shot elements. So I've decided that from here on out, until I decide otherwise, that I am only going to shoot film (with a couple exceptions). Anyway, so in all of this, I want some suggestions on what films I should consider using. Mostly looking for suggestions on black and white film, but I would like some on color as well.


Not sure if this will help any, but... The gear I will be using...

Nikon FM
Nikon FM 2
Nikkor AI-S 50mm f/1.4
Vivitar 28mm f/2.8
Vivitar 70-210mm f/3.5
Vivitar 105mm f/2.5 Macro

I intend on carrying both bodies around with me, whenever I go out. I will have color film in one body and black and white in another.

Suggestions... Ready go!

I would be interested in this aswell. I got a quite good Minolta laying around here but dont know what film to try out.

Interesting project
I used to shoot film all the time (cause digital didn't exist at the time) and the great advantage of digital is that you don't have to wait to finish the film and pay to have it developed to get your results..
Also, with the high cost of film, you can't let your creativity go unlimited...
If you can develop your own, go for it!
Black and white is also much cheaper and you get great results!

Why don't you focus on pre-shot elements instead of thinking about post processing? I started with film photography as well and I don't think I'm ever going back.

I never really even think about post processing, I don't do much. But I honestly feel that I don't give enough thought to pre shot elements. I tend to just click away with my shutter and then I can go through everything later and just delete what doesn't turn out, and I think this is a horrible habit. By doing this whole film thing I am hoping to force myself to really think about my pre shot elements, and better the shot before even taking it. I won't be able to just sit and snap away, and toss whatever I don't like. Make sense?

What exactly do you want to shoot?

This post was edited by lithfkn on Apr 29 2010 05:11pm

Anything really. You know everyday stuff that one would photograph. I want to be able to go on hikes and take photos of the trail and the surroundings, then water falls once I reach the end of the trail. I want to be able to go on a walk around the neighborhood/ city and photograph anything that catches my eye and is seemingly interesting. Perhaps go to my barn and take photos of our horses, or the old rusty stuff. Photos of things during a sunset, macro shots of bugs and insects, etc.

There's a reason why most pros are now digital. You have to conciously calibrate your camera, use filters, and worry a whole lot about light while taking pictures. In my photography business, we offer an on-the-spot slideshow of the morning and church photoshoot on the venue, as well as direct wireless transfer from camera to laptop to projector for on-the-spot print sales when we setup portable studio in venue. No time for editing

Well I know you have to or at least can post-process film photos as well
So are you going to develop the films yourself?
I have thought about shooting film too but all the hassle developing them kinda scared me away lol
plus you have to use white balance filters in some situations instead of just change it in post-process

Landscapes = Velvia
Portraits = Kodak Porta
Street/Photojournalistic = Illford 400/800 or Kodak Tmax

Can't go wrong.

Film is a whole different kettle of fish so be prepared to go through a tonne of it