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You are here: Home / Blog / Film Is Not Dead?

Film Is Not Dead?

June 12, 2017 by Brad Tollefson Leave a Comment

Maybe it is because I only used film in 27-exposure disposable cameras, and learned photography on a digital camera. Maybe, it is because I’m an overly nostalgic millennial. Or, maybe it is because I want to spend too much money on rolls of film and processing costs.

Either way, I leaped back in time and began shooting film while covering assignments for the A-J. Then came the decision on which camera to buy. The question was solved fairly quickly with my eyes set on the Canon 1V. It would allow me to seamlessly switch between cameras while in the field. Thus, I began scouring eBay and came across a lightly used copy of the camera.

Once the camera arrived, I realized I had no clue which films to use. So I went to Armadillo Camera, our local shop, and picked up some Tri-X they had on hand. After making my way through those five rolls ordered a variety of everything popular at B&H. amongst the order was more Tri-X, as well as T-Max 100 and 400, Portra 160 and 800, Ektar, Velvia 50 and Provia 100F.

This is probably the only appropriate time to use a filter. I've never actually shot film (other than with a disposable camera), so I figured it would be a fun time to try something new. #trix #filmisnotdead?

A post shared by Brad Tollefson (@brad_tollefson) on Aug 5, 2016 at 3:52pm PDT

Once I shot through most of what I bought I realized there are no local companies that still process any film. Rather than mailing off the film, I waited until I was in Austin for work and brought them along with me. Finally, I was down in the Capital last month for the state track and field meet, and I made time to go get my film developed at Holland Photo Imaging.

Arriving back in Lubbock, negatives in tow, I began admiring the physical product while realizing I didn’t yet have a digital copy of the files. I then ordered an Epson V800 scanner so that I can save on scanning costs in the long run. Now, I can finally see how the pictures actually look. And hopefully will find myself shooting analog more frequently.

Film Photos

Kodak Tri-X 400

Patterns in the brick wall Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Kodak Tri-X 400 black and white film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
Patterns in the brick wall Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Kodak Tri-X 400.
Jenna Hay, from North Richland Hills, is competing in the Powerman World Champs duathlon in Zofingen, Switzerland on September 4, 2016. Powerman Zofingen has three segments, 10 kilometer run, 150 kilometer bike ride, and a 30 kilometer run. Pictured at Mae Simons Park Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Kodak Tri-X 400 black and white film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
Jenna Hay, from North Richland Hills, is competing in the Powerman World Champs duathlon in Zofingen, Switzerland on September 4, 2016. Powerman Zofingen has three segments, 10-kilometer run, 150-kilometer bike ride, and a 30-kilometer run. Pictured at Mae Simons Park Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Kodak Tri-X 400.
The Masked Rider Statue, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Kodak Tri-X 400 black and white film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
The Masked Rider Statue, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Kodak Tri-X 400.
The Masked Rider Statue, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Kodak Tri-X 400 black and white film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
The Masked Rider Statue, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Kodak Tri-X 400.
A windmill spins in the wind Monday, Aug. 22, 2016, near Andrews, Texas. Shot with Kodak Tri-X 400 black and white film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
A windmill spins in the wind Monday, Aug. 22, 2016, near Andrews, Texas. Shot with Kodak Tri-X 400.
Texas Tech's Natalie Schmutz (4) during the game against Abilene Christian, Sept. 4, 2016, at John Walker Soccer Complex in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Kodak Tri-X 400 black and white film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
Texas Tech’s Natalie Schmutz (4) during the game against Abilene Christian, Sept. 4, 2016, at John Walker Soccer Complex in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Kodak Tri-X 400.
1,000 flags blow in the wind as tribute to the 9/11 attacks, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, at Kastman Park in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Kodak Tri-X 400 black and white film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
1,000 flags blow in the wind as a tribute to the 9/11 attacks, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, at Kastman Park in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Kodak Tri-X 400.
Nazareth's Eric Hill (24) catches a pass before the game against Borden County on Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, at Coyotes Stadium in Gail, Texas. Shot with Kodak Tri-X 400 black and white film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
Nazareth’s Eric Hill (24) catches a pass before the game against Borden County on Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, at Coyotes Stadium in Gail, Texas. Shot with Kodak Tri-X 400.
Pumpkins on display during the Pumpkin Trail, Friday, Oct. 14, 2016, at Lubbock Memorial Arboretum in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Kodak Tri-X 400 black and white film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
Pumpkins on display during the Pumpkin Trail, Friday, Oct. 14, 2016, at Lubbock Memorial Arboretum in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Kodak Tri-X 400.

Kodak T-Max 400

TCU's Desmon White (10) is tackled during the game against Texas Tech, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. Shot with Kodak T-Max 400 black and white film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
TCU’s Desmon White (10) is tackled during the game against Texas Tech, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. Shot with Kodak T-Max 400.
TCU fans cheer during the game against Texas Tech, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. Shot with Kodak T-Max 400 black and white film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
TCU fans cheer during the game against Texas Tech, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. Shot with Kodak T-Max 400.

Kodak Portra 160 and 800

A father and son ride down the slide together Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, at South Plains Fairgrounds in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Kodak Portra 160 film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
A father and son ride down the slide together Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, at South Plains Fairgrounds in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Kodak Portra 160 film.
Fans in the crowd cheer during Needtobreathe's Tour de Compadres concert Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Kodak Portra 800 film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
Fans in the crowd cheer during Needtobreathe’s Tour de Compadres concert Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Kodak Portra 800 film.

Fuji Velvia 50

Texas Tech's Jack Reichel (72) runs out onto the field before the game against Texas, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Fuji Velvia 50 slide film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
Texas Tech’s Jack Reichel (72) runs out onto the field before the game against Texas, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Fuji Velvia 50.
A Saddle Tramp holds his guns up before the game against Texas, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Fuji Velvia 50 slide film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
A Saddle Tramp holds his guns up before the game against Texas, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Fuji Velvia 50.
Texas Tech cheerleaders sing the national anthem before the game against Texas, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Fuji Velvia 50 slide film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
Texas Tech cheerleaders sing the national anthem before the game against Texas, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Fuji Velvia 50.
The Double T flag is waved during the game against Oklahoma State Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla. Shot with Fuji Velvia 50 slide film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
The Double T flag is waved during the game against Oklahoma State Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla. Shot with Fuji Velvia 50.

Fuji Provia 100F

The Headwaters Fountain is frozen during a snow storm Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Fuji Provia 100F slide film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
The Headwaters Fountain is frozen during a snow storm Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas. Shot on Fuji Provia 100F.
A ranch fence Saturday, March 4, 2017, near Ranger,Texas. Shot with Fuji Provia 100F slide film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
A ranch fence Saturday, March 4, 2017, near Ranger, Texas. Shot on Fuji Provia 100F.
Bradford pear tree blossoms Monday, March 13, 2017, at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Fuji Provia 100F slide film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
Bradford pear tree blossoms Monday, March 13, 2017, at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas. Shot on Fuji Provia 100F.
"We Are In The Business of Changing the World" by Joe Barrington and Tara Conley, Monday, March 13, 2017, at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas. Shot with Fuji Provia 100F slide film. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)
“We Are In The Business of Changing the World” by Joe Barrington and Tara Conley, Monday, March 13, 2017, at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas. Shot on Fuji Provia 100F.

Moving Forward

In conclusion, I really enjoy the classic look of Tri-X. I feel as if I’m looking at a copy of newsprint. Both versions of T-Max are alright and deserve some more use in the future. The images coming from the Portra 160 and 800 look awful in my mind. There’s a roll of Ektar 100 sitting in the camera currently, and have high hopes for how it turns out. The slide film is awesome looking, with a slight preference to the more natural looking Provia. As soon as Kodak rereleases the Ektachrome 100, I’ll be sure pick up several rolls. I have yet to touch anything from Ilford either, but the FP4 Plus and HP5 Plus are next on my list to try out. Along with some expired Fuji Provia 400X.

Lastly, I still have much to learn about the Epson V800 Scanner. Everything shown here was scanned at 2400 dpi using standard settings, and I’m sure there are plenty of ways for me to produce a higher quality scan.

 

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