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.
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
Kodak T-Max 400
Kodak Portra 160 and 800
Fuji Velvia 50
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.