Why Film?

Happy fall film photographers! 🍁

I’m in Vermont and it feels very much like fall. Crisp air, changing leaves and all the flannel. For a camera, I got the Yashica Mat 124G. I forgot how much fun TLRs are…waist level finders wtf!

What do we got for you today?

• 🎞️ Let’s talk about the big one…

• 📕 I got a new photobook for you!

• 🤓 Intrepid is making a new 4×5 lens.

🎞️ Let’s talk about the big one…

You remember your first time? I do. It was summer ‘23 at Coney Island on the Wonder Wheel. **click** one shot closer to finishing my first ever roll of film.

When I got that roll back from the lab, it was over, I was hooked. 😍

So why film? 🧐

Every film photographer will get asked this at least once. You’ll ask it yourself when something inevitably goes wrong with your film. So why do we do it?

Is it the look? 👀

Sure, film has a distinct look to it. One that just about every other filter/preset tries to mimic. And film grain is certainly more visually pleasing than digital noise. But I’m not sure we’d be willing to put in the extra effort and money just to chase that Portra 400 aesthetic. There’s gotta be something more.

Some see a con. 👎 We see a pro! 👍

• Unlimited images? Nope. 36 or less - I’ll make them count.

• Autofocus? Probably not - Forces me to slow down.

• Live preview? Nah - No distractions.

• Instant feedback? If you hustle you can get next day feedback - You really pay attention when you do.

• There is a cost per image? You bet - But lenses are cheap.

Many see this list and run for the hills. We film photographers see it as all part of the process.

It’s all about the experience! 🤛

For me this is why I choose to shoot film. It’s a very tactile and rewarding experience. I love the mechanical nature of film cameras, the way they feel and sound. I love that it forces me to slow down and be more present (something I struggle with). It makes me really appreciate the craft of photography. Plus, there is nothing as magical as pulling your film out of the development tank and seeing your images. ✨

So I’ve got a big question for you…why film? Reply, and let me know.

📕 I got a new photobook for you!

Dogbreath

By Matthew Genitempo

Taken in Tucson, Arizona, this series of B&W images shows the drudge of daily life through the point of view of restless teens. It has a very 90s nostalgic vibe to it, aided by the interspersed photos of an old TV playing old videos. Also sprinkled through out is a conversation with a mysterious teen name Dove. I highly recommend it. You can find it at the Charcoal Book Club.

🤓 Intrepid is making a new 4×5 lens.

Intrepid Camera, a great UK company that makes very affordable large format cameras has launched a Kickstarter campaign for their new 4×5 lens and shutter control. The lens is a 150mm (that’s about 50mm focal length on a 35mm camera) with a max aperture of f6.3. The shutter control is interesting for people who want very precise control over their shutter speed. As you may know large format lenses aren’t really made anymore and they can wear over time causing the shutter to not be as precise.

It’s a interesting Kickstarter campaign to check out. Even if you’re not in the market, it’s always good for the community at large when new film things are being made! 🎊

That’s going to do it for today! I’ll see you next week for 🌮 Tuesday!

Go out and make some negatives.

Ben Henschel

📷 Yashica Mat 124 G / 🎞️ Kodak Tri-X 400