Lately, I have been reading that film is coming back. Mostly, the return to film is with artists. Digital is nice and quick, but even the best digital filters cannot replicate what film produces–that is the grain. Old-school film is all about sharpness and grain. And, manufacturers like Kodak, are returning to produce film. Who doesn’t remember the popularity of Kodak Tri-X, the photo journalist’s go-to B&W film.
Why am I writing about this? Because today, talking with a friend, I was asked about selling off camera equipment that is no longer used. Turns out I did not know he was an amateur photographer with lots of gear. Nor did he realize my professional photography background. Turns out, he is sitting on his father-in-laws medium format equipment. My ears perked up.
I have often thought about returning to film for artistic efforts. My Canon FTb is still in good condition, even though I bought it in 1971 in Vietnam before I left that county. That makes it 55 years old, and it’s still viable. Load it up with some Tri-X or Ilford film, and it’s ready to go. But my real desire is medium format film cameras. The camera I regret letting go was my Hasselblad. Loved that camera, but I had long quit developing film. So, I let it go, and sold it to a friend who had access to darkrooms.
As film returns to the art community, there are companies that will develop and scan B&W film for customers, thus bypassing the need for a darkroom.
All this makes me think about returning to film. To resume art with B&W film. Time will tell what my future photographic efforts will hold.
Are you shooting film?
See you on the highway.
Brent