Purchasing Film
It’s amazing how difficult it still is for the average person to purchase film. Despite all of the advancements made in 35mm film, the basic system of film speeds has not really changed. And yet, folks are still out there purchasing 35mm film without any real knowledge of what they are doing.
This isn't exactly a crisis situation. George W. will not win any states by campaigning for simplified 35mm film sales. But, I see folks all the time invest time and money into their photographs without this basic information to guide them. So, I thought I would take a few minutes and document a few of my own "rules" about purchasing film. Maybe somebody will find this information useful.Rule # 1: Select 200 speed film
The first rule is simple. If all else fails and you have no idea what to do. Purchase 200 ASA/ISO film. Just trust me. This is the best place to start and it will cover most of your normal cases.
Rule # 2: Price does not equal quality
Many folks are often confused by the prices of film. Specifically, folks think that the more expensive film must be better and everybody wants the best so they purchase the most expensive speed of film available. This is very wrong.
Film cost is normally proportional to the speed of the film. 100 ASA is cheaper than 200 ASA which is cheaper than 400 ASA etc. But, the actual quality of the negatives is the other way around. The slower the film, the more detail it is able to record. Which translates into finer images.
So, if you ran out and purchased 800 ASA film because it was expensive, you may be very dissapointed in the grainy pictures you get back. 100 and 200 ASA films are going to give you sharp pictures with the best color. And, they are usually the cheapest to boot.
Rule # 3: Specialty film should be used sparingly
First, let us define specialty film. To me, it is any film with a speed rating of over 400 or under 100. Second, lets clarify the rule with an example. 800 ASA, a specialty film, is almost always going to give you inferior results to normal film (200 ASA for example). That's not to say it doesn't have it's purposes. There are probably times that justify it, although I'm not exactly sure what those times are.
Sub-100 ASA films have a place in this world too. There are a few that I actually use. But, the average person may not be ready to deal with the light and shutter speed requirements that such a slow speed film may require.
Okay, I admit it. This is just another way of saying my first rule. You got me. But I think it is that important.
Rule # 4: Pay for good developing and printing
Why spend the time and money on using film, instead of digital photography, and then take a chance on letting Wal-Mart butcher the developing of your negatives and printing of your pictures?
Is it really worth the money you are saving? I'll have to post my examples someday of pictures I had processed at a drug store and then reprinted at a real camera store. The difference is astounding.
What does a drug store, or a grocery store, or for heaven's sake Wal-Mart know or care about film? I think the difference is worth it. Shop around and find a camera store that does a good job in your area.
Rule # 5: Match film brand to the paper and chemicals
This may be my imagination, but in my experience it pays to use the same brand of film as your camera store uses for their chemicals and photo paper. If you go to a place that uses Kodak paper and chemicals, use Kodak film. If they use Fuji paper and chemicals, use Fuji film.
I don't think that the actual brand of film matters nearly as much as the fact that the film brand is the same as what your camera store is using. Well, I guess I've never even considered using a generic brand of film, so I guess that's not completely true. But you get the idea.
Your camera store will proudly display logos etc. of the brand they use. A Fuji based store will have the Fuji logo plastered on their window and they will likely only sell, or promote Fuji film. A Kodak store will do the same.
I hope this help you the next time you find yourself looking at a wall of film and you can't decide what to buy to take pictures of little Johnny's first birthday party.
Hint: Johnny will thank you if you choose 200 speed film (and remember to take the lens cap off of your camera).
Posted by on 06/02 at 09:57 PM