DPReview TV: A look back at APS film

Every photographer knows about APS-C sensors, but what about APS film? This week, Chris and Jordan take a stroll down memory lane and try out the original APS format, short for 'Advanced Photo System', a technology that promised to streamline the film workflow, but which ultimately lost out to digital technology. Tune in to see what made APS so interesting, and whether 15-year-old expired film is still up to the task.

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Shot on the Panasonic GH5

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[TheRealRichardWong]

Damn it Chris and Jordan, now all the hipsters know what APS is!!

[sighheinrich]

I used to sell cameras and develop film.. Your video really tells exactly like the APS film was. Great presentation!
I always had a dislike of the APS films, because the quality was worse than normal 35mm film. And people often forgot to change back from panorama settings, so all their images they got back were in 4×11 inch (10x28cm) - and it was a surprise to them.
It also took 2x as long print the images, because the films came in 25 or 40 shots (AFAIR).. So if I was unlucky, it would be 40 shots in 10x28cm, it would take such a long time to run through the machine, compared to the other films :)

[cameralabs]

Cool throwback video, nice work! I still have my IXUS APS with a half-used film in it from the late Nineties. I daren't develop it.

[Nrdman]

I sure had the pinnacle of APS system cameras; the Minolta Vectis S-1. Why the pinnacle, well for a fact, Minolta took the APS system to heart, they were the driving force convincing the other camera manufacturers to develop cameras and go in for the APS system. The Vectis S-1 and S-100 used specially developed lenses, not the standard Minolta A mount lenses and the fact that the cameras were water or splash proof made it possible to go out in adverse weather.
But the downside to the story is; if you ask former Minolta management, the Vectis killed Minolta. They had a few costly litigations but what really pushed them over the edge and made them sell the camera business to Sony was the costly development of the APS system and subsystems.
I also confess to using the same Canon Ixus, but in silver, not the fancy gold special edition as a carry around camera always in the side pocket in my uniform.
PS: I still have the Vectis S-1 and S-100 and all the lenses; the 17mm, 22-80mm zoom, 25-150mm zoom, 28-56mm zoom, 50mm Macro, 56-170mm zoom, 80-240mm zoom, 400mm reflex and a few other accessories.

[davidf]

I backpacked around the world for a year or so back in 2000ish with my Canon Ixus APS compact. I loved that little thing. Still have all the prints and the exposed cans, of course. The single-sheet index print of thumbnails was quite an innovation at the time. Thanks for bringing back the memories!

[eirjordan]

Man watching this put a smile on my face, the cool faded colours are awesome too. Right! The excitment of seeing your developed photos, not knowing for sure how your photos would really come out - definitely different than instant confirmation on digital cameras today

[erinrosehallett]

As a Pentax user for many, many, mannny years, I love these videos as it makes me feel I truly own a modern camera.
But seriously at 44 and been into photography for well over 30 years these are the videos I most appreciate, keep up the great work lads.

[oregonduc]

My dad bought me the Minolta Vectis S1 in high school. I had fun learning photography using it.

[eviedrwhofan]

just bought a camera that I didn't realise was APS - ordered some film off of eBay and am now excited to have a go with it after this video haha

[stevedarracott]

Chris + Jordon,
It's good to see the return of your analogue coverage, indeed I purchased a mint Nikon F4 after seeing your excellent review of it (thanks)..
I liked this particularly, because of the film affects the out of date film achieved, oh of course: underlined by your excellent photos skills, and Jordon's skill behind (and) in front of the lens - I for one would like to see your 'retro' slot return more often (if possible)?!

Congratulations to you both for some excellent subjects, where the camera / process is centre stage and not solely on the individual.
Keep the quality work flowing, I (like a lot of Brits in the UK) look forward to your next presentation. . .

[ThomasDutour]

The Nikon Pronea 600i was my first SLR camera, I liked it a lot. Great to talk about it and APS cameras in 2018, good history lesson!

[masaytaka]

I always thought where did the APS-C name came from. Now I know why I didn't knew :) That was fun history lesson!

[derekbrown]

Hi Chris & Jordan. Brings back memories, i was into 35mm slrs, but remember getting a Canon Ixus APS for my young cousin, way back then. Even confess to using it myself, as it was so compact. Shows how far we have come in 20 years, and how spoilt we are these days, with digital cameras, and yes, mobile phones.

[timkipimaging]

Recently at the London Drugs I work at a customer came in with a roll of Polachrome film for processing. How many of you have even heard of that brief blip of photographic history? I am old 😥

[seansavery]

Chris your making me feel old, I remember this format though I never shot with but stuck to the 35mm film I'd always used. This episode was a nice trip down memory lane, thankyou.

[stuartcarden]

I remember a friend of mine from school had an APS camera. Man I was so jealous but she used it once on a school trip and I never saw it again. It went the way of the MiniDisc...I hope they're keeping each other company in discarded tech heaven.

[wookiee.gunner]

Thank you. I have been on a personal crusade forever to educate people every time someone complains "Crop of what?" when they talk about crop sensors.

[QuickQuips]

I remember this distinctly since it started out when I was just getting into photography as an elementary student. The idea that you could change Isos mid shoot was mind blowing.

[nicholassaephanh]

Lol that grain in the middle of the day. Loved this segment. I'd like to collect one of those limited edition elphs!

[Elmex_]

I was skeptical at first how good your content would be @DPR, but I'm glad to proven wrong, I truly enjoyed this video!