Is Shooting Film WORTH IT in 2024?

This is complicated answer.

In a world of growing digital cameras, with newer, crazier technology coming-out, seemingly every day, I frequently get asked why I shoot film when digital is much more accessible. Well, I've taken some time to think about it and why we plunge so much money into this potentially dying medium. However, I think there's much more inherent artistry to it than simply just preference.

Keaton:

#35mm #photography #filmphotography

[SageEpyon]

You're quickly becoming one of my top 5 favorite film photography youtubers! One hundred percent agree with all the points in this video!

[ReimannPembroke]

Great video dude! The points were spot on! I hate sifting though the way too many photos I take when shooting digital. Also I think there is something important about removing yourself from the photos you take while you wait for them to be developed

[MarcoRoepers]

I love shooting film. The whole process of developing at home and printing in a dark room and so has also something very valuable.

[jamesconkis]

Digital doesn't feel the same, film just hits differently.

[TAasali]

I have both a Hasselblad and a Nikon F4, love them both.
I have 16 year old photos of my son on kodachrome, none of my pictures taken on my phone at the same era exists….
I bought several rolls of Ektachrome E100, and I am keeping the slide projector alive, planning on gathering all my family members in october for a slideshow with popcorn!

[emur]

Congrats on the Skillshare sponsorship, my man!

[stevencook]

Agree on all points. I really find shooting film to be more rewarding. I try to take the same approach with digital as I do with film. I don't chimp and only take 1 or 2 shots of the same composition. I, too, don't like going through a ton of digital images.

[SweetLouPhotography]

i for one like having the time for me to develop my photos to find out they suck instead of learning that instantly on a little lcd screen

[HenryJaySabercat]

Fantastic breakdown man. I'd agree with your points, and I'll add one of my own: I like the mystery of it. The wondering how a shot will have turned out, the excitement of trying a new film stock. The limited nature of this process helps push creativity in a way that I don't think digital can.

I think for a lot of us, the answer can kind of be boiled down to "because I like it"
Does there need to be any more reason than that?

[jrherby]

I started with film, because I have the same problem when shooting with my smartphone taking around 70 pictures in a 14 days trip and didnt even rewatch them until today and even now when i use my Fuji Xs-10 i am limited to 4 recipes (more than enough) and shoot like it would be film taking time for the shot.

[harryhole]

I shoot film because : Of the feel, the look, the aesthetics, the enjoyment, the process, the results, the quality. Yes digital gets results but its the technology which achieves that. It has its place. However I thoroughly enjoy the process and when you achieve a cracking image the feeling is un matched.

[GrahamConnor]

I love the excitement of getting a roll developed. The look is "nostalgic" and often ethereal. I also lowkey think people look better on film... Also the instant gratification/taking 100s of pics digitally just makes it feel, for me, less special?

[scrptwic]

I started in film I bought my SLR in 1977 a Pentax K1000 I moved up to Pentax ME SUPER & ME SUPER PROGRAM I kept 400 film in one camera and 1600 in the second camera for low light. I recently Refurbished a Pentax Spotamatic I got the camera as a kit with a number of Takumar lenses I put the camera on a shelf unti somebody gave me a roll of film . That's when I found out the light seals were worn out . I replaced the seals for a few dollars for supplies from Walmart. Now I need to take the camera out and see if I still have a problem with the new light seals

[paullanoue]

Shot film for thirty five years. Worked in a professional lab that catered to professional photographers. Shot a Leica M3. I know film for the shooting to the processing and printing. Switched to digital in 2006. I felt like I was released from prison. What I can do in my home digital lab was unimaginable in the 1970’s professional film lab. No more test prints, felt tip pens, and dodging and burning black and white. No more test strips on the film processors. I don’t miss any of it. You want nostalgia turn your digital camera to manual, single point, single shot, and manual focus. Welcome to 1960! I’ve been there and I will stay with the digital cameras and processing that only allow for a single limitation. The imagination of the photographer. Good luck with film.

[DominikMarczuk]

I don't know whether it's because of the inherently deliberate nature of shooting film or something else, but my success rate (number of keepers vs. the total number of photos taken) increases tenfold with film, from 1-2% to around 20%. Also, film is just so much more fun.

[thevoiceman]

I never stopped schooting film. I don't even edit my film photos. I take all my film to a local lab and get it developed, scanned and printed. They can do a way better job then I could ever do and would not want to spend time developing and scanning while I could spend that time doing other things.

[khanscombe]

I think we like or appreciate something new or different.
I grew up from film so using the thought process of composition to make it count. Bulk rolls for 250/exp was affordable then
I have 10 yo DSLR’s w/ low clicks.
But for action sports I love digital to get that focus bracketing at 11 fps

[FredericBonneauPhotography]

Starting with film is like starting learning DOS for computer. It’s essential for learning photography. This is why schools teach you with film first…. Not because it’s chipper!

[OriginalTLab]

3:23 35 mm, 120 or APS, with the latter having a _much_ higher market share amongst non professionals than 120.

[michaelbell]

Convincing the general public to shoot film in 2024 in this economy is an uphill battle. Yes, a cheap camera is less expensive then digital but when you are looking at over $100 for film, developing and scanning, most people won't bother. Especially when you have to wait to see your photos. I love film, but Im certainly not spending $100+ every time I want to shoot 36 photos. Even my instant film cameras are less expensive than that. People are much more likely to buy a disposable camera and shoot film a lot cheaper.