35mm Film Photography vs. Digital?
More Film Photography in 2022
A Comparison - 35mm Film vs. APS-C Digital
Although I am not a fan of new years resolutions I did decide that I would shoot more film in 2022. In an attempt to rekindle my passion for film photography I bought a very nice Nikon FM3a in early January. I have been taking it through its paces and should have a review ready later this week.
This means that I often carry my digital Fujifilm X-Pro3 and a film camera at the same time and inevitably I sometimes end up shooting the same scene with both cameras. I do this mostly out of curiosity to see how the end results differ, and to see which I prefer in any given scenario.
The cost of film has gone up recently and this is in the back of my mind when I am out doing street photography. I try to weigh out the pros and cons of using film. Not only from a cost perspective but I also consider the heavier workflow involved with film photography.
With film the extra steps include buying the film, getting it developed (two trips to the lab, drop-off and pick up), copying the negatives, and longer than usual post-processing where I use the Negative Lab Lighroom Plugin.
I still find the process rewarding but I am not willing to go 100% film photography as some photographers do. If you are researching film photography this is one of the considerations you will go through. And there are no right or wrong answers trying to strike the right balance.
You may enjoy shooting film but will only do so on special occasions or you may only use film for certain topics ie. street photography. For now, I mostly use film for street and general photography around Vancouver but I am also using it more and more for family photos.
Colour vs. Black and White
So far I have shot more rolls of black and white negative film than color. The colors I get from my Fujifilm X-Pro3 are great and the film simulations from Fujifilm are good enough that I can usually find a look that I am happy with.
When it comes to black and white negative film the Acros film simulation is also really good but nothing is like real 35mm film when it comes to tonality and authentic-looking film grain.
You may also say the same about color film and this is one area I would like to explore further.
Saint James Church, Downtown Eastside. Vancouver Nikon EM, Kodak TMAX 100
Saint James Church, Downtown Eastside, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR, Classic Neg. film simulation
Truck, Downtown Eastside, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR, Classic Neg. film simulation
That wraps up my quick comparison of a few photos shot on 35mm black and white negative film vs. digital color photos from my Fujifilm X-Pro3.
I also did a full comparison shooting all black and white images with a Fujifilm X-Pro3 using the Acros film simulation comparing it to photos taken with the Fujifilm Acros 100 II black and white negative film. You can read that article here:
Fujifilm Acros 100 II vs. Film Simulation
The photos in this post are made using the following photography gear.
Links to my reviews:
Nikon EM
Nikon FM3a
Fujifilm X-Pro3
Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR
