Getting started with film photography

TheGreen

TheGreen

Member
Hey everybody, I know there are probably threads on this, but I couldn't find anything. But I've started photography this summer, and I really developped a passion for it. Right now I've got a t2i, which is decent for photos but I like it because I use it for film too. But that's not the point. I found my mom's old camera, which is a canon AE-1, which I think is pretty decent considering what I've read. It has a old canon 50 1.8 and my mom has a zoom lens which I'm unsure what it is, but it's not a really good one. I've also heard my grandpa has a old camera with a zeiss lens, but that is to be confirmed.

So after learning a lot about the basics of photography and exploring this hobby, I wanna start doing film stuff, because I like the look of film a lot more, and I think that's the best way to become a great photographer. The only problem is, I have no idea where to get started, because I don't know anything about it.

Here's what I'm wondering about:

- Should I get the stuff for developping right away, or should I just start shooting and get it developped at the drugstore?

- If I get the darkroom stuff, I've heard of a number of methods, like a full on darkroom with an enlarger and stuff, or just a sort of tank that you shake.

- What kind of film is better to start with? I'm probably gonna start with B%W stuff, especially if I develop myself.

- Best way to dial in exposure? I'm used to digital where you just look at the LCD to get the right exposure, so I'm pretty confused there. I know it has something to do with the meter in the viewfinder, which I'm pretty sure tells the recommended aperture, but what about shutter speed?

I'm pretty sure that's it for now, but if you've got anything else that I need to know, feel free.

Thanks
 
Honestly, if you're just getting into it, I wouldn't worry about getting into developing yourself, although that is one of the best ways to learn. If you do decide to develop your own stuff, you need more than a tank, you need an enlarger and a darkroom. The tank develops the film, and the darkroom is necessary to transfer the image to paper. Look around for a local lab, ask them about it at a camera store nearby. You can probably use a local lab for a fee. Sometimes schools (I'm assuming you're in highschool or college) have darkrooms too, take a photography class or just ask if you can use the darkroom, although without knowledge they'll probably say no. So first priority should be to learn how to use a darkroom.

Next, I'd say start with black and white, but that's just a personal preference. I like black and white more, and it allows you to focus more on artistic photographic qualities, such as form, lines, and general basic photographic principles, such as the rule of thirds, without becoming absorbed in color/other distractions.

Thirdly, the meter in the AE1 responds to both shutter speed and aperture, depending on how you change each one, the position of the needle in the meter will change. Decide the depth of field you want for a shot, and then adjust the shutter speed so that the needle is in the middle of the side meter area of the viewfinder (I realize that's a shitty description, I just can't figure out how to write what I'm trying to describe). If you need a certain shutter speed, for example to freeze action, then set the camera to that shutter speed, and adjust aperture accordingly. The meter will respond in the same way.

It sounds like you really don't know a lot at all, which is fine. I'm glad you're getting into photography, it's amazing, but before just running out and taking pictures, I'd try to sign up for a photography class at school, or at least get someone who knows what they're doing to show you the ropes.

sorry for the book,

hope it helps.

also, feel free to PM me with any more questions
 
Thanks a lot man, that really helps. I'm gonna start out with just shooting black and white and get it developped, then if I like it I could always try to use the darkroom at school, but it seems pretty restricted. As for a photography class, it would be loads of fun, but I really lack the time/money to do it. Maybe when I'm done with school though
 
yeah that's a completely legit concern. Still though, if you have even an hour or two to get together with a friend or family member that has worked in film before, it will be immensely helpful
 
Ya I would say start off with black and white film first. Get some TMAX 400 or better yet get some of this

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/192244-Arista-Premium-BandW-400-ISO-35mm-x-24-exp.?cat_id=402

Same film as TMAX but much cheaper. Of if you want to try color negative film get some Portra 160NC or VC.

As far as developing film yourself, it's not hard and I'd strongly encourage you to try it at least once. You don't need a full darkroom setup to develop film either. All you need is a light sealed room like a closet, chemicals, and a tank and reel. I'd suggest getting some HC110 developer since you can dilute it so you only use how much you need for a roll or two. I'd say you could probably get everything you need to develop a few rolls for under $50.

Once you have your negatives you can just scan them in. I'd try seeing if your school has a digital photo lab/ computer lab where they have nice scanners. Most schools will have them if they have a darkroom. But if your school doesn't and you still want to scan your negatives in, buy a Epson 4490. It's probably the best bang for your buck scanner out there. Plus you can find them for under $100. If you really want to go all out buy a Epson V500, such a rad scanner and worth the higher price tag.

I'd just search around the internet or go to your library and check out some books on film. Just go out and shoot as much as possible and see what you like and don't like. Do some researh on photographers and pick out what you like about their photos and try to incorporate it within your own style.

 
Alright thanks a lot for the help guys, now I just gotta go buy some film and try to shoot.

Also when you say you can scan the negatives, when I saw negatives they always had weird ass colors, maybe it's different with B&W but will it show when I scan them?
 
The colors probably looked weird because it is a negative image hence the term "negative". With a good scanner and software you'll have the option of choosing B&W, Color Negative, and Color Slide. Then the scanner will invert the image so it will look normal on the computer. I know the Epson scanner comes with good software that will do this.
 
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