I crossed the Rubicon yesterday and photographed a 4 hour event entirely with film.
(I had no choice really, seeing as I no longer own a digital camera.)
The Kodak Portra 400 will be delivered to the lab tomorrow.
Fingers crossed… though I’m comforted by history, and countless photographers before me who have successfully photographed critical events with the “old” medium.
The gear I used: Mamiya 7II/80mm.
—Peter.
Prosophos 
Live dangerously!!!
(I just bought a used Hasselblad…)
Congratulations!
I assume this is the client event you have alluded to? I have little doubt the results will be stunning.
Thanks Andrew.
After 2 years shooting only film, I replaced my M7 for the new M.
Since I don’t take a lot o pictures when I am walking with my camera, even when I am traveling during vacations, film suited me very well.
I still don’t know what is going to happen now that my M7 is gone, since I had no previous experience with digital Leicas.
If you take a lot of pictures that may be an issue, specially if you scan them yourself like I do, it will consume a lot of your time. On the other hand film has an unique touch, and based on your photos the results you reach are amazing!
Considering that you are satisfied with your photos and the workflow with film is not causing any nuisance, I couldn’t agree more with your decision.
Thank you Leonardo.
I know at some point I’ll pick up a digital camera, but at this point it’s hard for me to give up the look I’m getting with film.
Peter, I’m curious to find out if you end up with a higher hit rate with film. Several people I know, and myself as well, find film to be more efficient in the sense of higher percentage of keepers. Why that is, is still a bit of a mystery.
I can tell you now that that’s always been the case for me.
My theory: I’m more careful before pressing the shutter.
I’ll end up with more keepers, but less spontaneous shots.
Peter.
Keep enjoying film Peter. I too know the frustrations that go along with owning a digital Leica. My Monochrom has spent more time in NJ repair than time shooting with me in the year I have owned it. Is it worth all the trouble? I don’t really know…especially when the images don’t really match my Mamiya 7ii with good ol Tri-X. I’m hopeful a digital camera will come along that will be perfect for us. Time will tell 😉
Amen!
After a while with film you develop the ability to pre-visualise and will have a fairly good idea how the images turn out before they are processed.
p.s. this is one of the big differences in terms of workflow compared to Digital. I think it makes you a better photographer.
And as far as workflow goes, probably less time at a computer tweaking and more time to spend taking photos! 😉
Congratulations (!! or ?? – you choose)
Not going to be a popular remark but …just go get a digital. Forward is the way to go. All these thing about film pseudo advantages are just feel better pills. End of the day, all the hassle to get the images online … Well, technology is here got a good reason . I do miss my typewriter .
For me it’s not about nostalgia… it’s about image quality.
Sigma perhaps
As good as it is, it’s not even close to medium format film.
The 6 x 7 “sensor” rendering of people is phenomenal… there is no digital sensor that comes close… not even “medium format” digital sensors (which are typically smaller than their film brethren).
I have to get out of here … Pet’s poison is very strong … Ha ha
🙂