With advanced technology in photography and the introduction of a variety of cameras which can click high-value photos, film photography is making a comeback. Shooting on films creates just another vibe, which is not easy to replicate with anything else. You cannot merely link the current usage of films to nostalgia.
This guide features the different types of camera films available and the benefits of film photography.
What is Film Photography?
Film photography involves capturing images on thin, transparent plastic strips known as Film. A gelatin emulsion is applied on one side of the Film, having minute silver halide crystals crucial for a photograph’s contrast and resolution. The silver halide crystals on the film strip are photosensitive, with their exposure to light dictating the brightness and level of detail in the resulting photograph.
In capturing an image, a film camera reveals the film strip to a magnified image via the lens. This exposure creates an imprint into the emulsion, creating a latent picture.
Once captured, this latent picture can undergo development, transforming into a negative. This negative can then be cast onto light-sensitive photo paper, giving you the final photograph.
Different Types of Films
There are generally two types of camera film: colour and black and white. Under these categories, there are various types of multiple formats.
- Colour Film
For general photography, colour film is considered a highly popular type of film. One of the reasons for such popularity is its easy usability and easy processing at a standard lab. There are various types of colour films you can choose from. The slide, instant and negative are the most common types of colour films available.
Negative Film
The most popular type of colour film is a Negative film because it is easily available, less expensive, and can be viewed or printed on a screen. There are various speeds available in negative films, like ASA or ISO, so it’s up to you which one you want. The greater ISO values simply mean it is sensitive to light more.
Slide Film
It is less popular than negative film but can help you generate high-quality pictures. The Slide films are costlier than negative films and are less versatile. However, this is a better option if you seek a high-quality image. When shooting on slide film, getting the exposure right is important and should be done carefully.
- Black and White Film
Black and white films are not as popular as colour films. However, they provide a unique look and feel to your shot. You can process these films at any standard photo lab; remember that these are more costlier than the colour film.
Benefits of Analogue Photography
In analogue photography, you take pictures via an analogue camera along with film. Here are a few advantages of Analogue photography:
- Many photographers opt for film photography over digital for several reasons, one being the hands-on learning experience it provides. It contains various camera types with different settings, which encourages experimentation
- Unlike their digital counterparts, analogue cameras lack automatic features, pushing photographers to make decisions actively.
- The process of shooting, loading, and developing film is time-consuming but worth it. This technique, especially in the darkroom, offers a sense of achievement.
- Analogue photography encourages thoughtfulness in photographers as each shot is significant. The limited number of frames on a 35mm film roll ensures you take each shot carefully.
- Analogue photography produces authentic artistic effects, such as authentic light leaks, vignettes, and overexposures, which are usually done by manipulating the images.
Instant Films (Polaroid and Fuji Instax)
The two most famous types of instant films are Polaroid and Fuji Instax. Polaroid film is expensive and creates a classy instant film look. On the other hand, depending on your camera, the Fuji Instax mini film creates images that are better in contrast and colour than Polaroid films.
Conclusion
Film photography is still trending in this digital era of cameras with automatic features and various advances. The look and vibe of the mini film are not achievable by a digital camera. Check for the versatility, availability, and cost of the camera film you buy to find which suits you. However, experimenting is the best way to find out. So go out and try the different films mentioned in this guide!