Film Recommendations?

afarber · June 19, 2008

Hey folks -

So I began years ago shooting film, but I really got into photography in the dSLR age. I recently unearthed my Canon AE1 SLR and what do you know - the battery is still good! I'd like to shoot some film with it, but I don't know what to use.

I don't have any idea what's out there and what is good. I want something nicer than the standard drug store film, but I can't pay $10 per roll. Anything middle ground. I'd love recommendations for both color and b&w.

Also, any good developers in NYC that people have used recently? Any online/mail-in services? I don't want to pay out the nose, but again, I'm not settling for drug store machines.

Thanks so much for any recommendations!

Adam

Manfr3d · June 19, 2008

I can only recommend the Ilford Delta B&W series. They were
awesome. I got grainless A4 prints form ISO 3200 film. But
that film is expensive. Why don't you just buy a roll of FujiFilm
or Kodak Gold and see if you like it?

Art Scott · June 19, 2008

First of all what is availble in your area.....any real PRO CAMERA STORES or just small local shops carrying the basics like what wally world or wall greene carries......or you can shop online.....as a film pro I shot basically 3 films.....the pro fujis, AGFA 50 print (no longer avail) and Ilford for b/w......for most of my wedding and portrait work it was Fuji transparency films of the iso 50 / 100 families and I used the Ilford Delta mentioned above.....I have not kept up with what is available.....I will recommend that you may want to shop FREESTYLE PHOTO online as tey used to have fantastic prices on films ....

swintonphoto · June 20, 2008

The Fuji NPS for color film, Ilford Delta films for B&W, and Provia for slide film are all my favorites.

afarber · June 20, 2008

Thanks everyone for your recommendations! I'm in NYC so I do have access to B&H, Adorama, etc. I am also happy to shop online. I'm going to check out the link provided for the films mentioned over the weekend.

Any other specific films people still use?

Any developers recommended?

Thanks!!!

cameralogic · June 21, 2008

afarber wrote:

Thanks everyone for your recommendations! I'm in NYC so I do have access to B&H, Adorama, etc. I am also happy to shop online. I'm going to check out the link provided for the films mentioned over the weekend.

Any other specific films people still use?

Any developers recommended?

Thanks!!!

I am a strong Fujifilm. I carry Fuji 200 for general purpose. The Fuji Pro line has great exposure latitude. I use 160S for landscapes.

Good Luck!

evoryware · June 21, 2008

As far as developing I like Duggal but depending on what you are getting developed, they can be expensive.
Film wise I use Kodak Tri-X or Professional Ultra.

mackidbrendan · June 22, 2008

my vote goes for ilford aswell.
also if you want a lomographhy type look try picking up some expired film, its cheap too.

Good luck

afarber · June 22, 2008

I think I'm going to order from B&H a couple rolls of each of these:

Delta-400 Professional 135-36 Black & White Print Film (ISO-400)

and

Pro 400H 135-36 Professional Color Negative (Print) Film (ISO 400)

I'm selecting ISO400 somewhat at random - mostly for outdoors, but with a bit of flexibility to shoot indoors a bit. I'm really doing this pretty blind...just giving it a shot.

Still looking for a devloper, but in NYC that should be pretty easy.

Any thoughts on my choice or other pieces of advice?

Thanks all!

claudermilk · June 23, 2008

In addition to the Ilford, I'm really liking the Fuji ACROS 100 if you can use slower B&W. I'm not doing much color, but the Fuji Pro stuff is nice with the little I've shot.

davidweaver · June 26, 2008

WOW!

Unearthing your AE-1 (I used to have one) is like Woody Allen finding that Volkswagen.

Have fun!

David

Film Recommendations?

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