Reflections on My First Year of 35mm Film Photography
It's been a year. A year since I picked up my first 35mm film camera, a Olympus 35SP bought in a unexpected trip to Central Camera Co. A year of loading film, winding cranks, and waiting (im)patiently for development. A year of happy accidents, frustrating miscalculations, and the constant, intoxicating pursuit of capturing a moment in a way that digital just couldn't replicate.
Looking back, it feels like both a whirlwind and a slow, deliberate dance. My first few rolls were… let's just say "learning experiences." Underexposed shots, blurry images, and the sinking feeling of realizing I'd forgotten to change the ISO after shooting a roll of Portra 800. But even in those early mistakes, there was a thrill. A tangible connection to the process that I hadn't felt with digital photography.
What I Learned:
Patience is Key: Film photography is not about instant gratification. It's about slowing down, considering your composition, and trusting the process. Waiting for your film to be developed is like waiting for a seed to sprout. It requires patience, but the results are often worth the wait.
Light is Everything (Even More So): Understanding light is crucial in any form of photography, but with film, it becomes even more important. Learning to read light, to anticipate how it will interact with the film, is a skill that takes time and practice. My light meter became my best friend (and sometimes, my worst enemy).
Embrace the Imperfections: Film isn't perfect. It has grain, it has imperfections, and sometimes, it has unexpected results. But it's in these imperfections that the magic lies. They add character, depth, and a unique quality that digital often lacks. I learned to embrace the grain, the light leaks, and the occasional mis-focus as part of the charm of film.
The Joy of Discovery: There's nothing quite like the feeling of picking up your developed film from the lab and seeing the images for the first time. It's a moment of discovery, a reveal of the moments you've captured. Even the "mistakes" can be fascinating, offering insights into your process and pushing you to experiment further.
Community is Invaluable: Connecting with other film photographers has been an incredible experience. Sharing tips, discussing techniques, and admiring each other's work has been a huge source of inspiration and support. The film community is warm, welcoming, and always ready to help.
My Gear (and How it Evolved):
I started with that trusty Olympus 35SP, a fully mechanical rangefinder that forced me to learn the fundamentals of exposure. Later, Once I went all-in, I jumped systems from Olympus to Nikon and got a Nikon F3/T and FM2N, together with Voigtlander lenses for F-Mount they became my go-tos for their versatility, sharpness and beautiful bokeh. I also experimented with different films, from the classic Kodak Tri-X 400 to the vibrant colors of Ektachrome 100. Eventually, I got my own scanner and now I’m in control of that part of the process, and I’m aware that I’ll get into exploring medium format, but that’s a rabbit hole that I’m not yet ready to dig. The gear journey is part of the fun!
Where I'm Going Next:
My first year with film has been a journey of discovery, and I'm excited to see where it takes me next. I want to continue experimenting with different films, explore different development techniques, and maybe even try my hand at printing my own photos. I also want to focus on developing my own style and vision as a photographer.
A Few Tips for New Film Shooters:
Don't be afraid to experiment: Try different films, different cameras, and different techniques. The best way to learn is by doing.
Find a good lab: A reliable lab is essential for developing your film and scanning your negatives.
Join the community: Connect with other film photographers online or in your area.
Have fun! Film photography should be enjoyable. Don't take it too seriously, and embrace the imperfections.
This first year has been a reminder that photography is more than just capturing images; it's about connecting with the world around you, expressing your creativity, and sharing your vision. And for me, film has added a whole new dimension to that experience. Here's to many more years (and beyond)!
