Comments on: Why Are Some People Still Using Film?

By: Thomas Arne Strand

Thomas Arne Strand — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:00:30 +0000

I miss the dynamic range of film, but think the next generation of DSLRs will near match it.

By: useakme

useakme — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 20:19:59 +0000

I’m glad film is still around. Actually I found a roll of film just the other day cleaning out my bedroom! I don’t use film anymore but it still has some advantages over digital. On the other hand digital has come so far in such a short time, that I can just imagine how good it will be 10 years from now.

By: Kristyn

Kristyn — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:27:16 +0000

In regards to your curiosity regarding the young man using film, there has been an incredible movement within today’s younger artists who are choosing to create with less digital methods; especially in the Northwest region of the United States. Whether it’s a throwback to traditional methods or simply just a growing trend, I think that a lot of the appeal of developing with film involves the painstaking process and control that an artist has of the final product. It’s similar to the book/Kindle scenario among readers and publishers. Yes, it’s easier and more effective to buy a Kindle or a Nook, but it’s much more romantic and nostalgic to bookmark the ears of a worn-out and favorite novel.

By: Mark Mallia

Mark Mallia — Fri, 27 May 2011 12:41:17 +0000

Just 2 simple sentences. 1. Dynamic range 2. not every other noob with an auto/program mode could be a photographer

By: photodiva30

photodiva30 — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:47:17 +0000

Interesting discussion …disagree with one of the comments though- that nobody makes prints with digital. Come on! There are pro labs out there that do only that – focus on high end printing for digital images. But, yes, this article and comments are great food for thought. My guess? They like the challenge of not having a safety neta digital camera allows or knowing immediately how a shot turned out – just like some people still like receiving snail mail and handwritten notes in the age of texts and tweets.

By: Gary

Gary — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:31:28 +0000

Clare – I have noticed that those still using film, almost without exception, have the passion, commitment and personal involvement with it that you demonstrate here. Digital is easier in many ways, but that is not always (or often?) a good thing. I firmly believe that no matter what external influences or facilities are there, photographers should be judged purely by the picture they put in front of you. There are good photographers and bad photographers and every shade in between; all the kit is just… well… stuff.

By: Clare

Clare — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:20:12 +0000

Actually, digital hasn’t yet reached a point where it can compete with some kinds of film photography, such as large format, which records film sizes of up to 8×10, which you could essentially enlarge to the size of a house with crystal clarity and no loss of resolution. Plus, there is an art to darkroom work – there is an art to development and printing, I know many other photographers who pride themselves on the perfectionism of their prints. I’ve worked in both digital and film, and find digital just far less satisfied. I don’t feel a tangible outcome, I don’t feel I have the same level of control as in a darkroom. That’s another thing – when you shoot digitally, the people who write the automatic programming and focus programming for your camera are involved. The people who make your SD card are involved. The people who write and script Photoshop are involved. In a darkroom, there’s just you and your film. Simple.

By: Loraine McCall

Loraine McCall — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:04:18 +0000

Why do some individuals still prefer to write letters rather than to type up an email?
It’s all about preference and convenience. I do think it is interesting that they still teach film photography in some high schools though.

By: Justin Engelhard

Justin Engelhard — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 04:46:24 +0000

In my opinion nobody makes prints when they use digital, that is why I prefer film.

By: Gary Rogers

Gary Rogers — Sun, 31 May 2009 14:23:22 +0000

Even though I have not put a film in my RB67 for probably 10 years, I still cherish it. No batteries, no meter, clockwork shutter, manual focus – it all adds up to an interactive experience that digital has not replaced (yet).