Getting back into film photography after 8 years

Messages
700
Name
Rick
Edit My Images
No
I used to frequent this forum a lot, but took a long break from shooting film to concentrate on my education and career. I picked up a Canon 5D at some point in 2015, but I didn't have anything to show from it as there wasn't the same emotion attached that I had with my film photos from 8 years ago.

I finally got a cheap canon 300v camera body (£8 from eBay) a couple of months ago to use with my old Tamron 19-35mm lens + Helios 44-2 with EF adapter that I had lying around in a cupboard.

These are from my first roll of Ektar 100. I'm not too big a fan as I prefer colours to be a bit more muted as with the Portra range. Sorry for the framing; I posted these up on Instagram which displays square format, so wanted them to be visible in thumbnail view:

1.
43715100241_4853a16a8c.jpg


2.
43719312561_d6140513cd.jpg


3.
29844734098_fe68232a56.jpg


4.
44478945175_8083913923.jpg


5.
31517938278_24f0dec67f.jpg


6.
41938745240_6992983ef3.jpg


7.
42815546885_3f827b6a93.jpg


8.
31517944448_c64072de19.jpg
 
Last edited:
I actually quite like the white squaring off.

#1 is the strongest image for me. I tried Ektar as my first 120 film and loved it - even though the colours were a bit strong. I think it's stamped a style on these images that I really enjoy looking at. #7 is fab too. Nice work.
 
2nd especially, but also 6th & 8th images for me. Colours in 7 look good but framed too tightly and the woman needs shadows lifting IMO.
 
2 , 6 , 9 , 12 for me , nicely done
 
Thanks for your feedback guys!

2nd especially, but also 6th & 8th images for me. Colours in 7 look good but framed too tightly and the woman needs shadows lifting IMO.

I agree on 7 Toni, I was struggling with kneeling awkwardly and trying to manual focus with a group of people behind me. Combined with the 58mm of the helios, it's much too tightly cropped. And although I usually try to be a purist with film and try to avoid post-processing, but will have a little play to see if I can lift the darks a bit too (y)

... I tried Ektar as my first 120 film and loved it - even though the colours were a bit strong. I think it's stamped a style on these images that I really enjoy looking at...

That's good to hear actually. Ektar is a really great quality film, and I will probably shoot again as it's still quite cheap in comparison to other film stocks. Cheers!
 
all are great, but two is stand out, fantastic eye for comp you have.
 
Thanks everyone for the nice feedback on these, means a lot! :)

Also, I've just finish shooting a role of Provia 100f slide film. Who do people go to for developing and scanning E6 these days? I remember AG photographic from a long time ago, are they still the go-to people? Also seen Palm Labs and Peak Imaging. Slide film can be tricky to get good results when scanning so want to make sure I choose the best! Cheers

Edit: Preferably a company who can email the scans as I actually have no way of reading from a CD (no CD drive in my laptop, nor my partner's laptop)
 
Last edited:
Have them on a memory stick
 
Last edited:
Do you mean send off a memory stick with my film for them to put the scanned pictures onto? Wasn't aware they would do that, will have a look.

I think you can order them scanned onto a USB memory stick that they supply , Ask if you can send your own ?
 
I got the roll of Provia back from AG photo lab. I have to say I'm pleased with the processing and scans. This roll was in the camera for 4 months!
I think the Flickr images posted here are compressed (chose the medium 500px size to stop the page being too massive) but the scans are nice and sharp as you can see if clicking through to the Flickr page.
Again, I formatted these to show clearly in Instagram's feed (feel free to add me there if you use it link)

FujiProvia100f - 01.

Nanjizal Beach, Cornwall. 19mm with Circular Polariser

FujiProvia100f - 02.

Nanjizal Beach, Cornwall. 19mm with Circular Polariser

FujiProvia100f - 03.

Nanjizal Beach, Cornwall. Helios 44-2 with Linear Polariser

FujiProvia100f - 04.

Nanjizal Beach, Cornwall. 19mm with Circular Polariser

FujiProvia100f - 05.

St Michael's Mount 90 minute exposure startrails on film

FujiProvia100f - 06.

St Michael's Mount @19mm with CPL
 
FujiProvia100f - 07.

National Gallery, Canon 50mm f/1.4

FujiProvia100f - 08.

Helios 44-2 (58mm f/2)

FujiProvia100f - 09.

ME! Canon 50mm f/1.4

FujiProvia100f - 10.

Trafalgar Square at night, Canon 50mm f/1.4

FujiProvia100f - 11.

Sahara Desert (Merzouga Morocco) 100 minute exposure startrails on film
 
They have come out really well. I like Ektar but not for people. I mainly shoot black and white but dabble in colour every now and then.
 
No. 8 looks like it has been shopped to the limit.The light from the sun only shines in one direction!
 
No. 8 looks like it has been shopped to the limit.The light from the sun only shines in one direction!
I know what you mean, it does have a bit of the look of the "corporate brochure" about it but it's also worth bearing in mind that there is an enormous amount of glass and very strong reflected light in that part of docklands, not everything is a product of post production ;)
 
I don't think these shots can be claimed as film shots. They have been digital altered to the hilt.

They should be in a different part of the forum,

"Getting back into film"!

"How to alter your scanned film in photoshop" would be a better title.
 
I don't think these shots can be claimed as film shots. They have been digital altered to the hilt.

They should be in a different part of the forum,

"Getting back into film"!

"How to alter your scanned film in photoshop" would be a better title.
No difference to altering the film in the darkroom, is it?
 
I don't think these shots can be claimed as film shots. They have been digital altered to the hilt..

Your claim is 100% unfounded. These have not been edited apart from basic cropping and perhaps a small brightness or contrast boost for a couple of pictures that were a bit flat (which really was just a small percentage).

Number 8 of the Ektar shots is one from behind One Canada Square, Canary Wharf (the second tallest building in the UK), with the just-after-midday sun reflecting strongly from its south-west facing side onto the plaza. I had gone there for lunch one day, seen the reflection of warm sunlight back on to the crowd of people, so went back to get this shot a couple of days later. Light from the sun may shine in one direction, but it can also reflect back !

These Ektar shots were scanned at FilmDev.co.uk, so if these appear edited, I'll have to follow up with them to see what processing they apply to their film scans (which I imagine is non, as they probably just get the images out of the Noritsu and send them across)

Additional picture from that day here, you can somewhat see the reflection of the One Canada Square on the girl's forehead:
 
These Ektar shots were scanned at FilmDev.co.uk, so if these appear edited, I'll have to follow up with them to see what processing they apply to their film scans (which I imagine is non, as they probably just get the images out of the Noritsu and send them across)

I have on occasion had over-sharpened images from Filmdev, so now I always request no sharpening, and do it myself to taste.

This is a really interesting set (or sets). Reminds me what a saturated film Ektar can be in the right light and exposure!
 
I have on occasion had over-sharpened images from Filmdev, so now I always request no sharpening, and do it myself to taste.

This is a really interesting set (or sets). Reminds me what a saturated film Ektar can be in the right light and exposure!

Thanks Chris, that's good to know. I didn't realise we could request them to hold back on sharpening. Will do that if I use them again.

Yes it is very saturated in some scenarios. The second set is with Provia slide film. I much prefer the characteristics of this, but it's much harder to shoot with.

I have a roll of Kodak Gold 200 in the camera at the moment. Interested to see how some of these turn out. Think I'm using it in the wrong season though; seems like a good film for summer sun!
 
I don't think these shots can be claimed as film shots. They have been digital altered to the hilt.

They should be in a different part of the forum,

"Getting back into film"!

"How to alter your scanned film in photoshop" would be a better title.

Always find it amusing when someone tries to be the big man in a thread and gets it wrong
 
Wow! Your medium format images are stunning. Makes me want to go shopping for an hefty old MF camera (despite telling myself not to get into buying lots of camera gear)

Thanks Rick; but I look at your images with a green tinge - I am slightly envious of the results you are getting - your street work is great to view!
 
Wow! Your medium format images are stunning. Makes me want to go shopping for an hefty old MF camera (despite telling myself not to get into buying lots of camera gear)

Have you got one yet :D:film:
 
I don't think these shots can be claimed as film shots. They have been digital altered to the hilt.

They should be in a different part of the forum,

"Getting back into film"!

"How to alter your scanned film in photoshop" would be a better title.

Wow, ignorant, ill-informed twaddle. Why do you think that just because it has been shot on film that it can't be post processed?
Honestly, I really wonder what has happened to TP just recently, so many rude people making comments that I would hope they wouldn't make face to face. Please think before you type.
 
Back
Top