So, I got into this whole film photography thing a while back, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. I started with a simple point-and-shoot, you know, just to get the feel of it. But then I wanted to get my hands dirty with something more… manual. That’s when I picked up an old SLR camera from a thrift store. The thing felt ancient, but that was part of the charm.
Now, the first roll I shot was a 200 speed film. It was a sunny day, and I went around the park, snapping photos of whatever caught my eye. Ducks, trees, kids playing – the usual stuff. When I got the scans back, I was pretty stoked. The colors were vibrant, and everything looked so… alive. I mean, digital photos are cool and all, but there’s just something about film, you know?
Experiment Time
But then I thought, “What if I tried a different film?” That’s when I got a roll of 400 speed film. I figured, it’s twice the number, so it’s gotta be twice as good, right? Well, not exactly. I took my camera out on another sunny day, similar conditions to my first outing, and started shooting.
- First Mistake: I forgot to adjust my camera settings.
You see, I was still shooting as if I had the 200 speed film in. Rookie mistake, I know. When I got those photos back, they were… okay. Not bad, but not as impressive as the first roll. They seemed a bit too bright in some areas. I was a bit confused.
Learning the Ropes
So, I did what any sane person would do – I hit up some online forums. Turns out, the “speed” of the film refers to its sensitivity to light. A 400 speed film is more sensitive than a 200 speed film. That means it needs less light to capture an image.
On a bright sunny day, with a 400 speed film, you gotta adjust your camera settings to let in less light – either by using a faster shutter speed or a smaller aperture. I was basically overexposing my shots by not doing that.
- Lightbulb Moment: 400 speed film is better for lower light situations.
Makes sense, right? Like, if you’re shooting indoors or on a cloudy day, the 400 film would be a better choice because it can work with less available light.
The Takeaway
So, what did I learn from all this? Well, for starters, film photography has a learning curve. And it’s not just about pointing and shooting. You gotta understand your gear, and that includes the film you’re using.
200 and 400 speed films are different tools for different jobs. If I’m shooting on a bright sunny day, I’ll probably stick with 200. But if I know I’ll be in a situation with less light, 400 is the way to go – as long as I remember to adjust my camera settings, of course!
It’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. And hey, even if you mess up, it’s all part of the process. Plus, you get some interesting-looking photos out of it. Like, remember those overexposed shots? They have this kind of dreamy, washed-out look that’s actually pretty cool in its own way.
Anyway, that’s my little film photography adventure for now. I’m still learning, but that’s half the fun, right?
