Recent Film Photography Articles

Kate Winslet on Using Lee Miller's Rolleiflex

How many times have you watched a film about a photographer where the actor clearly has no idea how to use a camera? It's an unforgivable mistake, and one Kate Winslet was sure not to make in her new film, Lee, about the photojournalist Lee Miller.

Three Decades of Lomo: We Interview The Lomography Founders

I went to meet the founders of Lomography, Sally Bibawy and Matthias Fiegl, on an unseasonably warm Halloween morning in Brooklyn. For three decades, this unicorn of a company has maintained an unwavering commitment to analog long before analog’s recent renaissance, and I was eager to uncover what has fueled their commitment, what currently drives them, and how it might shape Lomography’s future.

Shooting Modern Film on a 120-Year-Old Camera

The Kodak Brownie No. 2 is more than a vintage collectible—it’s a piece of photographic history. Released in 1901, this camera not only introduced the world to 120 film but also made photography more accessible.

The AGO Film Processor Massive Review

Some of the world's greatest ideas arise not from attempting to reinvent the wheel but by finding an easier way to make it roll. The AGO Film Processor from Vintage Visual is one such story.
Does Shooting on Film Instantly Improve Your Photos?

There's been a lot of (digital) ink spilled about the look and feel of film photos being vastly superior to their digital counterparts, and while that's a question up for debate, there's also something else I've noticed among my fellow film-shooting friends: the propensity to elevate objectively terrible photos as art.

The Stunning Beauty of Large Format Photography

Photography offers countless ways to explore creativity, and Nick Carver embodies this diversity. Known for his large format photography, Carver captures striking images of both natural landscapes and abandoned office buildings. His work highlights how settings, whether pristine nature or gritty urban spaces, can tell stories about their past and purpose.

The Next New Compact Film Camera

So many of us photographers seem to have an insatiable appetite for camera gear. For some, it’s G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome), while others are honing their photographic experiences into a seemingly futile and almost never-ending quest to trade up to the perfect camera. For a rare few, they have found their gear and are sticking to it.

How to Achieve a Film Look Without Shooting Film

Digital film simulations have become a popular way to capture the look of classic film stocks without the hassle of processing and scanning. They’re practical for anyone who wants a specific aesthetic without spending time on extensive post-processing, and they give you the freedom to focus on composition and light.

KEKS Announces New Leica Rapid Advance

Several days ago, KEKS—a company you most likely know from their line of hot-shoe mounted light meters—announced their release of the new KEKS Rapid-Winder for classic Leica bodies. Designed to fit the M1, M2, M3, and classic MP, this accessory is a recreation of the original Leicavit MP and is designed around the same internal structure and materials.

The Family Archive is Dying: Protect Your Family Photographs Now

Access to photography has never been greater, yet now the risk of the family archive dying out has never been more of an issue. This article explains why the digital age has put the family archive in danger, and what we, as photographers, can do about this.

This Photographer Built His Own Lens and The Results Are Gorgeous

Creating your own DIY lens for photography can be both simple and surprisingly effective. With just a few materials—some drainage pipe, magnifying glasses, and a little ingenuity—you can build a lens that opens up new creative possibilities. The idea here isn’t about high-end equipment but rather about experimenting, learning, and having fun with a setup that’s low-cost and custom-made.

Lomo 92 Film Stock Review

Over the years, I’ve accumulated a truly embarrassing amount of film stock. I’ll freely admit that it’s a sickness. If I’m being honest with myself, it likely stems from a fear of missing out on something creative and new and a fear that one day it’s all going to be gone. One day, the last roll from the last batch of the last stock is going to come off the production line, and that’ll be that.

Rollei 35AF: A Compact Film Camera With Retro Charm

If you want a compact film camera that mixes classic style with modern convenience, the Rollei 35AF could be the perfect fit. As a modern take on the original Rollei 35, it retains the compact size and design while introducing autofocus, making it more practical for everyday use. This remastered version captures the spirit of the original while adding a few contemporary touches to enhance usability.

Common Film Photography Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Film photography has its unique charm, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most common hurdles for those who explore this medium is navigating through mistakes, often with no easy fix like in digital photography.

The Advice Film Director Stanley Kubrick Left to All Photographers

You may not have been aware that film director Stanley Kubrick was also a professional photographer, having shot assignments for magazines before he ever made any of his award-winning movies. So what did his photographer’s eye bring to his movies, and what can we learn from his creative process?

How Not to Take Photos on Film

With film making a resurgence, especially among younger photographers, these are some of the critical mistakes I made while learning to use the medium that I had to learn the hard way. Throughout the video, I go through a few of them and will expand on them as well to hopefully help any photographers newer to film photography avoid making the same errors I did.

Five Film Cameras I Can't Live Without

This list of five film cameras I can't live without spans 35 years of photographic history—from the height of half-frame popularity in 1966 to the dawn of digital in 2001.

The Beauty of Large Format Photography

Long road trips through remote locations can offer unique photography opportunities, especially when you’re open to discovery along the way. The journey itself becomes part of the creative process, with unexpected stops and scenes presenting themselves. This kind of spontaneous exploration is what makes shooting on the road so rewarding, even if conditions aren't always ideal.

A Journey Back to Film

Shooting film can be an emotional experience, especially when you’re trying to find your creative groove in a new place. When you’ve moved across the country, it’s easy to lose that spark, but it’s just as easy to find it again with the right approach and tools.

This YouTube Video Was Filmed on 35mm Film

A recent YouTube video was filmed entirely on 35mm film. Currently, this might be the only YouTube video that has ever been shot predominantly on film, and the look it produces is definitely interesting.

A YouTube channel called Stand-up Maths recently uploaded a video that was shot on 35mm film. The video itself goes into great detail explaining the different film formats.

For many people who shot film, 35mm was probably the go-to format, especially if you were filming. This is mostly due to the fact that it was far more accessible and significantly...

Exploring Large Format Photography With the Intrepid 8x10

Shooting with an 8x10 camera is a bit like entering an exclusive club—one that comes with high costs, steep learning curves, and some serious frustrations. But the rewards? They can be worth every bit of the hassle if you're up for the challenge.

How to Perfectly Expose Film

The nuances of film exposure can be tricky, especially when you’re just starting out, but getting a grasp on these basics will dramatically improve your work.

Is the Pentax 17 Worth It? Pros and Cons Explored

When it comes to film cameras, the Pentax 17 has sparked quite a bit of interest. If you’re considering diving into film photography or are simply looking to add another camera to your collection, here's a good look at the Pentax 17.

Rediscovering the Joy of Film Photography

Many people are rediscovering the joy of film, from the anticipation of waiting for your prints to the unique look that only film can provide.

Fate: The Emotional Story Behind a Photographer's Leica Camera

Does the universe have a plan for all of us? For Austrian-born photographer and artist Markus Hofstätter, the stars unexpectedly aligned for him to receive his Leica M2: a camera which seemingly transcended the depths of time and grief to find its way into his hands.

Why Film and Digital Are Both Overrated

In a pivotal moment sixteen years ago, a photographer found himself preferring a digital shot over a film one, challenging his preconceived notions about photography. This experience led him to understand that a photographer's creativity and perspective are what truly make an image special.

Why the Pentax 17 is a Must-Have for Film Enthusiasts

The new Pentax 17 camera offers a fresh experience for photographers who want to enjoy shooting without the stress of technical perfection. It's a semi-automatic, half-frame camera that balances fun and simplicity, making it a refreshing tool for both seasoned photographers and beginners alike.

Why Film Photography Still Matters Today

Film photography has seen a resurgence in recent years, captivating many enthusiasts with its authenticity. Exploring this trend reveals the nuances of film versus digital and why both have their place in today's photography landscape.

Pentax 17: A New Film Camera in the Digital Age

The Pentax 17 is generating a lot of buzz within the film photography community. Exploring its features and design, you might find it a compelling option for your photography needs.

Is Film Photography Worth the Hassle and Expense?

Film photography has a certain allure. It’s drawn many, despite seeming like a hassle, time-consuming, and expensive. Curious to see if the effort, cost, and hassle are worth it, one photographer decided to dive into the analog journey.

I Shot the Solar Eclipse on Film With a Hasselblad 500 C/M

Across the vast millennia of human existence, the total solar eclipse remains the most spectacular and celebrated of astronomical phenomena. As the blue sky dimmed, I suddenly decided to shoot the 2024 solar eclipse on black and white film using my trusty Hasselblad 500 C/M.

What's Your Film Photography Hot Take?

Film photography has seen a resurgence, capturing the hearts of many enthusiasts with its unique charm. What's your hot take on the trend?

Finally a Pro Gimbal At a Great Price of $249

The Zhiyun WEEBILL 3E gimbal represents a significant evolution in the WEEBILL series, offering advanced features and performance tailored to meet the needs of professional videographers and filmmakers at the right price. Having used this now for the last number of weeks, I want to share my thoughts through this review that will examine the design, functionality, performance, and overall value of the WEEBILL 3E, providing an in-depth understanding of why it might become a favored choice in the gimbal market.

Pentax 17 Review: Fun and Quirky Film Photography

The Pentax 17 is here, bringing a fresh take on film photography. This half-frame camera uses 35mm film but gives you 72 exposures per roll, giving you more shots and a unique portrait orientation when looking through the viewfinder. For film enthusiasts, this camera could offer a fun and cost-effective way to enjoy shooting.

3 Ways That Starting in Film Made Me a Better Digital Photographer

There was a recent meme that took a jab at photographers from the generation of the pen tool in Photoshop. It personified us as old ladies with walkers being escorted out by a younger generation with their AI tools. In the comments, someone remarked, “Let’s see how these young bucks would survive with the 1999 version of Photoshop.”

Movie Director Christopher Nolan Has Some Great Advice for Photographers

Whether you work with still or moving images, there’s an art to telling a story with pictures. As a movie director whose preferred medium is analog film, Christopher Nolan’s shared experience with the evolution of his own creative process is sure to resonate with photographers.

Exploring the Insane Fujica G690BL Camera

The Fujica G690BL, also known as the "Texas Leica," is a unique camera that has long intrigued many enthusiasts due to its blend of medium format quality and rangefinder ease of use. The camera stands out for its practical design, which was a response to the needs of commercial photographers in Japan who required a balance between image quality and manageable frame counts for quick development. Even today, it's a fun oddity that's worth a look.

Amazing Large Format Portraits

Getting the perfect shot with a large format camera can be tricky, but the results are worth it. The combination of a large negative and precise control over focus and depth of field can create stunning images.

Kodak Gold 200: A Budget-Friendly Film for Stunning Results

Getting the most out of your film photography endeavors often means striking a balance between quality and cost. Kodak Gold 200 is a film stock that offers a compelling combination of affordability and pleasing results, particularly when shooting in 120 format.

Your Moment of Film Photography Zen: Wandering the Mojave Desert With a Leica M6

Whether you’re shooting for fun or for work, in the rush of modern life it can be all too easy to lose sight of the joy of photography. In this short, meditative interlude with no words, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found in just watching another photographer enjoying their own photography.