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.

Coming to you from Rick Bebbington, this engaging video explores the realities of shooting on film. Bebbington discusses his Praktica TL1000, a fully manual SLR with a built-in exposure meter. He also talks about his Olympus XA2 point-and-shoot. Both cameras, bought cheaply, presented an intriguing entry into the world of film. The Praktica TL1000 came with a 50mm f/1.8 lens, offering a versatile range for various shooting conditions.

Bebbington needed film, so he opted for Kodak Portra 160, Kodak Gold, and Ilford HP5. Each film stock offers unique characteristics. Portra 160 is known for its pastel colors, making it ideal for colorful scenes. Kodak Gold works well in sunny conditions, while Ilford HP5, a black-and-white film, provides excellent results in clear weather. However, these films cost nearly as much as the cameras themselves, adding to the expense.

Using these film cameras in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks was an adventure. Bebbington discovered his Praktica TL1000 didn’t have any film in it after shooting for a while, a frustrating but educational experience. The Olympus XA2 also lacked film. Despite these setbacks, he pressed on, determined to capture images on the remaining film.

The process of shooting on film slowed Bebbington down, making each shot more intentional. Knowing each shot costs money, you naturally think more about composition and timing. This deliberate approach contrasted sharply with the rapid-fire nature of digital photography. It brought a novel, fulfilling experience that he enjoyed, even without knowing how the images would turn out.

Bebbington finished his rolls in Denver’s colorful Five Points neighborhood, providing a stark contrast to the landscapes he had been shooting. He navigated the challenges of airport security with film, avoiding potential damage from x-ray machines. Developing and scanning the film took a couple of weeks, a waiting period that added to the anticipation.

Upon receiving the developed film, Bebbington was delighted with the results. The character of the Ilford HP5 stood out, offering a unique aesthetic he appreciated. Although some shots had issues with focus or composition, the overall experience was rewarding. Comparing the film shots with digital versions highlighted the distinctiveness of each medium. While the film added a certain character, the essence of photography—subject and composition—remained central.

The journey taught Bebbington that film photography, while more deliberate and slower, offers a unique sense of accomplishment. Each shot becomes a testament to careful planning and execution. Despite the costs and challenges, the joy of shooting on film and the unique results it produces make it worth pursuing. Bebbington plans to continue exploring film, testing different stocks, and refining his technique. The low entry cost of film cameras, combined with the fulfilling experience, makes this analog adventure worthwhile. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Bebbington.