Along with David and Colin I started shooting on my film camera a few years ago but unlike them the bug never really stuck for me. I enjoy shooting with a camera that has no screen or electronic aids but after shooting a few rolls I have yet to get them developed.
A few weeks ago when I was deciding what camera I would take with me on a weekend trip I realized that no matter how much I enjoy it in the moment, maybe film photography is not for me. So, that got me thinking, how can I get a unique look while still shooting digital. Then it clicked, what about lens filters? Off to the B&H website I went looking at effects lens filters and I decided on my first one, a Black Pro-Mist Filter from Tiffen. Why this filter? According to Tiffen it "helps to reduce the value of the highlights while slightly lowering the overall contrast." but I really liked the way I saw it effecting lights and adding glowing haze to practical lights.
A few shots from this weekend:
(Sony a7iii with 50mm 1.8)
So far, after a weekend of shooting with it I am happy with my purchase and might buy a larger size to fit on my zoom lens and it has scratched the itch of a unique look out of camera from my digital body. Maybe once I get these rolls of film developed I will change my mind but for now I think I am all in on lens filters for my fun photography.
Has anyone else played with effects filters and if so, what one should I look at next?
If you're using Adobe's Lightroom (Classic) or any of the more powerful digital editors, I'd imagine there are a lot of options within the software. That lets you keep a standard digital negative and edit it as you see fit versus the permanent alteration of the filter.
Most important, have fun and keep making images you like!
Not everything is for everyone. (See me and Jeeps, for example.)
With photography, I think it’s all about what makes you happy and what generates images that you’d want to share.
In reply to BoulderG :
I do play around with Lightroom Classic for most of my images but I wanted to get a mostly in-camera effect. For my personal stuff I always shoot RAW because I know how far I can push that file in post. With this new addition to my kit I am having fun and making images that I like, but maybe it is not the tool for every image I will shoot.
David S. Wallens said:
With photography, I think it’s all about what makes you happy and what generates images that you’d want to share.
That is my ultimate goal.
I've noticed recently that the more effort I put into shooting with film, the less fun it gets.
I tend to enjoy shooting pictures more when I'm just firing away–and I like the end results more, too.
My problem with film is you only have x number of shots on a roll. So I would find my self not taking photos of things as I would get to the end of a roll because I was getting to the end of the roll.
However I really like the visual"feel" of film photos. So I did a bunch of research to see what my options were. After a bunch of research I decided to get a D700. Since I was already in the Nikon eco system for DSLR stuff it made sense.
The result is that the D700 has a sensor that is unique to it and the D3. The images it creates have that film look. It was a game changer for me and my wife as we like to go on photo shoot walks or visits. Eventually I passed the D700 on to my wife (she had claimed it anyway) and got my dream camera the D3. All our other body's now sit in there respective bags and only go with us as a back up.
The D3 is a hefty camera but I like it and its weight is part of the experience. The added weight helps with keeping the camera steady when I am at the outter limits of my zoom.
In the spirit of trying to replicate the film experience. I have become not a fan of post processing. To me it is faking or making an image that was not there. One of the biggest challenges that I have been doing for the last 3-4 years is to shoot and not do any post. I get that it allows you to correct exposure errors but that will then creep in to re colorization and what not.
I love it when I get a photo that replicates exactly what I am seeing through the lens. My wife on the other hand puts everything through post. I like the challenge of trying not to use it. It makes me really concentrate on my photos and has I think made me a better photographer. I have tried to get away from the "I will fix it later in post" mentality when shooting. Like when using film. There was no post unless you had access to a dark room.
I’m digging my return to film more than I expected. I think it’s a mix of nostalgia, getting to use cool gear and the community.
David S. Wallens said:
I’m digging my return to film more than I expected. I think it’s a mix of nostalgia, getting to use cool gear and the community.
And you're getting some really good images.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
I don't have a nostalgic connection to the equipment so maybe that's part of it for me. Growing up we had a point and shoot 35mm camera but not one I was allowed to use.
my first camera was digital and I my first real exposure to film was in a high school photography class.
David S. Wallens said:
I’m digging my return to film more than I expected. I think it’s a mix of nostalgia, getting to use cool gear and the community.
It also helps that you are pretty good at it. I think shooting film is so much harder than digital.
Thanks for the kind words and, yeah, it can be a little more challenging–mainly because you can’t just spray and pray.
But I like that challenge. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t still shoot film.
The great thing is if you aren't interested in shooting film - you don't have to. Just like so many other things, you don't have to do it just because the "cool kids" are. Photo equipment doesn't make the photographer.
I was a photo nerd in high school, processed and printed all my own stuff and still own enough film cameras and darkroom gear to do it now if I wanted. Still, 95% of the time I'll pick up a digital camera because it is just easier and I can see if that critical photo was slightly out of focus or whatever before I even walk away. The funny thing is that since I'm still using DSLR's or a 12MP compact I'm now a dinosaur even by digital standards.
On the positive side you have a great camera, and with all the photo-editing software, film emulators and plug-ins, etc. you can get pretty much any look you want.
My D3 is "only" 12 MP. It is all I need. (Resisting the obvious joke about the size of ones Mega Pixle) 
In reply to SEADave :
Exactly, when I am shooting for fun I am not just spraying and praying because I don't want to hope I got something good. For me the workflow is more convenient for how I want to enjoy photography and making images I like. Especially if I am trying to do something wacky like a low shutter speed shot where I know I wont be paying to develop out of focus or over exposed images.
Honestly I don't really like shooting with color film. It always has a cast to it that seems less than natural. I know some film stocks are better than others about that, but for the most part I just don't really like it. I also seem to have more problems getting good images from color film. The most fun I've had shooting film is low light with black and white film, pushed to have more effective sensitivity. And I like shooting film when other folks are maybe grabbing a cell phone if they even think to take a picture at all.
I also find that if I don't get my film developed PDQ I can grow bored with the whole thing as well. Another reason I prefer black & white as I develop that film at home myself.
Another thing that I realized, shooting on a fixed lens is way more fun than with a nice 24-70. My go to lens is a 50 1.8 and that helps keep me from just pointing and shooting at something and actually think about composition every time I push the shutter.
In reply to pres589 (djronnebaum) :
How much is it to start up a kit to do B&W developing at home? That might make the film experience more fun for me and take another hurtle out of the process to not have to mail or bring my film somewhere and wait for it to come back.
In reply to Chris Tropea :
All of my non-magazine work is done with prime lenses. :)
Also, true story: In school, we were not allowed to crop our images. We had to print the full frame every time.
Looking back, it totally helped with composition.
Chris Tropea said:
In reply to pres589 (djronnebaum) :
How much is it to start up a kit to do B&W developing at home? That might make the film experience more fun for me and take another hurtle out of the process to not have to mail or bring my film somewhere and wait for it to come back.
I started looking at this option, too. Then I consider the fact that the lab is eight minutes away from my house. For you, I know, it’s more like half an hour.
I have several friends who process their own film. Still considering it.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
I was also not allowed to crop photos for assignments in school. I still try and shoot in the mindset that cropping is not an option and I think it really helps.
Chris Tropea said:
In reply to pres589 (djronnebaum) :
How much is it to start up a kit to do B&W developing at home? That might make the film experience more fun for me and take another hurtle out of the process to not have to mail or bring my film somewhere and wait for it to come back.
They still make the classic Paterson film developing tank and the basic model that will do 2 rolls of 35mm goes for about $40. In addition you will need a good thermometer, chemicals & a way to very accurately measure them and some way to hang the film to dry (binder clips work ok).
Adorama has a kit that includes the Paterson tank and everything else you will need to get started for $143.
Crealdé, an Orlando art/photo school, just held a garage sale. Not sure if it’s good or bad that we missed it.
So, another thing I like about film: I just went to pick up some negatives, and my friend Zach was there doing the same. If we both shot digital, that encounter wouldn’t have happened.
And Chris, next time I’m going to see you, remind me to bring over a Fuji. Even though they’re digital, they feel like film cameras–like, they have physical knobs. Could be something that interests you.
