Why Choose Film?

Your wedding day is a whirlwind of love, laughter, and cherished moments—but let’s be honest, it passes in the blink of an eye. Post-wedding parties are a growing trend that allows couples to extend their celebrations, providing more time to connect with loved ones in a relaxed, joyful atmosphere. Whether extravagant or simple, these additional gatherings can turn your wedding into a multi-day experience filled with memories you’ll treasure forever.

Choosing the Right Camera for Film Photography

120mm Medium Format: Mamiya 645 Auto Focus with 80mm 2.8 Lens

The Mamiya 645 AF is a workhorse for portraits and high-quality detail shots. Its medium-format capabilities deliver stunning sharpness and depth. However, it doesn’t have the quintessential “film” look often associated with wide-angle shots. For that, you’ll need a 24mm or 35mm lens.

35mm: Canon 1V

A favorite among wedding photographers, the Canon 1V allows you to use your existing Canon lenses. This flexibility lets you pair top-quality glass with the charm of film, making it a versatile choice for a variety of shooting styles.

Runner-Up Cameras

• Contax 645 (Medium Format): Known for its incredible sharpness and creamy bokeh, this is a top-tier choice for portraits.
• Contax T2/T3 (35mm): Compact and reliable, ideal for photographers looking to dabble in film without investing in medium format.
• Pentax 645 Auto Focus: An excellent medium-format option with autofocus, crucial for fast-paced wedding settings.
• Nikon F6 (35mm): A modern 35mm camera with advanced metering and ergonomic controls.

For weddings, autofocus cameras are highly recommended. Manual focus can slow you down, and speed is essential on a busy wedding day.

Film Stocks and Their Characteristics

Film stock choice can significantly influence your final images. Here are some popular options:

• Kodak Portra 400: Known for its warm tones and versatility, Portra is perfect for weddings. Its ISO 400 rating balances grain with light sensitivity.
• Fuji Pro 400H: Offers cooler tones and works well for outdoor settings.
• Ilford HP5: A black-and-white option with a classic, high-contrast look.

Grain and ISO: Higher ISO films, such as 800 or 1600, produce more grain but are better in low light. Lower ISO films like 100 or 200 yield finer grain and require more light—similar to digital ISO settings.

Exposing for Film

Film exposure works differently than digital. While digital photographers often expose perfectly or slightly underexpose to preserve highlights, film photographers typically overexpose by two stops. Film handles highlights beautifully, but shadows can be difficult to recover.

For example:

Film: Overexpose by 2 stops for rich, balanced tones.

Digital: Aim for spot-on exposure or underexpose by 1 stop.

Metering Techniques

Many film cameras have built-in meters, which are reliable for most scenarios. External meters, like the Sekonic L-308X, offer precise readings but can be cumbersome during fast-paced events. For weddings, I rely on in-camera metering to keep up with the day’s demands.

The Film Process and Lab Selection

After shooting, your film needs to be developed and scanned. This process can dramatically impact your results.

Lab Recommendations

• The FIND Lab: Offers personalized techs for consistent results. Ideal for frequent shooters.
• Richard Photo Lab: Known for their high-end scans and custom color profiles.

Noritsu vs. Frontier Scans

Frontier: Offers cooler tones and more contrast, suitable for vibrant, editorial styles.

Noritsu: Produces warmer tones and softer contrast, ideal for romantic settings.

Cost of Film and Development

Film photography can be an investment:

Total Per Roll: Expect to spend $40-$75 per roll for film, development, and scans.

Film Roll: $8-$15 for 35mm; $15-$25 for medium format.

Development and Scanning: $25-$50 per roll, depending on the lab and scan quality.

Roll Capacities

• 35mm Film: Typically 36 exposures per roll.
• 120 Medium Format: 16 shots for 645 format; 10 shots for 6×7 format.

The Difference Between 645 Medium Format and 35mm

Medium format cameras like the Mamiya 645 produce sharper images with more depth and tonal range, perfect for portraits and editorial shots. In contrast, 35mm cameras are more portable and better for candids or dynamic scenes.

Starter Film Photography Kits

Here are some kit options based on different budgets:

$6,000 Kit: A Mamiya 645 with an 80mm lens, multiple film stocks, high-end lab services, and an external light meter.

$500 Kit: A second-hand Canon AE-1 with a 50mm lens, Kodak Portra 400, and basic development costs.

$1,000 Kit: A Nikon F100 with a 50mm 1.8 lens, Kodak Portra 400, and lab costs for a few rolls.

$2,500 Kit: A Contax 645 with an 80mm lens, Kodak Portra 400, and access to professional lab scans.

Where to Buy Film and Gear

• Film: Purchase from reliable retailers like B&H Photo, Adorama, or FilmSupply Club.
• Cameras and Lenses: Check KEH Camera, eBay, or local camera stores for used options.

Final Thoughts: Is Film Right for You?

Film photography requires patience and practice but offers unparalleled rewards. It’s a deeply personal journey where preference and trial-and-error play a significant role. Explore different cameras, film stocks, and techniques, but most importantly, have fun deciding what works for you. Whether you’re considering film for its aesthetic or the creative challenge, the journey is as fulfilling as the results.

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FAQs

FAQ

Where can I buy film? Reliable retailers include B&H Photo, Adorama, and Film Supply Club. Local film stores are a great resource for purchasing film. Cameras and gear can be found on KEH Camera and eBay and local film stores.

What is the best camera to start with for film photography? A great starter option is the Canon AE-1 for its simplicity and affordability. For more advanced features, consider the Mamiya 645 or Canon 1V.

How much does film photography cost? Film rolls range from $8-$25 depending on the format, with development and scanning costing an additional $25-$50 per roll.

What are the benefits of film over digital? Film offers a timeless, textured look with rich tones that digital often replicates but cannot fully match. It also encourages a more intentional shooting process.

How do I expose for film? Overexpose by 2 stops for best results, as film retains highlights better than shadows.