Once
again, this is one of the most common questions we see at photography
forums. Both by beginners and even advanced amateurs. It is not
easy to keep up with all the film offerings, even now. Yet, infrequently
there is a site that offers a thorough, easy-to-follow, complete
guide to select among the more than 115 possible choices we fortunately
still have for 35 mm photography. This is our contribution in
that direction in the hope it proves itself useful to fellow Nikonians.
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COLOR
NEGATIVE FILM
Color
negative film, for prints, is the most frequently used as it
allows us to easily share copies with friends and relatives;
also, it is very forgiving of errors in exposure, although it
makes one a hostage of the printer technicians at the lab, their
inconsistent training level and varying mood. Finding a good
lab is not an easy task, frequently even when you move up the
costs ladder from the corner store shop into pro labs. If you
find one good shop, treasure it, they are fast becoming an endangered
species. Of course you can always resort to scanning your negatives
and do your own printing at home.
COLOR SLIDE FILM
If
you really want to know what your specific combination of camera
and lens can do, you should try slides, that is, color reversal
film. Best way to ckeck your meter BTW, as it has a narrower
latitude than color print film; that is, it is much less forgiving
of exposure mistakes.
BLACK & WHITE
And
for the artistic side on each of us, we have to do black and
white, at least from time to time. By eliminating the distraction
of color, it forces us to really see a subject, compose and
expose for the detail we want, whether in the highlights or
in the shadows. It is challenging and fun.
SPECIAL PURPOSE FILM
If
you have the time and enjoy experimentation, you should also
try special purpose films like the infrared. At times even more
challenging than B&W.
PREFERENCES
We
all have diverse preferences, are always learning, and the manufacturers
too; however, there is a certain degree of common agreement in
what seems to work best under general conditions and for specific
purposes. This pages include sample pictures with each film mentioned
in the preferences and links to those of professional and outstanding
amateur photographers that use them regularly. When this is not
possible I use one of mine.
So
here it is, a mix of my the most agreed upon as best films by
many Nikonians, both professionals and outstanding amateurs, and
my own personal choices, arranged by type and speed for 35 mm.
Note:
As new film comes into the market, we try to keep up with the
new entries as soon as possible. Bear in mind we do this for fun. |
