Anyone Still Using Real Film Cameras

[VocalNeal]

Just wondering if anyone is still using real film cameras like say a Nikon 601 AF for instance.

Edited April 7, 2010 by VocalNeal

[astral]

I have a Canon EOS600 sitting in my safe, but it has not seen light of day for several years.

[Mighty Mouse]

I just sold my Nikon FE which I had locked away for many years. I will soon join the digital cult with a pocket sized Canon S90.

The Nikon sold within one week of being advertised so I guess there are still a lot of photographers using film.

[vicco]

I have a beautiful Mamiya C33 Professional in its original box---virtually unused. Thinking of using it as an ornament because I can not find film for it.

I would love to be able to use it because it's a superb camera.

[BEENTHEREDONETHAT]

Have a Nikon FE and a bunch of lenses, but never use it anymore. Good camera in it's day but it's day has gone past I'm afraid.

[tw25rw]

Saw a bloke in London with a Leica M film the other day. I even sneaked into his view just so I could be photographed with a real Leica.

[phuketrichard]

I have a nikon FE, FE2, Nikon F3, F4 and loads of lenses. Have not used themn since i started with the D70 and now use a D90.

Although i would still prefer to do film work its just to much hassle and photshop is far superior to the darkroom

[HerbalEd]

I used to be amused by my many photographer friends who would say "I'll never go digital ... I will always use film." But slowly, one by one, they all went digital and never looked back. Why would anyone use film?? Besides being environmental friendly (no chemicals), and cost savings, I love being able to shoot multiple shots of one subject so I get the exact shot I want. On average I discard 80-90% of shots and keep only the masterpieces.

BTW, I notice that so far not one replier has said they still use film.

Edited April 11, 2010 by HerbalEd

[tw25rw]

I used to be amused by my many photographer friends who would say "I'll never go digital ... I will always use film." But slowly, one by one, they all went digital and never looked back. Why would anyone use film?? Besides being environmental friendly (no chemicals), and cost savings, I love being able to shoot multiple shots of one subject so I get the exact shot I want. On average I discard 80-90% of shots and keep only the masterpieces.

BTW, I notice that so far not one replier has said they still use film.

I've been thinking of getting an old film camera. Maybe an old Leica M or Contax G2 or possibly a high end SLR of some kind. Mostly so I can do large prints that would need a very large mega-pixel count sensor. At some point in the future when digital sensors have caught up, I would buy a digital with compatible lense mount. The conveniece of digital isn't there in a film camera, but high quality is now more affordable. And also, I like the old analogue cameras more than the modern breed with all the unnecesary crap "features" and fiddly controls designed to let the software do all the thinking. Plus I think it a shame to let these old cameras go to waste.

A few years ago, there was a company called Silicon Film who were developing a digital sensor to convert film cameras to digital. They folded during the financial belt tightening post Sept 11. I think it would be great if that could be revived and new life given to the classic old film cameras.

[phetaroi]

I think clinging to film is silly...just like those who cling to vinyl records over digital media. I think there's a place for film for hobbyists with a certain interest in the medium. I actually would hate to see the technology totally disappear....maybe that's because my family lived near Rochester, NY, and several of my relatives were long-term workers at Kodak. Last year when I was at Yosemite NP, I was quite impressed to see someone there who had a camera very much like the type Ansel Adams used, and was taking photos from the same locations as did Adams. But for general use...gotta be digital.

[tw25rw]

For general use, yes digital is much more convenient. I'm looking forwards to buying an interchangeable lens liveview camera. I wouldn't spend money on a dslr. But a m4/3 or similar standard, pref with a bigger sensor would be good.

[astral]

I think clinging to film is silly...just like those who cling to vinyl records over digital media.

There are those who would vehemently disagree with you about vinyl records,

claiming they give a more natural rendition of the musical experience

in a way that is not possible in the digital domain.

There is a growing market for vinyl again with new recordings being produced in that medium.

I was surprised that the number of recordings reviewed in a recent edition of Hi News that I am

reading at present.

[VocalNeal]

I only asked because someone left me with a bag with some lenses and filters. The manual for the camera which is missing says 601.

I was looking for a good home for them.

[tw25rw]

Nikon F601?

[VocalNeal]

Nikon F601?

No it's an AF because the lenses have the "screwhead adaptor" for the AF.

[tw25rw]

Nikon F601?

No it's an AF because the lenses have the "screwhead adaptor" for the AF.

The f601 was a Nikon autofocus slr from about 20 years ago. I have an f501 from a few years prior.