Inquiries on film photography.

Winter view outside, shot with Canon AE-1 Program on automatic, with 50mm 1.8 lens and Fuji Superia X-tra 400.

Just a few days ago I received a very kind email from Norkor of Voyageur Africaine, asking about some crucial details of my film photography basics nowadays. I thought it was an excellent idea for a new post, as there might be other people wondering the same things about me. Norkor was sweet enough to let me even quote her questions, so here we go! She recently bought a Canon AE-! Program, which is a camera I am using currently :) Thank you so much, dear, for giving me some inspiration for a new post.

Canon AE-1 Program is a semi-automatic camera, it posseses a commonly loved setting, automatic mode, which sets the exposure and aperture automatically based on the lighting conditions and speed of your film. I have to say it was one of the factors which made me buy it. Of course you have all the manual settings present at the same time, so it doesn't steal any analogue magic.

"Do you adjust the exposure and shutter speed every time to shoot or is it always stuck on Automatic?"

Always, for me, means for the last 3 rolls, because this is how much I have shot with Canon. And yes, I cannot get enough of the automatic mode. It let me explore certain depths that were never present in my photographs. It's amazing to photograph indoors since I started using this camera. And for some more time, I do not intend to change that.

"Also, when you get your film scanned, do you give the people scanning it specific instructions? I got a roll of film scanned and it was basically horrible. It was hella grainy and just not well done."

I have of course noticed some slight differences when developing film at different photo labs, but I never got results that made me switch to any other. Pricing is the factor that makes me go and search for something else. It was your first roll, so it might be a little on you this time. I really don't know if they can make your film look very grainy, from my experience it has always been about certain film types. For example, films with iso of 800 always give me enough grain to cause me headache, and this is why I started to avoid that type of film, because it is just not my esthetics. Give yourself time, or if you want, face the manager of the photo lab about it. But first start with trying new films, those with less grain. I have had some pretty discouraging experiences with 800 iso myself! Click.

"What sorta of film is your favorite? I know you use a lot bunch of them from the labels on your blog, but I want to get your opinion."

My favourites would be Fuji Superia 200, which is perfect for almost anything and it's my regular choice, which I always find myself coming back to. So I think you should just stock yourself with lots of that type of film! There is also a special place in my heart for Agfa Vista both 200 and 400. And of course a bunch of 400 films, like Fuji X-tra 400, Fuji Pro 400H & Kodak BW 400 CN if you want an adventure in black & white. 

And look, Katie is currently selling expired Ferrania Solaris 400! Ferrania Solaris is a film, which production has been stopped, but is something very exciting to use! To be honest, I have one of Katie's Ferranias now in my Canon! :)

"Where do you get your lenses from? Online? I seriously need a 50mm or 35mm lens like yesterday!"

Yes, I always buy online. 50mm prime lens is a must have, seriously! One that I use for my Canon is a 1.8 one, and I sort of miss being able to photograph up close so much, but I still find it pretty cool! Next I think I will be purchasing something wider at about 35mm, or I will go in the opposite direction, since I never owned a proper portrait lens, so perhaps 135mm? We will see. My advice, find a 50mm lens asap! Try Etsy, maybe? Etsy sellers are always so nice!!

Do you have any other questions about my film photography? Go ahead and ask below!