The Advantages of Film

Slow is good that is what makes a person better in my eyes.

>> "It may be too late to join,,,"

 

You're never too late.

 

This thread lasted 10 days... not bad.

Something not mentioned in any of the above posts that is a prime objective for my style of color photography is that

it is easier to achieve image fidelity if one uses the best color neutral films. Not something many these days seems

to appreciate given the status quo of jacked up contrast, saturation, and image manipulation. Among the best

modern relatively color neutral films that have been around for some time are EPN-100, much used for commercial

product photography, Astia, and Provia. The advantage of the later two Fuji films is that EPN-100 film grain and

resolution is limiting if one is interested in large print output as per my own style. The main limitation of these films

in terms of reproduction accuracy is their non-linear luminance range that compresses shadows and highlights within

whatever dynamic range one has exposed for. Ideally color and luminance fidelity is best when one exposes

accurately for a more evenly illuminated non-contrasty subject.

 

So the greatest advantage of digital sensor capture given more linearity is a broader dynamic range of luminance

capture. Thus highlights and shadows can be rendered more naturally that is less contrasty. Digital sensors also

have more potential for accurate color output if one has fully profiled their camera using high end commercial tools

and software as the Gretag-MacBeth SG color target and the full blown X-Rite EyeOne colorimeter/spectrometer

software. Otherwise there is only the usual white balance adjustments. Unfortunately few outside commercial

product photographers that need accuracy tend to bother. Many of them in fact prefer using color numerated

Pantone blades. And DSLR camera manufacturers have as yet not been interested in adding in the extra expense of

in camera calibration functions that would make adjusting to a reasonably accurate default simple. Thus average

users simply adjust their many DSLR camera settings and adjustments to what looks good for their purposes. And

per above in this day and age, that rarely includes an interest in a naturally rendered result even if they wanted

such. Thus after experiencing a day of shooting, the photographer returns home, downloads their RAW images, and

the only way they might recreate the actual experience is via adjustments to what they remember. And as the time

between shooting in the field and post processing increases, that likelyhood of being able to more accurately recall

what they experience diminishes.

 

So this is where film has a huge advantage if one has the interest I have. I always have the original transparency that

when post processing a subsequent scan, can view the slide on my reasonably color accurate light table right beside

my computer with its profiled monitor, in order to adjust colors and luminance in Photoshop for a reasonably good

match. Regarless of how much time has elapsed even if that is years. As long as the exposure on the film was fairly

accurate, it is easy to end up with a much more reasonably accurate digital file result than someone with any DSLR

that has not had an accurate profile performed and is simply trying to adjust from recall. In any case true

accuracy is and never will be technically available. However reasonably good accuracy is a reasonable goal for

those that seek such that any ordinary person viewing images would readily agree with versus those without control.

 

I've commented on this subject at web boards for many years and one can read my longer explanation that includes

some history at this link:

 

http://www.davidsenesac.com/david_philosophy1.html

Good point...

The big advantage of film, besides those listed, is I get to use beautifully machined, solid metal manual cameras like my Canon Original F-1. Feels great in the hands with super optics.....all which cost very little. Great bang for-the-buck and a totally professional tool.