Absolute cheapest film right now, color or black and white

If you want to shoot film, shoot like an amateur films shooter (one who does not have a newspaper buying the film for them). Digital has made some people lazy; they go for many, many shots (it doesn't cost anything) and then find the "keepers" in post. The spray and pray mentality. With film each shot costs - film costs and processing costs. Film shooters shooting for their own amusement, not professionals who might sell the prints to recoup costs and make a profit, learned to pick and choose.

 

Buy two rolls of 36 exposure Tri-X. Take your time and get good shots. Will all of them be "keeper"? No, but about 1/3 to 1/2 should be. Then when you get that "amazing photo of a grey owl", it will be worth printing and hanging on the wall. There is nothing worse than getting a great shot and have it ruined by cheap grainy film or film with a lack of tone. When I shoot film, I have a hard time using up one roll of 36 exposures.

 

Another option is take your digital camera, shoot thousands of shots, and if you get "an amazing photo of a grey owl", convert it to black and white in post. Both Lightroom and Photoshop do excellent black and white conversions.

 

Otherwise, I agree with JDMvW (above), take an empty camera. Or better yet, take no camera, just a good set of binoculars and enjoy the day and the company.

The amazing photo of the grey owl will only be amazing to me if its on film. I could get one for sure on a digital if I loaded up with all the new equipment. But if I did, I don't think I would care. I dont mean to disparage anyone elses reasons for shooting digital/film or any other reasons why people go out and take pictures. Its just what I like. Everyone has a different reasons for doing the thing they do :)