in the last couple of years film photography has become quite popular again, as analog processes started to gain interest again after a time of being neglected. So, whether you are a more experienced photographer or just beginning your journey, understanding the pros and cons of analogue photography is crucial in deciding whether to embrace the medium.
While digital cameras dominate today’s market, film photography holds unique benefits that digital simply can’t replicate. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of film photography and help you determine if the hobby is for you.
Pros and Cons of Analogue Photography:
| Advantages of film photography: | Disadvantages of film photography: |
1. Unique Aesthetic Film photography offers a distinctive visual quality that’s hard to replicate digitally. Especially the natural grain and subtle imperfections. Each film stock has its unique look, with some delivering muted pastel tones while others emphasize vibrant, saturated colors. This organic aesthetic appeals to artists and photographers seeking a timeless or vintage feel. Digital tools like Lightroom or VSCO can mimic film styles, but purists argue that the depth and authenticity of film are unmatched. | 1. Ongoing Costs While the initial expense of a film camera is nice to your bank account, the recurring costs are not. Purchasing rolls of film and developing them add up over time and those prices are currently in an upward trend. A single roll of film can cost $10–20, and development fees range from $10–15 per roll. For photographers shooting frequently, these recurring expenses can become a significant financial burden compared to the virtually free shooting with digital cameras. |
| 2. Encourages Deliberate Shooting Film’s inherent limitations, like the number of exposures per roll, encourage photographers to slow down and think critically about each shot. Digital photography, with its almost endless capacity, can lead to a more impulsive shooting style, often referred to as “spray and pray” shooting. In my own opinion, I often feel much more connected to the art when im shooting film. | 2. Physical Storage Needs Storing negatives, prints, and undeveloped film requires space and organization. Over time, the collection can grow unwieldy, particularly if you plan on shooting regularly. Proper storage solutions, such as archival binders or boxes, are needed. Adding another layer of responsibility to film photography. It can also be quite annoying packing 10 different rolls of film in your camera bag. |
3. Longevity of Equipment Film cameras are often built like tanks, with many classics from the 1970s and 1980s still functioning perfectly. Unlike digital cameras that become outdated as technology advances, film cameras maintain their value and usability as long as they are mechanically sound. For example, a vintage Nikkormat FT or a Pentax K1000 remains as functional today as it was decades ago. | 3. Slower Workflow Film photography demands patience. After shooting, you need to wait for the film to be developed before seeing the results. This delay can be frustrating, especially if you are used to instant previews on digital cameras. Additionally, the process of scanning negatives for digital use adds another step, further slowing the workflow. |
| 4. Lower Initial Costs Purchasing a high-quality vintage film camera is often more affordable than buying a modern digital counterpart. Cameras like the Canon AE-1 Program, Nikon FM2, or Olympus OM-1 can be found for $100–$200, compared to $1,000+ for a good DSLR or mirrorless camera. I have found plenty of film cameras I use all the time at thrift stores for about $5. This makes film photography an attractive option for those looking to experiment without a significant upfront investment. | 4. Dependency on Labs Unless you have access to a darkroom, or want to risk developing in your bathroom. Film development is typically outsourced to labs like these. This reliance introduces variables like inconsistent quality, delays in turnaround time, or the risk of lost or damaged rolls. This dependency is often a huge deterrent to beginners as it definitely was to me. |
| 5. Variety of Film Stocks There are hundreds of film stocks out there, each with distinct characteristics. For instance, Kodak Portra is known for its warm skin tones and natural colors, making it a favorite for portraits, while Fujifilm Velvia is prized for its vibrant colors and contrast, ideal for landscapes. | 5. Learning Curve for Beginners Film cameras often operate manually, requiring a solid understanding of the exposure triangle, and settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Unlike digital cameras that offer automated modes, film photographers must rely on their skills and judgment. Additionally, choosing the right film stock and understanding how it reacts to different lighting conditions can be daunting for those new to the medium. |
| 6. No Sensor Dust Issues Film cameras don’t use electronic sensors, eliminating the issue of sensor dust. Digital cameras often require frequent cleaning to avoid spots appearing in images, especially in outdoor or dusty environments. With film cameras, the only concern is keeping the lens and the film chamber clean, which is much easier to manage. This reduces maintenance efforts and avoids the time-consuming task of retouching dust spots in post-processing. | 6. Risk of Film Damage Film is sensitive to environmental conditions. Excessive heat, humidity, or exposure to light can ruin rolls before they’re developed. For instance, I once stored my film improperly, and the results were disappointing. Photographers traveling in extreme climates or not following proper storage protocols may face similar issues, potentially losing irreplaceable photos. |
Personal opinion:
But after reading about the pros and cons of analogue photography, you might wonder why so many people still choose to shoot film despite its disadvantages. For me, it all comes down to one simple fact: it’s more fun. There’s something magical about feeling connected to each photo, knowing that I’ve put thought into every composition, every setting, and every click of the shutter.
Film photography gives me control over the raw look and feel of my images, allowing me to create something truly unique and special. It’s not just about capturing a moment but also about immersing myself in the creative process. If you’re curious, I encourage you to give film a try—you might discover a new way to fall in love with photography.
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