About 20 years ago, the only camera I had is film camera. I didn’t care for it too much. At the time, it was just a capturing whatever moment kind of tool. However, when I started studying photography seriously, I began to fall in love with film camera. But then, it was too challenging to start a film camera again as digital was too dominant.
After all my love for film camera became more stronger when I bought Leica M10. As Leica M10 produced the images more than my imagination, my curiosity for Leica Film Camera grew bigger and bigger. So it happened. At first I wanted Leica M6 but I wasn’t sure if I could live without aperture priority mode.
Since I bought this one, two weeks went by. I had so much fun with Leica film camera. Unlike digital camera, I can’t preview it after I shoot, so each moment my imagination played a big role. A few days ago, I have my first black and white film roll scanned at a local film shop.
Incredible!
My first impression about the film photos was simply “incredible”. Unlike digital Leica M10 or Q, the photo lost its clarity and sharpness. But it created new feeling. I can’t compare it with a digital output, so let’s say it’s just different.
With ISO400, it has more grain than the one with digital version. But thanks to grain, it feels more smooth.
Below image is black and white converted by Lightroom after I took it with Leica M10. Contrast, clarify, and sharpness, digital version is by far better than the one with analog(film) version. But film version has its own value. Therefore, depending on my intent, I could choose between the two(digital vs film).
After my first film roll, I bought 5 more both color and B&W in combination. I am thrilled to see development of color film (Portra ISO 400) soon. I also borrowed one Leica old lens. Unlike modern lens, it produces glowing soft image at wide aperture.
I am sure I would carry these two in my shoulder wherever I go for a while. Would you also fall in love with analog film world with me?
Hello,
I have been shooting film with my old Leicas for many years, and I’m very glad that you have discovered this lovely, old-fashioned medium.
Regards, Paul
The best decision I made with my camera choice was to pick the Leica M system. Like you said, it’s lovely and old-fashioned but it definitely inspires me. Thank you for your thoughts.
Regards,
Allan