I'm starting to get that look ...

[reagan]

Not so many years ago, when I mentioned to other photogs or just snapshooters, that I was still getting pleasure from shooting film and that I had a small gaggle of 50's cameras with which to enjoy the retro-method, often they would smile and nod approval of my hobby, maybe even adding a "that's cool" endorsement. Once in awhile, a young person might even show some apparent genuine interest in giving it a go themselves by asking, “Where did you buy the cameras?” or "What's a good camera?" or “Is it hard to find a place to process film?” etc.

But nowadays …. I’m starting to get that *look*. You know. Not the nod and “that’s-cool” look, but the “Geez-dude-give-it-up” look. Matched with a condescending grin, I can see it in their eyes – “Film? Really? Are you daft? Jeepers, man, move on.”

I swear, even from the young lady who runs one of the two remaining film processing opportunities in my small town, the other day she took my money, counted back my change and slowly slid the envelope across the counter like, “How long are you old dweebs going to force me keep mucking with … FiLm?!! Would you join this century already? SD cards? Upload? Helloooo?!!” Ok, no words are actually being exchanged (besides the voices in my head), but I swear, I’m gettin’ that look.

Anybody else? Or is it just me? Is it time to start wearing my backalley Joe overcoat disguise to Walgreens?

 

[Lauffray]

I hear you 😀
Though I can't remember having had the impressed look from people when I tell them it's film. Now it's usually "can you still get film for that ?" with a rather surprised/annoyed look.
I especially love when they mistake my MP for an M9, they get all excited, then I say it's film, and they go "oh..."

 

[malthusiantrap]

Happened to me while loading 120s on a Bessa 66 on the street a few weeks back. Some DSLR toting guy approached me and said in a condescending tone "Film? Really?!"

 

[Teuthida]

I ran into a guy just like you yesterday.

Late fifties, beard, wearing a beret.

Leica M6 around his neck. Making Art.

 

[karlori]

I'm 22 years, I get to hear insults like hipster, poser etc from time to time but to hell with them, there is not a lot more pleasurable experiences than developing a roll and printing a frame or two by yourself... I hated every bit of digital work routine i had to do with digital, I'll keep pushing film while I can - when the day comes and the 35mm and 120 films disappear completely I hope to be in my golden years with a family and other things to occupy my free time...

 

[---f]

Funny thing is I give that exact same look to people who use digital, a kind of "when are you gonna stop playing and start doing real photography?" 😀

+1
+1
+1

 

[btgc]

One thing is Rollei 35 or Leica, people can't respect them if they don't know a bit. But...still....big bad SLR with a winder and potato masher flash on coiled cord 😀

 

[silverbullet]

Is it the new Wii or the old GameBoy? The screen seems to be so small....

No Sir, it's my new Leica M9-P!! Henry Cartier-Bresson had a Lei...bla,bla,bla......


Harr, harr......

Film is silver and digital is silicon......Dust in the wind.....😀

 

[malthusiantrap]

Film is silver and digital is silicon......Dust in the wind.....😀

I like that very much.

 

[unixrevolution]

I rarely get "The Look" because I'm usually asked why. In my area, at least, people who see me shooting film with my equipment assume I know what's what, and there must be a reason for it.

I get the most comments on the 4x5's. Those, people seem to love.

 

[KoNickon]

I get nods of approval from people when I'm out and about with a film camera -- particularly unfamiliar-looking gear like a TLR or folder, which look nothing like digitals. They know they're old film cameras, but don't know anything more than that.

My 35mm C41 goes to the local Walgreens, and they are very happy to keep doing it. I think they are concerned that at some point, Walgreens will pull the plug. Fortunately I've got a local camera shop that does medium format, b&w and slides for me. I know they do shake their heads when I bring in "old school" b&w like Arista (Foma) -- "where do you get this stuff??"

Our young Croatian colleague (karlori) has enviable gear, and I don't see how he could be labeled a poser with that stuff. (Now, a Lomo or Holga....)

 

[Spanik]

Not really or I don't notice. Just lately a nephew (5 years old) that wanted to "see the photo's" on the back of the Fuji 645Zi. Took some time to explain. Mostly they are interested about the camera, some even want to take a look through it. Once a lady that nudged her partner with a look of "that one got an even bigger one than you do" grin on her face. He didn't saw the fun in it...

 

[jsrockit]

I tend to talk to more film users, so I always feel they are judging me based on my all digital approach these days. To me, it's all photography and it's all good.

 

[varjag]

Not getting this vibe here. Maybe 10 years ago people would have assumed you shoot film because you can't afford digital, but I was still shooting digital back then.. 😛

 

[DougFord]

more often than not it's near impossible for me to discern the differences between the 'look at that pathetic loser' look from the 'look at that pathetic loser using a film camera' look. 😀

 

[alliv]

Some time ago I saw a man in his fifties, on a street taking photos with a vintage SLR - OM or FM something. Oh, he looked so out of place! Was he transported from the past? Or is he so poor that can't afford even the cheapest digicam? Or just released from a mental institution? I am in my fifties too, and I do not take photos with my film cameras on streets anymore. I am afraid to look funny...

 

[Peter_wrote:]

sometimes i get that look, when i look into the mirror...

 

[seakayaker1]

I get my film developed at 60 Minute Photo in Seattle. The workers on the counter let me know that they will close towards the end of the year sometime since there building is being torn down and the owner does not want to relocate the business.

The two folks who work behind the counter will miss their work, they are enthusiastic and helpful and enjoy working with film and the people who come by to drop and pick up their film.

Any comments I have received when out shooting film is either along the lines of they are surprised it is a film camera or a smile from people who are happy to see a film camera in use.

. . . . . perhaps it is the gray hair and beard and people are just being kind to the older looking gentleman with his old camera. 😉

 

[karlori]

Our young Croatian colleague (karlori) has enviable gear, and I don't see how he could be labeled a poser with that stuff. (Now, a Lomo or Holga....)

Thanks, problem is people my age can't recognize a leica from a lomo (maybe better for me) and nowdays everyone sports a camera or a small dslr and the older people just don't care enough for the process they want everything and want it asap, now when I run into some folks (photogs) in their 50's and 60's i see their eyes light up a bit and if the moment allows we have a short chat... but most of the time i get the "what are you thinking, look at that idiot/poser/hipster look" ...

I tend to talk to more film users, so I always feel they are judging me based on my all digital approach these days. To me, it's all photography and it's all good.

Silver or silicone there is no real or imaginary photography it's the end result that counts, how we get there is our own personal choice.

 

[OwenStegemann]

No one seems to care what I'm shooting. I do sometimes get what I think may be dirty looks for what I can only assume is the mere act of carrying a camera, but I don't really sweat that. The only camera that seems draw a specific reaction is the Hasselblad, and that is always positive. I will admit that I sometimes chuckle to myself when I see someone dressed in pseudo swat gear with a bunch of huge bodies strapped all over themselves.