Beginner Film Question????

[Superdan138]

I am now looking to buy some film for my M6 and I wanted to see what most people prefer for B&W film? I am using a 35mm Summicron lens. Also is it better to go the slide or negative route, and why? I want to just know what peoples opinions are on whats best if just starting out....thanks.

-Dan

PS: I really dig the extreme grainy look, what film will give me a grainy look without using digital effects? Thanks again!!!

 

[swoop]

The film you use is as personal as the camera and lens you use. Try them all out and see what you like.

All those factors contribute to creating your own signature look and feel in your photography.

 

[Silva Lining]

If you love grainy go for Ilford Delta 3200! - Golf Balls for grain...

Actually you can affect the amount of grain in most films through a variety of methods, including how you expose it, the type and method of development and printing. Plus you can always lump in grain in Photoshop or similar. But..for grain straight of the can try Ilford 3200.

Personally I like to have as little grain as possible, so I tend so shoot Ilford PanF or Adox CMS 20, very slow films. Although I also like TriX 400 which is a magic film.

My advice is to have fun trying 'em all! Oh and get a yellow filter.

 

[Superdan138]

Wheres the best places online to find these and other film, for good prices? Thats also reliable....thanks.

-Dan

 

[colyn]

My personal favorite B&W film is Ilford HP5 but you should try all available in order to establish your own fav...

 

[Silva Lining]

Wheres the best places online to find these and other film, for good prices? Thats also reliable....thanks.

-Dan

Where are you based Dan?

If you are in the UK - 7day shop is great for good prices on Ilford, Fuji & Kodak.

http://www.7dayshop.com

If you want to experiment more try Retrophotographic

http://www.retrophotographic.com


These are my two favourite sources, although there are many more.

 

[Uncle Bill]

If this is your first time, may I suggest either Ilford XP2 or Kodak 400cn both are black and white films that are processed in colour negative (C41) chemistry. The big bonus is you get to see the results much faster than waiting for a traditional black and white film being processed. Once you get the hang of this film thing, it will be time to try Tri-X or HP5 and there is no going back!

 

[sonyleica]

My advice is to have fun trying 'em all! Oh and get a yellow filter.

Just curious, do you still need the yellow filter although you already use the b&w film? What is this yellow filter for?
Thanks
DJ

 

[Tom A]

The trick is to standardize on your film and pick one that is likely to be around for awhile! Noyjing worse than finding a good filmstock and have it vanish from the stores. Ilford/Kodak/Fuji still seems to support us black/white shooters.
If you want grain, yes the Delta 3200 is good. The problem is the top speed of the M6 - you run out of speeds quickly as in sunny weather, outside you would be shooting, theoretically, f16@ 1/3000 sec and overexpose badly. A basic 400 asa film (Tri X, HP5,Neopan 400) will allow you more all around flexibility. If you push it to 1000 asa and process in Rodinal 1:25 for 9-10 min, you will get grain and sharpness too.
You dont "need" a yellow filter, but for shooting outdoors it will give slightly more contrast in the sky, darken the blue part and punch up the clouds a bit. The Red,Orange and Yellow filter are used for this purpose. A red filter will give exagurated contrast, black sky and bright white clouds as well as turn anything red to white! The Orange will do the same thing to a lesser degree and the Yellow is quite modest with it.

 

[payasam]

Uncle Bill makes sense. If you're just starting out, it will take you many rolls before you find the film which is best for you. I'll only add that you should always use a hood: can make a world of difference. A hood is pretty much essential if a filter is used.

 

[Superdan138]

Where are you based Dan?

If you are in the UK - 7day shop is great for good prices on Ilford, Fuji & Kodak.

http://www.7dayshop.com

If you want to experiment more try Retrophotographic

http://www.retrophotographic.com


These are my two favourite sources, although there are many more.

Based in San Diego, CA. Thanks for the suggestions....

-Dan

 

[Superdan138]

The trick is to standardize on your film and pick one that is likely to be around for awhile! Noyjing worse than finding a good filmstock and have it vanish from the stores. Ilford/Kodak/Fuji still seems to support us black/white shooters.
If you want grain, yes the Delta 3200 is good. The problem is the top speed of the M6 - you run out of speeds quickly as in sunny weather, outside you would be shooting, theoretically, f16@ 1/3000 sec and overexpose badly. A basic 400 asa film (Tri X, HP5,Neopan 400) will allow you more all around flexibility. If you push it to 1000 asa and process in Rodinal 1:25 for 9-10 min, you will get grain and sharpness too.
You dont "need" a yellow filter, but for shooting outdoors it will give slightly more contrast in the sky, darken the blue part and punch up the clouds a bit. The Red,Orange and Yellow filter are used for this purpose. A red filter will give exagurated contrast, black sky and bright white clouds as well as turn anything red to white! The Orange will do the same thing to a lesser degree and the Yellow is quite modest with it.

Great advice many thanks for the words of wisdom! I have a clear B and W filter.....should I look into something like yellow, etc....?

-Dan

 

[Superdan138]

Uncle Bill makes sense. If you're just starting out, it will take you many rolls before you find the film which is best for you. I'll only add that you should always use a hood: can make a world of difference. A hood is pretty much essential if a filter is used.

Got a Leica hood for my 35mm summicron.....love it!

-Dan

 

[Roger Hicks]

The film you use is as personal as the camera and lens you use. Try them all out and see what you like.

All those factors contribute to creating your own signature look and feel in your photography.

Seconded. The advice to stick with one film is invaluable, but only AFTER you have decided which film you like by trying as many as possible. If you just pick a film at random, or on someone else's recommendation, and stick with it, there is always the risk you will start out with the wrong film for you.

HP5 Plus in Rodinal will give good sharpness, modest speed (maybe ISO 250-320), big grain. Or dilute paper developer to 1+10 and use that.

Cheers,

R.

 

[hlockwood]

I am now looking to buy some film for my M6 and I wanted to see what most people prefer for B&W film? I am using a 35mm Summicron lens. Also is it better to go the slide or negative route, and why? I want to just know what peoples opinions are on whats best if just starting out....thanks.

-Dan

PS: I really dig the extreme grainy look, what film will give me a grainy look without using digital effects? Thanks again!!!

I agree with Uncle Bill's suggestion to start with C41 film, i.e., XP2 or BW400CN and have the development done in a a standard color lab. Both also have wide exposure latitude and scan well.

But you haven't said what you will eventually do with the negatives. Scanner+printer? Enlarger+wet chemistry? This will have an impact on what film to settle on.

Harry