Which film should i buy ?

[russmini]

Sorry for the what some might see as a very silly question, but...

Having obtained a Zenit 11 camera when my Grandad died, i bought a cheap £1 Kodak film just to see if the camera worked, it did.

When i went to Jessops to get the film processed/developed and pics done, they gave me in with the charge.

It was a Fujifilm 200, sorry not sure exactly what.

Now all 3 fims have been a 200 and i would guess thats aaround the safe zone at most times.

Obviously i'm not used to aperture, exposure, shutter speed etc, but i've had some good pics so far that i've been happy with and others that i've obviously got wrong.

The question is... What better film could i buy?

I'm guessing some of the troubles may be to do with the film i've bought and probably some problems to do with just taking it to a high st photo shop. Although i would think Jessops would maybe be the best to go to.

Any and all suggestions very greatfully received. Liking using film and being a little non conformist.

Thanks.

 

[ibcrewin]

What are you aiming for? I'd be willing to think it's not the entirely the film..

Do you want balck and white? Then I think you buy some tri-x or tmax 400. Color? Maybe stick to the fuji 200.. You're going to need to keep the film constant while you learn all about the camera and exposure controls.

Next, go to the library or browse the internet about exposure. Learn the sunny-16 rule. Try to learn the difference in Depth of Field from f3.5 to f/16.. It's all about how you expose the film.

 

[gho]

Buy Tri-X or Hp-5 and work from there. Both are excellent films. More critical: take (subjectively) significant pictures and learn how to adjust your development for the desired effect. Probably you will screw up a lot in the beginning. But, you know, you can get into control with exposure and development. Do NOT swap film or developer too much! First try to get the optimum out of what you have. If it does not work, rethink. If you actually care for your pictures, the rest will follow. Swapping gear is not a remedy. Learn more about apperture, time, depth of field, film speed, contrast and how it is affected by development. Play with digital cameras and picture editing software. Know your histogram.

 

[taskoni]

Ilford Delta 400 and Delta 100

 

[russmini]

Ok, thank you. Did forget to say they are Colour films, but i get what you're all saying.

I'll stay with what i've got and carry on learning what each adjustment does.

Thank you all so far.

Any others wanting to offer advice, please do so.

 

[konicaman]

It would also be a good idea to learn how to use a light meter. A Leningrad 4 can sometimes be had for 5£ or less.

Digital Exposure Handbook by Ross Hoddinott, is a very good book on the subject - even if you shoot film.

Have fun with the Zenit.