I threw a roll of Tri-X 400 B&W film into the 35mm camera the other day and decided to just do some random (and of course a few with clients just for fun) shots with the Olympus. I'll be the first to admit that I've been ruined over the years with modern digital cameras - the perfect autofocus, amazing sharpness, virtually unlimited number of photos, and lightweight, ease of use. But picking up an old film camera with manual focus and a view finder that is less than ideal will humble you.
It's more than just the manual focus and view finder (and my aging eyes), it's the pace by which film changes your perspective. Everything you hear about how it forces you to be more deliberate is really true. It's metering the shots, setting up the camera, the lack of in body stabilization (hold that damn thing steady old man!) and praying to God they don't blink.
Real is the Deal
Outside of just the process, analog has been back in style for a bit now. Real is the deal these days and Generation Alpha is quickly tiring of social media and AI slop. Thus the rise of point and shoot cameras over cell phones (don't get me wrong, they still have them but look at the shear number of point and shoot cameras floating around with this group). The appeal of camcorders, vinyl records, cassette tapes (this one has been hitting lately) and VHS. They want analog as they are tired of the perfection portrayed. AI slop can craft the perfect look, but its not real and real is the deal. Analog is making a comeback. It's a phase for sure and probably not here to stay, but what is important right now is authenticity.
So in pure authentic style...here is a full roll of 36 photos shot on film with all their imperfection. I now have 3 more rolls of medium format pulled out of the fridge for a bit more fun :)
