Question about film

[DGK*CRONE]

I just bought a Yashica G Electro 35 on ebay. I am really excited about it but I have never used this camera before. I just started REALLY getting into my photography about a year ago. I am still learning lots everyday.
I was taking pictures with a Holga and someone saw a few of them. They recommended the Yashica and after I looked it up, I had to have one. I will be shooting in both color and black & white but I will probably start experimenting with color more and first. I am currently shooting with Kodak T-Max400 and I’m wondering if that is the best film to use. Does anyone recommend any type of film in particular? I will mostly be shooting indoors and some landscape. I’m happy with the Kodak so far but I’m just wondering if anyone recommends a certain type of film for the Yashica. I’m just curious to know if there is a certain film that matches perfect with the Yashica or if it even matters. I don’t want to be spending money on expensive film if there is no point OR I don’t want to be spending money on crappy film when I should be using a better film. Is expensive always better?

[Canuck935]

It doesn't really matter.. Everyone has their favorite films, you just gotta find which ones you like.. My own personal favorite of all time is Ilford HP5 if you want to try it out. It's an ISO 400 film, but I shoot it at ISO 250 then give normal develop time with Kodak D76.. but that's just my own personal taste..

[DGK*CRONE]

I am always open to suggestions but i will go ahead and try that film.

I'm not looking to stick with 400. I don't want it to sound like i'm set on 400. I was going to buy 100 but i will go ahead and give the ilfordHP5 a chance and let you know how it goes.

Thanks!

[mtbbrian]

Tri-X..
Most B&W films cost about the same, but Tri-X is the best.
Trust me on this one..
And remember my first rule of photography, "Have Fun"!
Good luck with that Yashica!
:thumbsup:
Brian

[Greg McCary]

Good suggestions from the others. If you want it processed local stick with c-41 films or else it will have to be sent off. But I agree with the others you can't beat Trix or Ilford. You might also look into processing it yourself, non C-41 films. It is very easily done and you can get all of the equipment needed for less the $100.00 easy. No darkroom required. I process all of my non C-41 B&W film. When you do get it processed tell the lab CD only and then take the CD and post process the pictures on your computer before printing.
TMax is also a good film. For color film try Reala 100.

[another view]

I am always open to suggestions but i will go ahead and try that film.

I'm not looking to stick with 400. I don't want it to sound like i'm set on 400. I was going to buy 100 but i will go ahead and give the ilfordHP5 a chance and let you know how it goes.

Thanks!

Sounds like you have ideas on the look that you want; can you describe it? In the world of "real" black and white (not the C41 stuff which is actually pretty good, just different) there really isn't a bad film. Tmax is a newer film with less grain and more sharpness. TriX is an older film with that really classic look. I've seen fairly big prints from 35mm on TriX and it still has enough sharpness to work - with 6x6 you can go even bigger if you care to. Personally, I loved the look of TriX and when I shot b&w I wanted that look. It's also easy to develop in Kodak's D76 chemistry.

Do you develop your own, or ever plan to do it? How are your prints made, from a digital scan or in a darkroom? Do you do it or have a lab that does them for you?

[freygr]

I use to do my own B&W films, all you need is a dark room or changing bag to open and spool your film on to the developing reels and put into the day light tank. If you can find then the stainless steel nikkor tanks and reels are the best. Get the two reel 35mm tank (1 roll 120 tank).

My problem is cut film developing with film hangers requires a large darkroom.

If you are lacking space check around you my have a photo club in your area which has a darkroom set up.

[DGK*CRONE]

I take my film in to my local Sammy’s. I have been wanting to do it my self. I haven’t done it since high school and I’ll be honest, I’m a little hesitant to do it for that reason. What I really want to do is, develop my own negatives and get a negative scanner. However, I don’t know how those work and I don’t want to spend more time on photoshop than I do taking pictures. Is it hard/time consuming to work on a negative scanner or can it be? One of the major reasons I really want to do that is because I’m insecure about my pictures. I feel embarrassed when I go pick up my film and all my pictures suck. Haha

p.s
I’m going to pick up some TriX next time I go. I just wanted to see what the majority of people like to shoot with so I can try a roll and see how I feel about it.

[DGK*CRONE]

I use to do my own B&W films, all you need is a dark room or changing bag to open and spool your film on to the developing reels and put into the day light tank. If you can find then the stainless steel nikkor tanks and reels are the best. Get the two reel 35mm tank (1 roll 120 tank).

My problem is cut film developing with film hangers requires a large darkroom.

If you are lacking space check around you my have a photo club in your area which has a darkroom set up.

Can you develop your own color negatives? Is it as easy as B&W film? what is cut film developing?

[Canuck935]

I certainly think you could process yourself. The hard part is loading the film onto the reels, but that's if you buy cheap reels. With a good reel you could load it effortlessly.

Even if you develop your own film, I would still recommend you get it scanned at the local lab. I used to have a film scanner and it was just too time consuming. It sounds like you would end up being frustrated as I was. I ended up getting rid of it after little use. If you do take it to the lab for scanning, bring the roll to them uncut. It makes it faster and easier for them to scan. Also, make friends with the lab personnel. Play your cards right and you may be able to get them to make higher res scans for you. If not, they'll still do a better job for you if they know you and you're a regular.

Don't be embarrassed about bad pictures, because honestly they won't notice, care, or remember. Trust me, I used to work at a lab.

Good luck and happy shooting!

[another view]

Is it hard/time consuming to work on a negative scanner or can it be?

Yes - time consuming, that is. Spotting out dust is really the thing that's such a hassle and no matter how clean you think your neg is, you'll still have dust on the scan. The clone tool and healing brush in Photoshop take care of this. Be really picky about keeping your negs clean and you'll save yourself a lot of work. However, there is a big learning curve with scanning so the first few times (or months, really) will be an investment.

Developing the film isn't that hard. Just be really careful to keep the temperatures where they should be and watch the times closely. TriX and D76 is supposed to be fairly tolerant of mistakes and I never had a problem with it. I've also done Tmax with Tmax developer and not had a problem. Never tried color, which I understand requires a very close watch on temperatures (within 1/2 degree).

[Canuck935]

Color developing is kinda a PITA.. Not worth the effort to me.. Just take it to the local lab.