Any interest in a Film Forum at PR?

[Xia_Ke]

A little a while ago it was mentioned in the New TMax thread about the possibility of a Film Forum here at PR. As some of you know, all I shoot now is film, so this definitely caught my eye. I talked to PJ about the real possibility of this and he is for it provided there is actual real interest in it. I know quite a few of you still shoot film. Would a film forum be something you would regularly post in or do you think the way PR is set-up now meets the need for film users? So, what do you guys think?

Aaron

[Greg McCary]

You have my vote Aaron. I have a Bessa R that have been playing around with. I hope to have some film developed soon. I might even try some medium format later on.

[photophorous]

I've thought about this before too and I think it's a great idea. I would use it a lot.

Paul

[Xia_Ke]

Thanks guys I've just started pm'ing some of our members that I know shoot film to chime in. If you guys know of anyone shooting film I would greatly appreciate it if you could drop them a message to chime in on the topic. Thanks again guys

Aaron

[Xia_Ke]

How'd I know at least one person would pick #3?...LOL Hell, what can I say? Only about a year ago I was the one thinking film was dead. It's funny how things change over time. Now I can't picture myself going back to digital. There's a magic about pulling out a freshly developed roll of film that just can't be compared to uploading a memory card. Anyhoo, enough rambling... In Vino Veritas

[walterick]

I also shoot film almost exclusively, I guess everyone knows that by now. Velvia is my sweetheart

My first thought about a film forum, however was that it would not get used enough to warrant having it. The problem we have had with "niche" forums in the past is they don't get enough traffic to keep a whole forum just for that topic. I don't really make posts "about film" as it is, so I don't know that I would make posts specifically for a film forum. Also, the pictures I do post on PR I like to put here in the Viewfinder because I know that's where they'll get the most attention. By sticking them in a separate forum, I might be limiting my audience. And, like I said, my film pictures really aren't about film, per se.

Then, I kept thinking about it. Film is going to fast become a unique sub-interest in photography. As digital takes over, the number of people left shooting film are going to start bonding together and seeking communities to share their common passion in. In this, I think a film forum would eventually be a great haven for people still shooting with classic cameras as well as large format and the new powerhouses such as the F6. So, I can definitely see the merit there in the long run.

Ultimately, I chose the first option. There are a few other forums I'd like to see created before a film forum, but if it gets used I think film would be a great idea.

Thanks for suggesting this Aaron
Rick

[Xia_Ke]

...Velvia is my sweetheart ...

You ain't kidding

Thanks for your thoughts Rick You bring up some very valid points. It is borderline as to whether there would be enough sustained interest in a Film Forum here at PR. One thought though is that if there isn't a place for it here, than people will go elsewhere to find what they want. I speak from experience on this point. Don't get me wrong, I can't thank the members here enough for helping me get started with film. However, I'm the type of person that would rather seek out the answers to my questions, than ask. I find myself self heading over to APUG now to find answers to my film questions. APUG is a great site and all but, PR is where I call home. If there was a specific spot here for asking film questions and discussing film related topics, I don't think I would have looked elsewhere. I wonder though, if I went elsewhere, I wonder how many others have ventured or even how many potential new members may have been lost?

Aaron

[schrackman]

Go for it.

[Asylum Steve]

So, what do you guys think?...

This topic was much discussed a while back, the last time the forums were reshuffled.

Back then the feeling was the Help Forum would be the best place for film questions, one because (we felt) a film-only forum would get little traffic in the long run, and two, the Help Forum would be greatly diminished by eliminating the film questions, which would basically mean two watered down forums, instead of one strong one.

I'm pretty neutral on the subject. While primarily digital, I still have film projects on the back burner (and a ton of the stuff still in my fridge!). I also think it's important not to abandon film (or its users) on this site.

Maybe it's time we revisit the subject. It should be intersting to see what the final results of your poll are...

[adina]

I don't think it's necessary.

If you are sharing photos, that can be done in the Viewfinder. If you are looking for critique, we have a critique forum. If you have a question about the camera, there are Canon/Nikon/Minolta forums, if you need general help, there is a help forum. If you are working on an "art" project, there is an art forum.

The reason there are digital specific forums, is because digital is dominant right now. If there is all of a sudden a huge push to film, I could see another forum being useful. But right now, I think it wouldn't get the activity needed to justify having it. There are people who are digital, but have a strong film background, that would answer questions and post about film related issues because they are in a forum the regularly check, but would miss them if they were seperated.

Honestly, how many of the different forums on this site do you (you general, not you specific) check regularly? I hit the Viewfinder and Off topic consistantly, the others only when I have extra time, which isn't all that frequently. I think it might be best to utilize the forums available before adding another.

[mtbbrian]

I voted "Yeah".
I think there are enough differences between the two mediums there should be one here.
Having such a forum would bring others here, that think PR.com is a digital only forum. Which in my opinion is not a good thing.
Film Rules!
:thumbsup:
Brian

[Xia_Ke]

...Back then the feeling was the Help Forum would be the best place for film questions, one because (we felt) a film-only forum would get little traffic in the long run, and two, the Help Forum would be greatly diminished by eliminating the film questions, which would basically mean two watered down forums, instead of one strong one...

I just took a rough count through the past year's posts in the Help Forum (Yes, I need to get a life ) and I counted 20 film related posts out of 500 over the past year, 7 or 8 of which were mine. Several were film vs. digital posts and a couple were film to digital conversion. I don't think creating a separate forum would water down the Help Forum at all, though that count does raise the question of how much activity a Film Forum would get.

[Xia_Ke]

I don't think it's necessary.

If you are sharing photos, that can be done in the Viewfinder. If you are looking for critique, we have a critique forum. If you have a question about the camera, there are Canon/Nikon/Minolta forums, if you need general help, there is a help forum. If you are working on an "art" project, there is an art forum.

The reason there are digital specific forums, is because digital is dominant right now. If there is all of a sudden a huge push to film, I could see another forum being useful. But right now, I think it wouldn't get the activity needed to justify having it. There are people who are digital, but have a strong film background, that would answer questions and post about film related issues because they are in a forum the regularly check, but would miss them if they were seperated.

Honestly, how many of the different forums on this site do you (you general, not you specific) check regularly? I hit the Viewfinder and Off topic consistantly, the others only when I have extra time, which isn't all that frequently. I think it might be best to utilize the forums available before adding another.

I don't go to any one specific forum. I always click to view new posts and scroll them all.

One of my thoughts was yes, there may not be a huge interest right now but, how many possible new members is this site missing out on not having a Film Forum? Take a look at APUG or Rangefinderforum or Flickr or... there are tons of film shooters out there and people like myself swapping to film all the time. This site though seems to be mainly geared towards digital. If you're a new film person or newly online and looking for a film place to get answers, you are going to keep going right past PR. Doing a search on Google or other search engines for film related stuff is certainly not going to bring up PR.

I want to think "If you make it, they will come" but, maybe it is just wishful thinking on my part

[Xia_Ke]

...Having such a forum would bring others here, that think PR.com is a digital only forum. Which in my opinion is not a good thing....

Phew, I was beginning to think I was the only person with that opinion...LOL Thanks for chiming in Brian :thumbsup:

Aaron

[Asylum Steve]

I think there are enough differences between the two mediums there should be one here...

I see your point as well, Brian. IMO, the only reason the make a Film Forum would be to nurture the medium as it becomes more and more of a niche aspect of photography as a whole.

I also see Rick's point that film in itself is not the main issue when it comes to his imagery. But I think that for more and more folks, especially emerging, younger photographers, choosing to work with film will be the main issue, much like alternative photo processes, or toy cameras...

[Asylum Steve]

Ah, the pitfalls of being old. Watched as much of the game last night as I could, but had to make a very early start today, so I went to bed in the fourth and missed the amazing ending. :cryin:

Saw the highlights plenty of times today, though... :thumbsup:

Sorry to leave you hanging about Chicago, Adina. I just haven't had the money to book my trip yet. Now it looks like I'll be up that way at the end of the month (weekend of Dec. 1st).

I should be able to finalize my plans in the next few days, and will be sure to post here in VF to let everybody know...

[mtbbrian]

IMO, the only reason the make a Film Forum would be to nurture the medium as it becomes more and more of a niche aspect of photography as a whole.

As long as film is available, photographers will be using it and it needs to be nurtured and maintained as a viable option.
Brian
Film RULES!
:thumbsup:

[Xia_Ke]

I don't think we'll have to worry about it going away anytime soon Brian. Ilford, Kodak, and Fuji are still actively developing new films which is a very good sign that at least the big 3 are here to stay. And I agree, film does rule

Aaron

[photophorous]

Having such a forum would bring others here, that think PR.com is a digital only forum. Which in my opinion is not a good thing.

I agree with this too. I didn't realize how big of a deal it was until I got more into film but now I find myself on other forums a lot. I keep coming back here because of the people, but this is basically a digital photography site. I think if there was a film forum, people visiting the site who shoot film, would be more likely to sign up and hang out. There is a thread on RFF that says membership on that site rose 40% in the first 6 months of 2007. Film is far from dead. Obviously, there are many similarities between film and digital and those things don't necessarily need to be discussed exclussively between film shooters, but I keep going to those film forums because people there are talking about film related things. This is especially true when discussing black and white and all the details of developing. The similarities between digital and film are not what makes people go back to shooting film.

Paul

[another view]

I counted 20 film related posts out of 500 over the past year, 7 or 8 of which were mine

If it happens, then I guess we've found a moderator for it!

Lots of great points made here. I'm undecided on it at this point, and in general this site has been cautious about adding new forums as posts to that new forum could probably fit pretty well in another existing forum - Help, for example. The thing about a new forum is that nobody wants to create one that won't be active after the "newness" has worn off.

But the point that film is a very different medium than digital is a good one. I think the people who are shooting film these days (as evident here) are very passionate about it, and maybe a forum for it is deserved. It could spark more interest in the members already here and could draw new members. I don't know if I'd frequent it - haven't shot a roll of film in awhile. I'd like to get back into B&W work but there are only so many hours in the day...

[mtbbrian]

If it happens, then I guess we've found a moderator for it!

I think you are right Steve!
Aaron for the Film Forum Moderator!

I really think we should go forth with this. Doing so will show that PR.com is open to both mediums and could very well attract new people.
Brian
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Xia_Ke]

If it happens, then I guess we've found a moderator for it! ...

I think you are right Steve!
Aaron for the Film Forum Moderator!
...

Oh good gawd...LOL Let's have the guy who's only been shooting film a few months moderate Only if I get a co-mod so that at least there will be one mod who actually knows what they're talking about ...LOL

[mtbbrian]

Oh good gawd...LOL Let's have the guy who's only been shooting film a few months moderate Only if I get a co-mod so that at least there will be one mod who actually knows what they're talking about ...LOL

All it takes to be a mod is passion for the subject.
If this does happen, I guess I'd be willing to co moderate with you.
But I won't promise that right now.
Brian

[GB1]

It can't hurt.

I'm thinking that folks would discuss film questions, issues, etc.

Adina has some good points though - I don't think that anyone will post images for critique in the Film forum saying "hey this was shot on Kodachrome, not digital - what do ya think?"

But, I've noticed that the Help is slowing becoming almost totally digital questions about memory cards, PS levels, etc, etc.

In all, I think a Film forum is worth a shot.

GB

[mjs1973]

I originally voted no, but I'm having second thoughts. I see the merit in having a film forum, but I just don't know that it will get the trafic to support it. It would be great to get new people on the boards tho.

I still shoot film once in a while, but like Rick said, I don't see a need for a separte film forum for what I do. Photography is photography, no matter if you shoot on film, or on a sensor. Yes, I know there are some techincal differences between them, but most of the basics (aperture, shutterspeed, exposure, composition, etc.) are the same if you shoot digital, 35mm, MF or LF.

I have had specific film questions in the past, but I never felt that I couldn't ask questions in the forums we already have.

But on the other hand, a film forum may encourage me to get an old TLR that I have been thinkig about for a while.