For students using SLR cameras which require film, the following information outlines the basic information continuing in this course. It is also important for those shooting with digital equipment as well, because many film metaphors have remained in the controls and concepts of digital cameras.

Film Types Used for Class

The class will shoot 35mm Color Print (Negative) Film, processed using C-41 chemistry, scan, tone and post each weeks assignemt work to their respective Flickr pages. This is the same process as shooting with Holgas, but with a different medium and new options for processing and scanning.

Shooting with SLR camera opens up a whole set of controls, and thus knowledge to sucessfully make the images you want, and at the quality demanded, requires a strong understanding of technical concepts.

Film Speed

There are several options for film speeds in 35mm filmstock. Each speed, regardless of brand is rated using the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) giving consistant properties of all film rated with the same speeds.

What Does Film Speed Measure?

Film speed measures the film’s sensitivity to light.

Film speeds are measured numerically. The lower the ISO number, the less sensitive the film is to light. Conversly,the higher the ISO number, the more sensitive the film is to light. Film speeds are rated by numbers that double in increments as follows:

25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200,...

What Does Film Speed Mean?

The speed of your film directly relates to environment and your time of day you want to photograph.

Higher film speeds (‘faster film’) are more sensitive to light, meaning you need less light to make a properly exposed image. This means high film speeds (800, 1600,...) can be used late in the day, or after sunset, or indoors.

Lower film speeds (‘slower film’) are less sensitive to light, meaning you need more light to make a properly exposed image. This means low film speeds (100, 200) will allow for images only in very bright environments- midday sun, open sky.

What Does Film Speed Really Mean?

There are counter-effects to film speeds. If there were not, every photographer would only use ‘fast film’ so they could shoot in many more (and darker) situations that ‘slow film’ allows.

The consequence of faster film speed is this: with increasing sensitivity to light (higher ISO ratings), film looses it’s quality – images increase in ‘grain’ as the film speeds rise. However, ‘fast film’ can be used in lower light scenes, and is therefore a more realsitic film speed to often use.

The consequence of slower fllm speed is this: with decreasing sensitivity to light, (lower ISO ratings), film gains quality – less grain and better color saturation. However, “slow film” demands much more light (more exposure).

Where to Buy 35mm Film

There are several places locally and online to buy film. It is reccommended to try different film speeds in different scenarios to add to your photographic experience and education.

B&H Photo, 35mm Color Print Film

B&H Photo, 35mm Archival Negative Storage

Where to Process 35mm Film

Your film can be processed at any Color Processing Lab. With the exception of one assignment, you will not need prints. Processing only is required. Some suggested locations are:

O’Brians
› +1 740 373 6737
› 9am-5pm: M-F, 9am-4am: Saturday
› Processsing = $2.00/roll
› Photo CD = $5.00
› Same Day Service

CVS Pharmacy
› +1 740 373 2961
› 8am-10pm: Everyday
› Processing = $2.50/roll
› Photo CD = Only available by mail order, 2-3 days.
› Same day Service

Hammond’s Foto 1
› +1 304 295 9240
› 8am-10pm: M,F – 10am-6pm: T,W,Th – 10am-5pm: Saturday
› Processing = $2.00/roll
› Photo CD = Not available
› Same day Service