What kind of 35mm film should I use?

Question

I just got a Minolta X-370 to learn on, but I'm unsure about what type/brand of film I should use. I would definitely like to use color and black & white film. I'll most likely be taking portraits and landscape pictures indoors and outdoors. Suggestions? Any help is appreciated, thanks.

Answer 1

Today's film choices all have wide latitudes. It's difficult to make a mistake. The modern photographer is not as limited by the film characteristics of the past.

For general purpose color film, you can comfortably use a 200 or 400 speed, although it will be more grainy than slower films.

If you wish to enlarge your prints and retain a lot of detail with less grain, choose a slower film like 100 or less. You'll definitely need a flash for most indoor photos. A mild flash is recommended as a fill while shooting portraits outdoors. A fill reflector is much better. Unless used properly, flash can flatten the appearance of the face in portraits. A single direct flash at the camera perspective is generally a no-no for portrait and people pics. Learn to shoot with the flash off camera or bounce it off a white ceiling.

Remember that a slower film produces more detail, better enlargements, and less grain. Faster films allow for varied lighting conditions, particularly if the light is low.

Black and White film has the same characteristics as color when it comes to grain, sharpness, and speed. In addition, there is the factor of contrast to consider.

There is a wealth of information about different films and their respective characteristics on the Internet. A simple search at Google or Yahoo will prove to be fruitful.

In my opinion, Kodak is still the best film on the market. Most department stores have the common film speeds like 100, 200, 400. For slower like 25, 80 or much faster films, you'll need to go to a photography shop or order from the Internet.

The Minolta X-370 is an excellent camera. After you become familiar with it, learn how to shoot in manual mode.
If you learn how to vary the aperture, shutter speed, depth of field, and focal length in manual to control the focus, depth, composition, contrast, saturation, background, and other aspects of a photo, you will be amazed at your results. It's worth the time, effort, and occasional mistake and you'll never want to shoot in automatic mode again.
Remember that you are painting with light. Teach yourself to notice light and shadow wherever you look.

Good Luck and God bless.

♥

Answer 2

When taking landscapes photos the speed of the film and your shutter speed are the most important. And finding the right compo can be hard but keep trying and use what you find that works.As for portraits 400 or 800 speed works really well for Indore and outdoor photos. When I was using film my main film was Fuji's 400 ISO. Make sure your camera is set for the speed film you are using as well as use a flash when needed.

Answer 3

For outdoor photography during the day, use the "slowest" film you can get. (Film is rated in speeds from about 100 to 1600. The bigger numbers are the "faster" films.) The faster films are for action and sports photography, while the slower films are for better picture quality (less visible grain, especially in enlargements). For indoor or night photography, use faster films. A good all-around film is 200 speed. As to brands, all the famous names are good, but for my money, I'll take Kodak every time.

And I'm glad to see that there are still some people out there who prefer to use film photography. Digital may be more convenient, but film has better overall image quality, especially in the enlargements.

Welcome aboard, and enjoy!

Answer 4

For portraits use Kodak Portra, for B&W Kodak BW400CN , landscapes Kodak KODAK PROFESSIONAL ULTRA COLOR Film.
Or use FUJICOLOR PRO160S for portraits, for B&W Ilford Delta-100, Reala for landscapes.
Or go really nuts and shoot slide film. Kodak 100G for portraits and Fuji Velvia for landscapes.
Then there is always Walgreens store brand which is really Agfa Vista in disguise. A good general all around film.
As you can see, there are a number of options. Without trying them all, you can't make an informed decision.
You've got to shoot one roll of Velvia 50 though to see what it does to a landscape. One roll of Kodachrome because it is more archival than most color films (print or slide) and they won't be making it much longer. Plus slides are cool.

Answer 5

I'm still fan of the ISO 100 for both, Color an B&W for outside.

Inside I use flash.

The best definition and gamma of grays in B&W that gives to me a wonderful contrast and not a flat picture.

Answer 6

you need to learn about film speed, you different speeds ,depending on the light conditions ,inside, out side