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The best 35mm films for the vintage look! These two film sticks when shot with the right fin cameras can produce some really nostalgic and vintage looking photographs. If you guys enjoyed this episode please drop a like down below and subscribe for more film photography content!
Amazon affiliate links – Any purchase made through these links will give me a small amount)
VINTAGE LOOK FILM STOCKS:
Fuji Superia –
Kodak Gold 200 –
7ARTISANS 85MM T2.0 SPECTRUM CINE LENS –
Dual Camera Strap –
Godox Octagon Light box –
Sony a7III –
Fuji xpro 2 –
Tamron 17-28 –
Sigma 35mm 1.4 –
Fuji 23mm f2 –
RANGEFINDER ACCESSORIES:
Lens Hood 1 –
Lens Hood 2 –
Rope Strap –
Soft Shutter release –
Light Meter –
ACCESSORIES:
Kodak film holder –
Tiffen ND filter set –
Peak Design Strap –
Go Pro Hot shoe mount –
Go pro hero 10 –
28mm Viewfinder –
MY FILM RECOMMENDATIONS!:
Portra 400 –
Portra 400 (pro-pack) – affiliate links – Any purchase made through these links will give me a small amount)
MY FILM RECOMMENDATIONS!:
Portra 400 –
Portra 400 (pro-pack) –
Kodak Gold 200 –
Kodak Gold 200 (3-pack) –
Fuji Superia 400 –
Lomography 800 –
Ilford HP5 –
Buy the Ricoh GRIII – Ricoh GRIII –
Fuji Xpro 3 –
DEALS:
Rope Camera Strap –
Rope Strap (cheaper) –
Bulk Loader (the one I use) –
100ft Ilford HP5 –
Voigtlander Light Meter –
ND Filter/step down rings (The one I use) –
MY EDITING RIG:
My computer –
Editing mouse –
Clicky Mechanical Keyboard –
4k Monitor –
SSD (for editing) –
More Information:
The title "The Best 35mm Films for the ‘Vintage’ Look" suggests a focus on photography using 35mm film that emulates the aesthetic qualities traditionally associated with vintage or retro styles. While digital photography has become the norm, many photographers still appreciate the unique characteristics of film, especially when aiming for a nostalgic or timeless vibe in their images. Here’s an elaboration on this topic:
Understanding the Vintage Look
- Characteristics of Vintage Photography:
- Color Palette: Vintage photos often exhibit muted colors, rich contrasts, and a distinctive grain structure that can create a sense of nostalgia.
- Grain: The texture of film grain contributes significantly to the vintage aesthetic. Certain films produce more pronounced grain patterns, which can enhance the retro feel.
- Dynamic Range: Vintage films may have different tonal ranges compared to modern films, often exhibiting softer highlights and deeper shadows.
- Lens Flare and Light Leaks: Many vintage photographs feature unique artifacts, such as lens flare or light leaks, which contribute to their character. Some films or processing methods can emulate these effects.
Selecting the Best 35mm Films
When looking for 35mm films that contribute to a vintage look, photographers typically consider various types, including black-and-white films, color negative films, and slide films. Here are some popular options:
Kodak Portra 400:
- A color negative film known for its soft colors and fine grain.
- Versatile in a range of lighting conditions, it produces a warm tone that enhances skin tones and contributes to a vintage aesthetic.
Fujifilm Pro 400H:
- Like Portra, this film offers pastel colors and a smooth grain.
- Its unique color palette is well-suited for fashion and portrait photography, echoing a retro look.
Kodak Ektar 100:
- Known for its high saturation and fine grain, Ektar can yield vibrant colors that still maintain a level of nostalgia.
- It is particularly favored for landscape and nature photography.
Ilford HP5 Plus & Kodak Tri-X 400 (for Black and White):
- HP5 provides a classic black-and-white film look with sharp details and rich textures.
- Tri-X is iconic for its grain structure and contrasts, often used in street photography to capture a timeless feel.
- Lomography Films:
- Brands like Lomography offer various films known for their quirky characteristics.
- For instance, Lomography Color Negative 400 and Lomography Lady Grey B&W films can produce unconventional colors or grain, perfect for a vintage aesthetic.
Processing Techniques
Besides film selection, the processing of the film can also influence the vintage look:
- Cross Processing: Developing color negatives in slide (E6) chemicals can yield unpredictable colors and contrasts, often associated with vintage aesthetics.
- Push/Pull Processing: Deliberately underdeveloping or overdeveloping the film can change the grain structure and contrast, adding something unique to the photograph.
Conclusion
In contemporary photography, utilizing specific 35mm films can achieve a vintage or retro aesthetic that appeals to both amateur and professional photographers alike. By choosing the right film type and processing techniques, photographers can capture images that resonate with the nostalgic styles of earlier decades while allowing for personal expression in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The allure of film photography remains strong, emphasizing the tactile experience and the distinctive outcomes that cannot be fully replicated in digital formats.