Starting again in the 21st Century

[szymon]

I recently opened a box in the attic which contained the last analogue SLR I ever bought, a Canon EOS300V, along with a bunch of unshot sealed films which are long expired (Kodak Gold 200 expired in 2007 and Kodak Color Plus 200 expired in 2008). I sold the lenses I used to have with it (for "all new digital lenses" hehe), but I do have a nifty fifty, and I thought it might be fun to play with some "old school" photography, and perhaps learn to develop my own (my uncle used to do all of mine, I watched but never learned).


I've read through the FAQs and the beginners thread, and I've a couple of extra questions. I figure that it's worth trying the films - they've not been in a fridge, and have probably gotten quite warm in the summers, but should still work to some degree, right? Or should I just throw them away and buy some new? Also, will a kit like http://www.firstcall-photographic.co.uk/products/859/ap-darkroom-film-kit be a good beginning for developing colour film or is that black and white only?

Thanks,

-simon

 

[excalibur2]

Hello
Keep the film, as you could use it later and it would probably be ok...but pop down to the Poundland shop and get a roll of Asta Vista (for £1) to check the camera out, then get your film dev and scanned to CD (no photos) at a Asda Superstore and it will cost £3 and go from there.........................

 

[Steve]

Glad to hear you are returning to film photography....welcome back

I love developing my own film, bit only home develop black and white, so I would suggest you start there before considering colour.

Not sure where you are located, but if you are close to Manchester, Iyou are welcome to visit me and I can show you what you need for developing and how to do it.

 

[szymon]

Got me some CR2 batteries from Sainsbury's, stuck in one of the films and have started shooting

Not sure if its my imagination but the lens seems to be much "better" visually than when attached to my 50D. Background blur is superb and very visible in the viewfinder, even at smaller apertures it seems to be sharper and more distinct than on digital. Is this the difference between a digital crop sensor and 35mm? (And if so I wonder if full frame would be more true to the film).

I'm based in London so thanks for the offer but too far to travel. Do you know if the kit I linked to is for b&w or for colour? Any good pointers for reading up on home developing?

-simon

 

[Andysnap]

Welcome back to the club Simon, pull up a leather wingback chair, ask Benson to fetch you a brandy and relax......

There, doesn't that feel better?

Anyway the link is to a b&w devving kit, the colour ones are a bit more complex and expensive.

Andy

 

[freecom2]

Not sure if its my imagination but the lens seems to be much "better" visually than when attached to my 50D. Background blur is superb and very visible in the viewfinder, even at smaller apertures it seems to be sharper and more distinct than on digital. Is this the difference between a digital crop sensor and 35mm? (And if so I wonder if full frame would be more true to the film).

Essentially yes, the viewfinder is probably bigger and it should be easier to discern depth of field on the focusing screen.