p.3 #2 · Uh Oh I bought a film Leica by accident...
I will try to finish shooting my first roll of B&W film today. Time to get it developed and scanned. So, I have questions.
1.) How much should I pay for decent processing and scanning?
2.) How many megapixels should the scanned images be?
3.) Will I get RAW or jpeg files back? Obviously I would prefer high resolution DNG files if I can get them.
From looking on line there are many simple looking development system and chemical packs available. So, this doesn't look too difficult and since I wont be printing I won't need a darkroom.
Since I have good cameras and lenses already just buying a stand, light source, and film holder also seems like a reasonable expense and not too technically challenging.
The cost of doing it yourself seems like a few dollars a roll in chemicals, and some time (I have tons of time these days). The cost of film and local processing here seems high. About $12 - $20 for film, and another $15 for develop and scan. So close to a dollar a file. That feel like a lot. No way will I shoot the same way I do digital. Yield would be way too low to be economical. So, are you guys doing your own developing and scanning, or sending to a lab? Why have you made that choice?
p.3 #3 · Uh Oh I bought a film Leica by accident...
Congrats! Few tips:
See if you can find a UV filter. Keep the cap in your pocket, might help to avoid a few blank frames.
Avoid getting direct sunlight into the lens for extended periods to prevent burning holes in the shutter curtain.
Negative film likes to be exposed for shadows, unlike digital where you go for highlights.
Most B&W negative film stocks ISO is rather optimistic. I shoot most 400 ISO films at 250. Also makes Sunny 16 a bit easier.
C-41 film (colour negative and chromogenic b&w) tends to be more forgiving than classic silver B&W.
Colour negative films, Ilford XP2 and Ilford HP5 are a good starting point.
p.3 #4 · Uh Oh I bought a film Leica by accident...
1bwana1 wrote:
I will try to finish shooting my first roll of B&W film today. Time to get it developed and scanned. So, I have questions.
1.) How much should I pay for decent processing and scanning?
2.) How many megapixels should the scanned images be?
3.) Will I get RAW or jpeg files back? Obviously I would prefer high resolution DNG files if I can get them.
From looking on line there are many simple looking development system and chemical packs available. So, this doesn't look too difficult and since I wont be printing I won't need a darkroom.
Since I have good cameras and lenses already just buying a stand, light source, and film holder also seems like a reasonable expense and not too technically challenging.
The cost of doing it yourself seems like a few dollars a roll in chemicals, and some time (I have tons of time these days). The cost of film and local processing here seems high. About $12 - $20 for film, and another $15 for develop and scan. So close to a dollar a file. That feel like a lot. No way will I shoot the same way I do digital. Yield would be way too low to be economical. So, are you guys doing your own developing and scanning, or sending to a lab? Why have you made that choice?
Ilfotec HC and Kodak HC-110 (very similar developers) are super cheap per-roll and very convenient.
I started to "scan" my rolls with a macro lens on a digital camera, and used a simple carboard frame as a film holder. Phone as a light source. Surprisingly good results, better than an average lab scan if you know what you're doing.
Then bought a like new used Leica MP. Gorgeous camera and could use all my M glass. Decided I wanted a second film body to simultaneously run different film stocks so I bought a superb used M6 classic for really cheap, and went on a shooting spree. examples: https://brick.smugmug.com/Photography/2024-12-18-Key-West-film-scans
I had every intention of processing my own b/w film, bought a developing kit, plus lens and equipment for scanning.
And then after a few months I started to lose interest in film. I found it more difficult to capture spontaneous street images that are my thing with the slower process of framing an image so as to not waste frames and getting the exposure perfect because there's little forgiveness getting it wrong contrary to shooting digital.
I started to find myself leaving the film cameras on the shelf more and more, in favor of picking up a digital cam. And ultimately I was too lazy to put the time into film processing so I never used any of my developing/scanning equipment - it still sits in unopened boxes. I got a good offer on the MP and sold it for close to what I paid. I still have the M6, no intentions to get rid of it because I may yet, now and then, get the urge to shoot film. I started a roll of Ektar 100 in the M6 several months ago, and still haven't finished it.
Bottom line advice: before you invest any more money on your film project (including do it yourself developing/scanning, buying new lenses, adapters, etc.), I suggest you spend time with only the beautiful camera/lens you just bought. Try different b/w and color film stocks. And just pay the lab whatever it costs to develop and scan. If after a minimum of 6 months not only do you continue to love film but find that your enjoyment has only increased and you can see an upward trajectory of your enjoyment, then by all means cut loose and start doing your own developing/scanning, and have fun buying new and fun equipment. There are many people here who are only too happy to give advice on everything film whose brains you can pick.
Oh, and regarding your statement "obviously I would prefer high resolution DNG files if I can get them": if that implies you think you'll have lots of flexibility in post with your scans - forget it, you don't. To a VERY limited degree yes you can alter exposure and color (whether over the entire image or selectively with masks). But if you're expecting to modify film scans the way you modify digital images - nope, not happening.
As for me: I may down the road come back to film. There's something hugely fun about film that you just don't get with digital. Loading the film, the satisfying sound/feel of winding the next frame and snapping the shutter, taking the time to frame up and think about how your image will look because you don't want to waste money indiscriminately snapping pics, etc. And the look - I love love love the grain, and the non-digital look. For me, the M6 and the film images it produces are a thing of beauty that harkens back to the great photographers over the last 100 years. Hard for me to explain but the M6 evokes great emotions every time I pick it up.
Then bought a like new used Leica MP. Gorgeous camera and could use all my M glass. Decided I wanted a second film body to simultaneously run different film stocks so I bought a superb used M6 classic for really cheap, and went on a shooting spree. examples: https://brick.smugmug.com/Photography/2024-12-18-Key-West-film-scans
I had every intention of processing my own b/w film, bought a developing kit, plus lens and equipment for scanning.
And then after a few months I started to lose interest in film. I found it more difficult to capture spontaneous street images that are my thing with the slower process of framing an image so as to not waste frames and getting the exposure perfect because there's little forgiveness getting it wrong contrary to shooting digital.
I started to find myself leaving the film cameras on the shelf more and more, in favor of picking up a digital cam. And ultimately I was too lazy to put the time into film processing so I never used any of my developing/scanning equipment - it still sits in unopened boxes. I got a good offer on the MP and sold it for close to what I paid. I still have the M6, no intentions to get rid of it because I may yet, now and then, get the urge to shoot film. I started a roll of Ektar 100 in the M6 several months ago, and still haven't finished it.
Bottom line advice: before you invest any more money on your film project (including do it yourself developing/scanning, buying new lenses, adapters, etc.), I suggest you spend time with only the beautiful camera/lens you just bought. Try different b/w and color film stocks. And just pay the lab whatever it costs to develop and scan. If after a minimum of 6 months not only do you continue to love film but find that your enjoyment has only increased and you can see an upward trajectory of your enjoyment, then by all means cut loose and start doing your own developing/scanning, and have fun buying new and fun equipment. There are many people here who are only too happy to give advice on everything film whose brains you can pick.
Oh, and regarding your statement "obviously I would prefer high resolution DNG files if I can get them": if that implies you think you'll have lots of flexibility in post with your scans - forget it, you don't. To a VERY limited degree yes you can alter exposure and color (whether over the entire image or selectively with masks). But if you're expecting to modify film scans the way you modify digital images - nope, not happening.
As for me: I may down the road come back to film. There's something hugely fun about film that you just don't get with digital. Loading the film, the satisfying sound/feel of winding the next frame and snapping the shutter, taking the time to frame up and think about how your image will look because you don't want to waste money indiscriminately snapping pics, etc. And the look - I love love love the grain, and the non-digital look. For me, the M6 and the film images it produces are a thing of beauty that harkens back to the great photographers over the last 100 years. Hard for me to explain but the M6 evokes great emotions every time I pick it up.
p.3 #7 · Uh Oh I bought a film Leica by accident...
1bwana1 wrote:
Since I have good cameras and lenses already just buying a stand, light source, and film holder also seems like a reasonable expense and not too technically challenging.
Just get the Easy35 and an autofocus macro lens (e.g. Sigma 70mm or 100mm) for your SL - much less hassle than a light stand.
If you don’t want to convert manually, SmartConvert is a really nice standalone software. Negative Lab Pro is of course another good alternative for Lightroom users (I think they’ll also release a standalone app soon), but imo a bit more finicky to use compared to SmartConvert.
p.3 #8 · Uh Oh I bought a film Leica by accident...
Brick’s summation highlights why many digital users find film both fascinating and frustrating, As you’re finding with the Barnack, every frame needs some input from the user. Focusing, setting the aperture and shutter speed but you have to wind the camera first before you can set the speed. One window to focus and another to frame. It’s a very involved type of photography and gives a real appreciation for the great images they made with a similar camera. it’ll never be an everyday camera but it willl be one for those times when you want to step back and contemplate.
p.3 #10 · Uh Oh I bought a film Leica by accident...
madNbad wrote:
Brick’s summation highlights why many digital users find film both fascinating and frustrating, As you’re finding with the Barnack, every frame needs some input from the user. Focusing, setting the aperture and shutter speed but you have to wind the camera first before you can set the speed. One window to focus and another to frame. It’s a very involved type of photography and gives a real appreciation for the great images they made with a similar camera. it’ll never be an everyday camera but it willl be one for those times when you want to step back and contemplate.
I went back and looked at film images I shot last year and have a new appreciation for them, as well as understanding. The common subject matter theme in the large majority of them were static interesting scenes as opposed to my typical digital shots of moving street scenes including candid portraits of people going throughout life.
And I find that I like the film subject matter very much. I recall biking around the island with my MP or M6 slung over my shoulder, and parking my bike anytime I came across something that appealed to me, then taking my time to set up and snap the shot - a totally different process than shooting moving street scenes with my digital cams, and VERY enjoyable.
I'll be back to Asheville in a month, and I think I'll take my M6 out for an urban hike downtown to see what I'll see.
I stand by my advice to OP that for the time being, enjoy his new gear, but hold off investing in equipment/chemicals to develop and scan his images. If/when he's certain that film photography is there to stay for him, then by all means go to town on the equipment/chemicals. BTW when I was considering scanning my images, here's what I bought. It eliminates the need for a light stand. https://valoi.co/en-us/products/easy120?variant=46858348593304
Then bought a like new used Leica MP. Gorgeous camera and could use all my M glass. Decided I wanted a second film body to simultaneously run different film stocks so I bought a superb used M6 classic for really cheap, and went on a shooting spree. examples: https://brick.smugmug.com/Photography/2024-12-18-Key-West-film-scans
I had every intention of processing my own b/w film, bought a developing kit, plus lens and equipment for scanning.
And then after a few months I started to lose interest in film. I found it more difficult to capture spontaneous street images that are my thing with the slower process of framing an image so as to not waste frames and getting the exposure perfect because there's little forgiveness getting it wrong contrary to shooting digital.
I started to find myself leaving the film cameras on the shelf more and more, in favor of picking up a digital cam. And ultimately I was too lazy to put the time into film processing so I never used any of my developing/scanning equipment - it still sits in unopened boxes. I got a good offer on the MP and sold it for close to what I paid. I still have the M6, no intentions to get rid of it because I may yet, now and then, get the urge to shoot film. I started a roll of Ektar 100 in the M6 several months ago, and still haven't finished it.
Bottom line advice: before you invest any more money on your film project (including do it yourself developing/scanning, buying new lenses, adapters, etc.), I suggest you spend time with only the beautiful camera/lens you just bought. Try different b/w and color film stocks. And just pay the lab whatever it costs to develop and scan. If after a minimum of 6 months not only do you continue to love film but find that your enjoyment has only increased and you can see an upward trajectory of your enjoyment, then by all means cut loose and start doing your own developing/scanning, and have fun buying new and fun equipment. There are many people here who are only too happy to give advice on everything film whose brains you can pick.
Oh, and regarding your statement "obviously I would prefer high resolution DNG files if I can get them": if that implies you think you'll have lots of flexibility in post with your scans - forget it, you don't. To a VERY limited degree yes you can alter exposure and color (whether over the entire image or selectively with masks). But if you're expecting to modify film scans the way you modify digital images - nope, not happening.
As for me: I may down the road come back to film. There's something hugely fun about film that you just don't get with digital. Loading the film, the satisfying sound/feel of winding the next frame and snapping the shutter, taking the time to frame up and think about how your image will look because you don't want to waste money indiscriminately snapping pics, etc. And the look - I love love love the grain, and the non-digital look. For me, the M6 and the film images it produces are a thing of beauty that harkens back to the great photographers over the last 100 years. Hard for me to explain but the M6 evokes great emotions every time I pick it up.
p.3 #13 · Uh Oh I bought a film Leica by accident...
As others said, in the beginning just send your film to lab for developing and scanning. If after like 20 rolls and you decide film is your thing, I would suggest to buy a decent film scanner, like Nikon coolscan 9000 ED, to fully understand the potential of your film. As for developing, my personal opinion is if you really love film, you will go to medium format or even larger format eventually. The time and effort to develop 135 on your own in this era doesn’t worth it (of course, just my own experience).
p.3 #14 · Uh Oh I bought a film Leica by accident...
tigerlo wrote:
As others said, in the beginning just send your film to lab for developing and scanning. If after like 20 rolls and you decide film is your thing, I would suggest to buy a decent film scanner, like Nikon coolscan 9000 ED, to fully understand the potential of your film. As for developing, my personal opinion is if you really love film, you will go to medium format or even larger format eventually. The time and effort to develop 135 on your own in this era doesn’t worth it (of course, just my own experience).
No way would I recommend a Nikon Coolscan. They are ancient now, very difficult to get parts and you need to MacGuyver a computer system to be compatible with it. Steve has several digital camera that he can use to scan film if he decides to go that route.
Time and effort to develop B&W film? Takes me maybe 10 minutes total from putting it into a dev tank to hanging it to dry.
p.3 #15 · Uh Oh I bought a film Leica by accident...
After exposing a total of 37 frames with my Leica IIIf my first impressions are mixed.
I really do like the form factor. With the collapsible 5cm Elmar 3.5 in the collapsed position it is so easy to have with me. It easily fits in just about any of my pockets. Take it out, extend the lens, and it fits nicely in the hand for either carrying or shooting. Plus it just looks so cool, and subjects respond so positively to it. A fun and useful conversation starter when street shooting. A valuable thing. I met a pair of very fun and beautiful women because of this camera. One is an influencer visiting from Moldova. Her friend is also Moldavian but living here in Parma. She is a new photographer so I have a wonderful new friend to go shooting with.
Workflow wise the IIf is very much slower than my M11. Partly because I am so unsure of exposure. Hopefully, that becomes natural and instinctive with experience. Focusing through the RF window is difficult but doable with good light and good subject. The viewfinder is so small and dim. Again, I will likely get much better and faster with it. I think I will mostly end up using Zone Focusing with this camera.
Ergonomically, the camera is very enjoyable. All the controls are very well placed and designed for functionality when shooting. They simple to learn, and are intuitive to use.They all work easily, and smoothly, while still feeling solid. Surprisingly so for a 74 year old mechanical device. I guess it is this precision design, and manufacturing that built Leica's reputation. I wish I worked as well at 74 years old. Particularly true of the focus ring with tab, the film advance dial, and the shutter release. Although the Aperture dial with it's tiny tab is a bit awkward and slow, it is smooth and solid. It stays where you set it. One thing I like about it is that it is both infinite in adjustment, no click stops, and stays pretty much perfectly round throughout its range.I am thinking I will like how this effects rendering of out of focus areas.
Hopefully, when I see the developed film it shows only user errors, and not something off with the camera or lens. If so I will be very pleased with my find, and continue to explore shooting film on this wonderful antique camera. I will share the results good and bad as I explore and learn. I plan to do this in a similar way as I did with my "learning Leica" thread years ago.
I now have a total of 5 Leica cameras having acquired two film cameras in the last two weeks. Leica made me a gift of the Sofort II instant film camera and some film at their party in Milan two weeks ago. I have yet to shoot with it however. Saving it for the right event to share with people. Film is creeping into my photographic life by fate it seems.
Today I am scheduled to pick up the original leather case for the camera. I am having it repaired at a famous leather shop here in Parma for some bad stitching and a weak snap. It will be lightly polished also, but I want to keep the 74 year old patina so I won't call it a restoration. It is so soft and character rich with the embossed Leica script on the front. Photos to come.
p.3 #16 · Uh Oh I bought a film Leica by accident...
Now that you have a bit of experience with the camera, you may want to add a small light meter. A Gossen Digisix is an appropriate size. Easy to use and also includes an incident dome. Thanks for the update.
p.3 #17 · Uh Oh I bought a film Leica by accident...
1bwana1 wrote:
Hopefully, when I see the developed film it shows only user errors, and not something off with the camera or lens. If so I will be very pleased with my find, and continue to explore shooting film on this wonderful antique camera.
The nice thing about film images is that there's beauty in the "defects"
p.3 #18 · Uh Oh I bought a film Leica by accident...
madNbad wrote:
Now that you have a bit of experience with the camera, you may want to add a small light meter. A Gossen Digisix is an appropriate size. Easy to use and also includes an incident dome. Thanks for the update.
I do have a light meter that I use for studio strobe work. I will carry that for the time being.
p.3 #19 · Uh Oh I bought a film Leica by accident...
1bwana1 wrote:
Yes it is true. I finaly succumbed and bought an antique Leica film camera today. I kept swearing that would never happen.
Parma happens to be the home of one of Italy's largest antique shows. I went this afternoon just to have a look around. At one booth I saw this Leica IIIf in amazingly good condition. It had a beautiful Leitz 5cm f/3.5 Elmr collapsible lens with original metal "Leica" cap, an a beautiful original brown leather "Leica" case. Although it was priced much higher and this guy clearly wasn't a camera dealer, I took a chance and made a low ball offer of $250 for the whole set. After some discussion it was accepted. So now I have it.
So, lots to learn about shooting film and old analog Leicas. I promisepd myself this would never happen. But it did.......Show more →
Congratulations! I "accidentally" bought a 200mm f2 Nikkor once with a low ball offer.
