In still and motion picture photography, 35mm film is common.
Although most movie production is now done on video, and most photography uses digital sensors, some people either still prefer the feel of working with film or may want to use film for the first time. Selecting a film stock for motion and still photography is a similar process. You first need to decide on a number of basic parameters, then look at the conditions under which the film will be exposed. With some basic analysis, you can establish the basic parameters to narrow the available films down to a manageable number.
Instructions
1. Establish the format of the film usable in your motion picture or still camera. Common movie film is 8mm, 16mm or 35mm. Film for still cameras is produced in Advanced Photo System (APS) size, 35mm, 120 and 220, or medium format and large format sizes. Large format cameras use 4 inch by 5 inch, 5 inch by 7 inch, 8 inch by 10 inch, and larger sheets of film.
2. Decide on whether you want to shoot black and white film or color film. The two films have very different qualities. Although you can digitally make a black and white print based on color film, the grain structure of color film is very different. Color film can be processed in many labs. However, traditional process black and white film often must be sent out for processing and may take longer to get back.
3. Look at the lighting conditions under which you will use the film. This step includes looking at the largest aperture on your lens. Lenses with larger apertures, indicated by a smaller F-stop number, such as f2.8 or smaller, allow more light to fall on the film. If you are shooting under dim lighting conditions, you will need a faster film. Faster film is indicated by higher ASA/ISO ratings. A fast film is ASA/ISO 400, 800, 1600, 3200 or faster. Remember that the higher the ASA/ISO of a film stock, the larger the grain. In general, the higher the ASA/ISO, the higher the film contrast.
4. Select a manufacturer. If you are buying film locally, the retailer will likely have made this decision for you. Retailers tend to carry a very narrow range of film. However, if you are ordering online, you will be able to choose from American film (such as Kodak) Japanese film (Fuji) and European film (Ilford, Foma, Forte and a number of Russian and Eastern European manufacturers). In some cases, you may be able to order some relatively unknown Chinese photographic film.
Tags: inch inch, inch inch inch, black white, basic parameters, black white film, color film, conditions under
