Those of us who shoot film photos and engage in the more irrational activities associated with 16mm film collection will no doubt have been confronted with the following question from bewildered friends and family: "Why film?" My wife is regularly amazed at the number of cameras I see fit to acquire, but at least now I can plausibly claim that they are "inventory" for my new website, analog16.com.
Film has a unique look, it's true. Digital photography has come quite close to emulating film's dynamic range and color profile, but most digital emulations are crude and gaudy in their application. Just open Instagram, and you'll see artificially "film-like" filters galore. Or perhaps some still think "HDR" looks cool.
The appeal of film must lie in more than its look since digital is fast becoming technically superior—at least if we consider professional high-end digital cameras that most people don't use. We shoot film and collect movie reels for the holistic experience of an era of different values in art, media, and technology. An era when a photograph was not cheap and disposable—it required a mechanically complex camera made of metal and glass, photographic film, a series of expensive chemicals to develop the film, an enlarger, a film print, and a physical hold on the image displayed as a smattering of silver halide on paper.
There is a particular satisfaction in watching a movie as a projected reel. The gentle flutter of the projector, the imperfect yet charmingly soft qualities of the projected image, and the slight hum of the machinery create a sensory-rich experience. The flicker of the film passing through the projector gate and the occasional dust specks dancing on the screen add an authenticity that digital projections lack. This analog process, with all its nuances and imperfections, evokes a unique sense of nostalgia and immersion, making the viewing experience truly special.
Shooting film and watching movies on film fosters a different attitude towards time. You take more time with each photo, carefully composing and considering each shot. This mindfulness extends to appreciating the moments captured, rather than mindlessly pressing the camera button on a phone screen. When watching a movie reel, you commit to finishing it to the end without distractions, fully immersing yourself in the narrative and the experience. This slower, more deliberate approach to both photography and film viewing enhances the appreciation of each moment and image.
Film cameras were well built—I challenge anyone to hold a Zeiss Ikon Contessa in their hands and not be impressed with the finely machined metal parts elegantly working in glorious analog harmony. The process of shooting film involves a level of intention and mindfulness that digital often lacks. You have to think about each shot, consider the lighting, composition, and exposure settings before pressing the shutter. This deliberate approach can lead to more meaningful and carefully crafted images. There's a satisfaction in the tactile experience of handling film, from loading the camera to winding the film advance lever after each shot.
Collecting 16mm film and vintage cameras is not just about nostalgia; it's about preserving a piece of history. These artifacts are a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of a bygone era. They remind us of a time when technology had a tangible, mechanical essence and when creating images was a deliberate and thoughtful process.
So, the next time someone asks why you still shoot film or collect 16mm reels, tell them it's about the experience, the history, and the artistry. It's about connecting with a time when images were crafted with care and intention, and when the tools we used were as beautiful and enduring as the memories they captured.
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