Text by Kenneth Taylor, Copyright 2021
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Film is Definitely Back
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Some say the return to film is a reaction to a world where everything has become digital, fast and easy. It is certainly true that shooting film requires you to slow down and this makes it a very enjoyable experience. Perhaps the reason is even more simple than that. The main reason for the resurgence of film may simply be because it’s beautiful. That’s what got me hooked.
At New York Camera & Video we’re seeing our film lab get filled with orders on a daily basis. It’s all types of orders too. Color, black & white disposable cameras, even slide film. We also sell film cameras and many don’t last on the shelves for more than a day. There’s also an increasing level of connoisseurship for it. Many customers know which cameras and lenses are of quality ore even collectible. They can speak in great detail about the differences between film stocks. This has a lot to do passion film seems to bring out in people and the vast amount of knowledge now available on the internet. We’re seeing customers of all ages. In fact, our older customers are shocked when I tell them our largest demographic of film shooters is roughly between the ages of 18-30.
Our film connoisseurs are a joy to speak with. However, the most enjoyable aspect of my job is helping someone who wants to get into film for the first time. They usually start out with something simple like a point and shoot camera. Within a few months after they’ve had some decent results they’re back in the store asking about trading up for a fully manual 35mm camera. Many even take it a step further and get into larger format film cameras. It’s thrilling to see their knowledge expand and the quality of their images progress over time. It’s not long until they’re coming in and giving us tips and pointers.
This isn’t just a fad like when fashion from a past decade briefly makes a comeback. The apps on our phones like Instagram have been trying to emulate film for years. The look of film never stopped being beautiful. Kodak and most of the other film manufacturers are doing so well that they’re figured out ways to resurrect discontinued films back to market.
More are on the horizon in the next year or so. That’s not a venture a company would take on for a fad. Even our professional digital photographers are beginning to add film to their wedding and portraiture packages. They tell us their customers are beginning to request it. Nothing beats the soft look of skin tones shot on film. We now have to process color film every single day to keep up with volume and we’re constantly getting new regular customers. If you’re interested in dusting off your old film camera and getting back into it or perhaps trying it for the first time, stop by our store. We have everything to get you started. A knowledgeable staff, cameras, hard-to-find batteries, developing, printing, even home processing materials.
About The Author: Kenneth Taylor is a professional photographer and employee of New York Camera & Video. To visit his website, click here: https://www.expoterrestrial.com
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Editor’s Note: New York Camera & Video address: 1139 Street Road. Southampton, Pa. 18966. Phone: 215-357-6222