Why Scanned Film vs Digital Camera?

[BWColor]

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On 8/13/2024 at 5:33 PM, Pieter12 said:

Although I don't care what you shoot, the moderators do. It has to be a Leica.

That is unfortunate.

I can understand that it isn’t reasonable to post here regarding issue with a non-Leica camera, but the fact that I use cameras other than Leica might be somewhat irrelevant with regards to some topics.  A good example would be this topic.  On my initial post I mentioned that I purchased an M11M and a color camera.  In fact, I purchased a Hasselblad X2D and three system lenses.  I did so, after I considered purchasing an SL-3.  Perhaps, it would be useful to Leica to know why they missed the sale.  Perhaps, it would give all of you an opportunity to point out what an idiot I am.  Might there be useful information in a post that gives the positive and negatives of the Hasselblad.  I don’t know, but a blanket censorship of all non-Leica doesn’t seem to benefit anyone.  I have four Leica film ‘M’s, two Ikon Zms, a couple of Bessas, four Contax SLRs, G2 & T2,  ETRsi, Bronica 645RF and a couple of Mamiya 7s, so my interest in this topic goes beyond Leica and is more generic.  I want to see what inspires you to shoot film, because I need to decide what to sell.   I want to see if there is a film spark still left with me…. So, I hope that Leica only isn’t a fixed rule.

[Pieter12]

37 minutes ago, BWColor said:

That is unfortunate.

I can understand that it isn’t reasonable to post here regarding issue with a non-Leica camera, but the fact that I use cameras other than Leica might be somewhat irrelevant with regards to some topics.  A good example would be this topic.  On my initial post I mentioned that I purchased an M11M and a color camera.  In fact, I purchased a Hasselblad X2D and three system lenses.  I did so, after I considered purchasing an SL-3.  Perhaps, it would be useful to Leica to know why they missed the sale.  Perhaps, it would give all of you an opportunity to point out what an idiot I am.  Might there be useful information in a post that gives the positive and negatives of the Hasselblad.  I don’t know, but a blanket censorship of all non-Leica doesn’t seem to benefit anyone.  I have four Leica film ‘M’s, two Ikon Zms, a couple of Bessas, four Contax SLRs, G2 & T2,  ETRsi, Bronica 645RF and a couple of Mamiya 7s, so my interest in this topic goes beyond Leica and is more generic.  I want to see what inspires you to shoot film, because I need to decide what to sell.   I want to see if there is a film spark still left with me…. So, I hope that Leica only isn’t a fixed rule.

My mistake was that I posted a photo that was not taken with a Leica, and I was honest about labelling it as such. The mods removed it. They deemed it inappropriate not only because it was not taken with a Leica, but that it was not taken with the specific Leica that the subform was about.

Edited August 15, 2024 by Pieter12
clarification

[sjones1017]

I do darkroom prints and scan. I initially scanned film only and created inkjet prints. And no, scanning a negative is not the same as taking a digital photograph of the same scene. I switched to film in 2008 because I wanted a rangefinder. And no, I could not afford a Leica M8 (which would have transformed a perfectly good 50mm into a short-tele, the horror, the horror) and even the Epson offering, which would do even more FOV desecration to a perfectly good 50mm, was still too expensive and pretty much on its way out. So I got a Bessa, then I got a Barnack, and now I use an M2. Although not my original intent, I chose to shoot film exclusively because I liked the process. And no, it’s not relevant to my experience if it does not conform with anyone else’s. The tactility of it all. And I can only hope that someone hates the word “tactility”; I aim to please. I initially scanned because darkroom work seemed logistically impossible in my tiny Tokyo and then NYC studio apartments. I learned I was wrong. I started doing wet prints because, in part, I had (have) a psychological aversion to my inkjet prints. And I stress my prints only. It’s the whole ‘painting’ on top of the paper thing; I couldn’t get passed it (for those who possess the God-like willpower to completely control your feelings and such, God bless you). Yes, I still scan to toss my photos up on a website. I can also use them as a blueprint for what I want to achieve in the darkroom, although some caveats exist with this particular approach. Use what you want, do what you want. Big world. 

[hansvons]

1 hour ago, Pieter12 said:

My mistake was that I posted a photo that was not taken with a Leica, and I was honest about labelling it as such. The mods removed it. They deemed it inappropriate not only because it was not taken with a Leica, but that it was not taken with the specific Leica that the subform was about.

In the photography section under other, there’s a film thread which is pinned at the top and open to anything that is not digital. No Leica is required.

BTW, it’s probably the most inspiring thread here, with tons of failures, experiments, serendepities, and mastery.

[jaapv]

5 hours ago, BWColor said:

That is unfortunate.

I can understand that it isn’t reasonable to post here regarding issue with a non-Leica camera, but the fact that I use cameras other than Leica might be somewhat irrelevant with regards to some topics.  A good example would be this topic.  On my initial post I mentioned that I purchased an M11M and a color camera.  In fact, I purchased a Hasselblad X2D and three system lenses.  I did so, after I considered purchasing an SL-3.  Perhaps, it would be useful to Leica to know why they missed the sale.  Perhaps, it would give all of you an opportunity to point out what an idiot I am.  Might there be useful information in a post that gives the positive and negatives of the Hasselblad.  I don’t know, but a blanket censorship of all non-Leica doesn’t seem to benefit anyone.  I have four Leica film ‘M’s, two Ikon Zms, a couple of Bessas, four Contax SLRs, G2 & T2,  ETRsi, Bronica 645RF and a couple of Mamiya 7s, so my interest in this topic goes beyond Leica and is more generic.  I want to see what inspires you to shoot film, because I need to decide what to sell.   I want to see if there is a film spark still left with me…. So, I hope that Leica only isn’t a fixed rule.

Photographs for display must be taken with Leica or L Alliance gear and placed in the appropriate forums and threads, except the film photograph thread. There the only rule is that it must be a photograph taken on film. Photographs to illustrate a point have no such limitations.

[Doug A]

2 hours ago, jaapv said:

Photographs for display must be taken with Leica or L Alliance gear and placed in the appropriate forums and threads, except the film photograph thread. There the only rule is that it must be a photograph taken on film. Photographs to illustrate a point have no such limitations.

There is at least one other exception:  6x6 - der Thread under Analog-Forum in the German section is for pictures taken with 6x6 film cameras. 

[erl]

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On 8/12/2024 at 10:44 AM, Pieter12 said:

There’s no “undo” in the darkroom.

I've undone a few things in the darkroom! 

[Pieter12]

12 hours ago, erl said:

I've undone a few things in the darkroom! 

Yeah. I have a trash can full of undos.

[Danner]

On 8/14/2024 at 2:46 PM, Pieter12 said:

Why do you think I don't like film? It is 90% of what I shoot and wet print. I don't particularly care for digital scans of film except when absolutely necessary. I won't list the film cameras I own and use. A couple are out of fashion Leicas. But for me, although 35mm has its place, I much prefer medium format film.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

I agree about the medium format comment.  I shoot the Leica mostly, but also a GS-1 Bronica 6x7.  I prefer working with 6x7 film over 35mm for making silver gelatin prints.  Of course, the 6x7 prints are more detailed and luxurious as well.

Back to the subject.  Digital files generally get displayed on digital devices, usually a smart phone these days.  To me, that doesn't compare at all, with an 8x10 or 11x14 silver gelatin print, especially when the print has been mounted and framed.  To me, that is the ultimate photographic output.  I give away framed prints on a fairly regular basis, and people who received them are genuinely delighted when the first behold it.

[Pieter12]

32 minutes ago, Danner said:

I agree about the medium format comment.  I shoot the Leica mostly, but also a GS-1 Bronica 6x7.  I prefer working with 6x7 film over 35mm for making silver gelatin prints.  Of course, the 6x7 prints are more detailed and luxurious as well.

Back to the subject.  Digital files generally get displayed on digital devices, usually a smart phone these days.  To me, that doesn't compare at all, with an 8x10 or 11x14 silver gelatin print, especially when the print has been mounted and framed.  To me, that is the ultimate photographic output.  I give away framed prints on a fairly regular basis, and people who received them are genuinely delighted when the first behold it.

I am biased. For me, it's not a finished photo until it is printed. Otherwise, it is just vapor that dissipates with the click of a mouse or the swipe of a fingertip.

[Einst_Stein]

On 8/13/2024 at 12:04 PM, Pieter12 said:

Maybe not the full frame size, but there are digital backs for the Hasselbads as well as the Rolleiflex/Leaf/Sinar Hy6 and of course the PhaseOne cameras.

It sounds you probably have never used these cameras, or you have never used the digital back with these cameras. 

It's not about full frame or croppped frame, though this is also an important point when comparing digital back vs. film.  

Edited August 17, 2024 by Einst_Stein

[erl]

I considered a digital back for my Hasselblad, but was put off by the crop factor. That is the main reason I stopped using my Leica M8's. Also I enjoy working with film more than digital, but certain subjects are better with digital.

As far as output is concerned, these days, if it is worth printing I go strait to A2 size. My scanning is always done on Nikon Coolscan 5000 or 8000. I've yet to see anything that betters it and certainly is ergonomically as convenient. I think my wet print days are over despite having an excellent darkroom. My desktop printing exceeds my darkroom printing quality, despite having spent a lifetime printing in the darkroom.

Why scanned film V's Digicam?

Well, because it is different. It has a different look. Delivers different qualities. Both are useful but not the same. Simple. Choose the method that suit your purpose.

[Pieter12]

3 hours ago, Einst_Stein said:

It sounds you probably have never used these cameras, or you have never used the digital back with these cameras. 

It's not about full frame or croppped frame, though this is also an important point when comparing digital back vs. film.  

What leads you to believe that? I do have a digital back for the Hy6. Not super high resolution, but it shoots magnificent color at native and +1 ISOs.

[Einst_Stein]

8 hours ago, Pieter12 said:

What leads you to believe that? I do have a digital back for the Hy6. Not super high resolution, but it shoots magnificent color at native and +1 ISOs.

You!

[Pieter12]

1 hour ago, Einst_Stein said:

You!

?

[Pieter12]

2 hours ago, Einst_Stein said:

You!

You'll have to elaborate. What have I stated that implies or infers I have never used the cameras mentioned?