4 replies to this topic

[catmonkey]

Hello all! Recently pulled out my old 35mm film kit, originally my fathers, it's pretty exciting shooting some film again after 30 years away from the medium.

 

Any recommendations on both black & white and colour film that's still available in the UK? Mostly shooting landscape and portraiture.

 

I'm using a Nikkormat FTn and 2 Nikkors, 50mm f1.4 and a 35mm f2.8. Scouring ebay too for a nice 28mm and an 85mm or more. Any help in getting back up to speed most welcome!

[Merco_61]

Welcome to the forums!

 

For B/W work, Ilford are still up and running and the Delta films are more modern with finer grain and a more linear spectral response. The PanF, Fp4 and HP5 offerings are still around and I, personally prefer their tonality to the Deltas. I have always liked PanF for portraits, especially if developed in Perceptol. For landscape work, HP5 rated at 200 and developed in Microphen adjusted for the ISO rating works well. For allround use, HP5 rated at 400 or perhaps pushed to 800 or so is nice.

 

I haven't used colour film for years, so I can't help you there.

 

Why the 28? Isn't it a bit close to the 35 you already have? I would rather go for either an Ai 24/2.8 or a N•C-Nikkor 24/2.8 and either a H-Nikkor 85/1.8, a silver-nose P-Nikkor 105/2.5 or an Ai 105/2.5 to round out the set. The Ai-S versions of the 24 and 105 are a bit faster to focus, but harder to focus precisely than the Ai versions because of the shortened focus throw

[catmonkey]

Thanks very much Merco_61, that's just what I needed.

 

I discovered a great store, photographique in Bristol, selling and developing film, people really passionate about it. I pass it on my walk to work so it couldn't be more convenient! I'll try the HP5 you suggested next, the lab I mentioned does push pull developing.

 

Thanks for suggesting the Ai 24/2.8, it's my preference over the 28, I wasn't sure if the 28 would be too close and not give me enough of a difference, I've only ever used the 35 and 50. You've swayed my decision to the 24.

 

My first purchase will be either the 85/1.8 or the 105/2.5, I'm scanning ebay daily.

 

Thanks again

[Merco_61]

I don't scan much of my B/W negs, but here is a roll shot with HP5 @ 400 ISO if you are interested.

[catmonkey]

Hello, thank you for the links you sent.

 

First, great photographs! I particularly enjoy those with buildings and people, something strikes a chord with me in those pictures. That's helped me to think about what I should be focusing on.  There's much I really like and to have the details you've supplied just adds to my memory bank.

 

Also the processing information is interesting. I have a room that is unused and would suit a darkroom. I have some experience from some time ago and have been thinking it would be a logical progression. 

 

I was completely obsessed with photography back in the 80's, I was a teenager. I left home and made my way in life. It was always there but I didn't do anything about it until now. It's liberating and exciting to return to it. I'd forgotten how exciting an interest like this could be.

 

So I'm really appreciative of your help. Many thanks