Back to the Basics

It had been several years since I shot any film through my Pentax K1000 and it showed with the first roll. After getting settled in Tokyo, I broke the 'Tank' out loaded a 27 shot roll of 100 speed film and set out to get back to the basics. Unlike shooting digital, you cannot [well I don't] just shoot off 27 shots and get it developed, you need to slow your process down and take time to capture the images you want. It took 3 weeks to get to the 29th shot on the counter, yes two over. I was feeling a little nervous as I couldn't remember if it was a 36 roll or 27, so I started to rewind the film just to be safe. Now I don't know where you've been told but 29 shots should not rewind in 5 seconds. At this point all the film heads know the feeling when you realize the film never caught the spindle. All those images you were excited for, never happened. Just awesome. Only one thing left to do, get a film puller, retrieve the film, reload and try again. This time, after taking the initial shots make sure the film winder turns when you set the film. Cross your t's, dot your i's and then verify your film is proper loaded. The basics indeed.

Here are a few images from around Tokyo:
:Film

:Digital

D130 - Remember when...

Think back to when you learned to be a better photographer because it was expensive to shoot mediocre? The days when good film cost a pretty penny  [$10-$15]and developing your exposed rolls [$9-$13] would also set you pockets back. If you add those two cost together plus sloppy shooting the results are pricey. I remember buying some Fortia slide film in Japan years back, a 5 pack cost $75.The rolls were 36 exposures, so to develop the film you would spend between $12-$17. While digital is more cost efficient after the purchase of the body,  film is still a great way to make you slow down, appreciate the craft and digital media.

Enjoy.

  Ja mata, Brian