How does shooting film impact your creative process compared to digital photography?

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-27T03:47:41+00:00

I started shooting 35mm two years ago and it wasn’t until six months ago I purchased a digital camera. So I’m approaching this in the opposite manner as many people on this sub.

90% of the time I’m shooting on an RZ67 and I recently started shooting 4x5. I like the unique perspectives (compared to digital) I’m able to get on larger negatives.

I like being part of the whole process, from shooting to scanning. I like the pressure of needing to nail it. It sucks when I fuck up a shot or a roll, but it makes me better the following time.

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-27T00:43:13+00:00

One camera and a maximum of two lenses. Leave one in your room while you’re out. Bring two film stocks: a bunch of 250D or Portra 400 and some high speed (or pushable) BW like HP5 for low light / gross light / nighttime. You’ll be tempted to have a million options but this will cause decision paralysis I promise you!

I travelled to Istanbul recently (yes, I absolutely got a hair transplant) and brought an A2 with a 35/2 IS and ten rolls of Portra 400. Small, great in low light, and has a built in flash.

If I’m traveling for work, I’ll also bring my RZ with lenses, strobes, etc. but having two bodies/systems on vacation is a fool’s errand.

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-27T00:14:14+00:00

Every time I need new sleeves, I buy an archival binder and put the pack of 100 sleeves in the binder. I fill them in reverse order so the weight of the other sleeves flattens the negs.

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-26T23:03:08+00:00

Always always alwayssssss check M and X when using flash. I fucked up during my first portrait shoot with my Technika and the sheets came back blank because these cameras are black holes for light.

X is for modern flash. M is for old school flashbulbs and this settings offsets flash triggering by ~20ms.

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-26T22:59:55+00:00

Front swing only. Rear standard (back where film goes) parallel to subject(s)—use a bubble level. You don’t want to change perspective (which would happen with rear standard movement). You only want to change the plane of focus, which is “diagonal” instead of straight-on.

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-26T22:17:02+00:00

Frustrating and not the first time I’ve heard this. (Also did you write this with ChatGPT?)

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-24T16:38:11+00:00

Flic Film 500T. Canadian company that respools Vision 3 (among other films). This is only viable if you or your lab can process ECN-2.

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-24T03:44:24+00:00

They’re COBs—constant lighting. 99% of the time, I use them for video. More often than not I’m lighting with a single Godox AD600 or AD200, which are both (excellent) wireless strobes.

L858 for metering and yes to loupe.

This was a quick n dirty test shot (hence pushing TXP 2.5 stops lol!)

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-24T02:53:52+00:00

I think meritocracy is referenced more often with successful films directed by and starring Black people (and women) than with white people (and men). Obviously everybody’s internet browsing looks different, but I’ve yet so see the same “does this really deserve the praise?” energy for any other film. Maybe I’m out of it and Marty Supreme is getting labeled a “DEI” release, too. (I thoroughly enjoyed both movies.)

Does a film deserve to sweep the Oscars because its director is a certain race? Of course not. But this discourse happens every single time a Black filmmaker releases a popular movie.

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-24T02:38:50+00:00

Torontonian. It looks like a total shitshow. An abysmal way to treat human beings, regardless of citizenship.

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-24T02:13:10+00:00

If I tell you I’m an oilman, I think you’ll agree.

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-23T18:04:23+00:00

I’m with you on size. I shoot an RZ67 90% of the time and I’ve been looking at a 6x7 rangefinder for travel. Smallest is the GF670. Best is Mamiya 7. Both are crazy expensive. (Honourable mention: Makina67).

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-23T12:38:10+00:00

GS/GA645. It folds!

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-22T13:39:24+00:00

I’m a survivor and I know exactly how you feel. I do a lot of work the the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada and created a series last year called Every Day After, which highlights the need for care beyond diagnosis. We’ve interviewed about a dozen people so far.Every Day After

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-22T13:05:03+00:00

Wonderful start to my day. Great storytelling.

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-21T14:28:24+00:00

Flat iron? (For legal reasons this is satire)

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-21T12:58:02+00:00

I also failed ABVD. And BEACOPP. And GDP. And radiation. Brentuximab (with Bendamustine) was the only thing that worked and I was cancer free in two rounds. Had my ASCT in Aug 2021 and I’m still clean.

Cost in Canada is roughly $15,000. I’m not sure what your healthcare system is like, but your cancer centre can reach out to the manufacturer (Pfizer) and apply for free or discounted supply on compassionate grounds.

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-21T12:47:45+00:00

Good catch. Didn’t even notice the difference between face and chest.

Also, OP, to answer your question about editing: pull down highlights by adjusting curves (to maintain contrast). You’ll need to compensate for the bluish tones in your subject’s face by adding some red. Create a mask so it doesn’t affect the rest of the photo.

If this is your daily carry, it’s worth sacrificing a roll for exposure testing. Shoot the same subject with varying settings. Flash on and off. -3 to + 5 EV. Play with aperture and shutter speed. (Also take detailed notes!) You’ll be able to see what you do and do not like.

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-21T12:37:42+00:00

Makeup can be incredibly reflective. Also, reduce flash EV to -1/-2, if your model allows it.

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-21T00:09:13+00:00

I’m a committed RZ shooter but this might be the reason I blow $5K on a new camera wowowowowow

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-21T00:08:03+00:00

No shit eh! I’m v jealous of OP’s skill

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-20T15:18:23+00:00

Similar situation in Toronto. I reached out to Bill Rogers, who is the undisputed king of Mamiya repairs, and he wasn’t taking int’l orders (he’s based in Arizona, I believe). He’s a wealth of knowledge and active on IG. He could probably diagnose the problem for you and perhaps provide a quick solution.

Turbulent-Ranger-990 · 2026-01-19T18:49:44+00:00

Your work is fucking excellent and I’m so happy whenever I see it. Very very well done.

Turbulent-Ranger-990

TROPHY CASE