Shooting film is a silly waste of money (that I happen to enjoy)
Just a quick-but-controversial post. I saw this juxtaposition on B&H, so I did some math to find out how many scans of the film on the right would fit in the card on the left.
Here are my assumptions:
6x7, which is 10 to a roll of 120.
100MB scans. Roughly around what a GFX 100 compressed RAW would save (the RAW file is likely even more, but 100 is easy math).
That’s 2,560 100MB per 256GB card (theoretically).
Divide by 60, since 60 6x7’s in a 5 pack of film.
That’s 42 2/3 boxes of film that fit on a $40 card. The film (on sale!) would cost $2,645—about the same cost as a used Fujifilm GFX 50r or 50s ii. An original 50s costs even less.
I’ve enjoyed the process of shooting a few rolls of 35mm after years away from film. But I can’t imagine a bigger waste of money for a result that differs barely at all. I thought maybe vinyl records, but the listening experience there is at least different.
Which is which? Okay, probably pretty easy, just a quick edit. But still.
A camera—digital or film—has a body and a lens. If you enjoy the look of old lenses, they can be adapted. If you enjoy the look of old films, they can be simulated. If you enjoy the feel of old cameras, they can be replicated (heck, cock and fire that film camera with nothing in it). If you enjoy limited shots per outing, use a tiny SD card. If you enjoy waiting to see the results, ship your SD card to yourself (via a stop in China for the full effect). If you enjoy chemicals, look under the kitchen sink. If you enjoy scanning film with a digital camera—I don’t think I need to address that one…
I will continue to shoot the occasional roll. Will probably shoot one this weekend. But given the results I’m getting out of Fujifilm’s GFX 50r, I would not for a second ever consider shooting film exclusively or primarily.
I firmly believe people should be allowed to enjoy whatever gets it done for them. Though these observations are strongly stated and help direct my own opinions, please take the data for what it’s worth and form your own opinions. The important thing is that you’re shooting.
