Photography has developed drastically in recent decades, but the fascination for analog films remains unbroken. Many photographers appreciate the unique aesthetics and the artistic possibilities that analog films offer. In this blog post we introduce you to the world of analog films and explain the various distinctions, formats and types. We also describe the typical properties and optimal fields of application for these films in analog photography.
Differences in analog films
In analog films, a distinction is made between film formats and film types. These two categories determine the properties of the film and its ideal fields of application.
Film formats
Film formats |
Characteristics |
Typical fields of application |
|
Small image film (35 mm) |
The 35mm film is the most widespread film format and offers a good balance between image quality, costs and handling. It has a high resolution and is versatile. |
Ideal for everyday photography, travel photography and spontaneous recordings. |
|
Medium format film (120/220) |
Medium format films have larger negative than 35mm films, which leads to a higher image quality, better details and finer tonal levels. There are different sizes such as 6x4.5cm, 6x6cm, 6x7cm and 6x9cm. |
Perfect for portrait photography, landscape photography and fashion photography. |
|
Large format film (Sheet Film) |
Large format films are available in single sheets, typically in sizes such as 4 x 5 inches, 5 x 7 inches and 8 x 10 inches. They offer the highest image quality and detail, but are expensive and require special equipment. |
Ideal for architectural photography, art photography and commercial photography, in which the highest level of detail is required. |
|
Instant film |
Instant film develops immediately after the recording and offers immediate results. Known by brands such as Polaroid and Fujifilm Instax. |
Optimal for event photography, creative projects and situations in which immediate prints are desired. |
Film types
Film types |
Characteristics |
Typical fields of application |
|
Color negative film |
Color negative films have a large exposure tolerance and can capture a wide range of colors and brightness levels. They offer lively color saturation, fine grit and high resolution. |
Suitable for portrait photography, landscape photography and everyday photography. |
|
Black-and-white film |
Black and white films reproduce colors in gray tones from black to white and offer a timeless, artistic aesthetics. They are characterized by high resolution and grain, which leads to detailed and texture -rich recordings. |
Perfect for artistic photography, documentary and reportage photography as well as architectural photography. |
|
Diafilm (reversal film) |
Diafilms generate positive images directly on the film without being necessary. They have less exposure tolerance, but offer extraordinary color rendering and sharpness. |
Ideal for professional photography, nature and landscape photography as well as travel photography. |
Example: Diafilm Example: black and white film
Example: infrared film
ISO values in analog photography
The ISO value is essential for analog films because it indicates the sensitivity to light of the film. A low ISO value (e.g. ISO 100) means a low sensitivity and is suitable for light lighting, while a high ISO value (e.g. ISO 800 or higher) means higher sensitivity and is suitable for darker lighting conditions.
Sensitivity: Refers to how quickly the film reacts to light. A film with low sensitivity (low ISO value) needs more light to create a correctly exposed image. A film with high sensitivity (high ISO value) needs less light.
Grain: Describes the visible pattern on the developed film, which is created by the light -sensitive silver halide crystals. Films with low sensitivity (low ISO value) have smaller crystals and create finer grain, which leads to a smoother and more detailed image quality. Films with high sensitivity (high ISO value) have larger crystals and create coarser grain, which leads to a granular and less detailed picture.
ISO value |
Characteristics |
Typical fields of application |
|
ISO 25 |
Very low sensitivity, extremely fine Grain, the highest image quality. |
Ideal for very bright lighting conditions, such as sunny days and outdoor photography with a long exposure time. |
|
ISO 100 |
Low sensitivity, fine grain, high image quality. |
Ideal for bright lighting conditions, such as sunny days and studio recordings. |
|
ISO 200 |
Medium sensitivity, fine grain, good image quality. |
Suitable for slightly changing lighting conditions, such as partially cloudy days and interior shots with sufficient light. |
|
ISO 400 |
Medium sensitivity, versatile, good balance between image quality and flexibility. |
Suitable for changing lighting conditions, such as cloudy days and interior shots. |
|
ISO 640 |
Higher sensitivity, somewhat coarser grain, good image quality in poor lighting conditions. |
Perfect for dusk, interior shots without lightning and fast movements in little light. |
|
ISO 800 and higher |
High sensitivity, coarse Grain, more suitable for low lighting conditions. |
Perfect for night photography, interior shots without lightning and quick movements. |
What does a picture look negative?
A negative image is the resulting image that arises in a film after exposure and development. It shows the brightness and color information of the original motif in the reverse form:
- Colors: The colors are inverted; Bright areas appear dark and dark areas appear bright.
- Black and white-negative: In black and white negatives, the shades of gray are reversed; Black becomes too white and vice versa.
Conclusion
The choice of the right film depends on the specific requirements and artistic goals when photography. The color negative film offers versatility and broad color rendering, the black and white film captivates with its timeless aesthetics and high level of detail, the diafilm impresses with exceptional color depth and sharpness, the infrared film creates surreal effects, and the chromogenic black and white film combines the simplicity of color development with the aesthetics of black and white images. In addition, the selected film format significantly influences the image quality and handling.
By understanding the unique properties, optimal areas of application and the importance of ISO values in analog photography, you can consciously make decisions and expand your photographic skills. Good luck and joy in experimenting with the various filmmarten and formats!