Film photography captivates many photography enthusiasts with its unique texture, warmth, and the satisfaction of the shooting process itself. Even in the digital age, film photography remains timeless, but continuing it as a hobby involves unavoidable costs. However, with a bit of wisdom and creativity, there are ways to minimize film photography costs while maximizing its enjoyment.
The Hidden Costs in Each Shot
First, let's understand the basic costs involved in film photography. For 35mm color negative film, the film cost is about 1,500 yen for 36 exposures, developing costs range from 600 to 800 yen, and digitizing costs range from 600 to 1,000 yen. This already amounts to around 3,000 yen. Per shot, it exceeds 80 yen. If you choose to print, the cost increases further. It's often said that you hear a 'ching' sound of money disappearing every time you press the shutter, and that feeling isn't entirely wrong.
Image by Sentimental＿Jong
Pursuing Quality While Saving
Smart choices and ingenuity are key to achieving two goals at once. The outlook for film suggests frequent price hikes and discontinuations, so it's crucial to devise a system that allows you to continue enjoying photography while saving.
Choosing Affordable Films
In the world of color negative films, brands like Kodak and Fujifilm offer high-quality films at reasonable prices. Kodak's Gold 200 and Color Plus 200, as well as Fujifilm's FUJICOLOR 100, are known for being relatively affordable even after price increases.
Image by usubafilm
Trying Home Development
Practicing development and scanning at home requires an initial investment, but the more time you spend, the more you can save. By handling the entire process from shooting to development and scanning, your attachment to the work and awareness of the shooting process deepen. By having complete control yourself, you can achieve the desired outcome as your skills improve, enhancing the satisfaction derived from each photo.
Image by gs_pilot
Making Each Shot a Precious Experience
The intrinsic value of film photography lies beyond the money spent. The limited number of shots and the inability to instantly review them create a deep emotional connection and high satisfaction that digital cannot replicate. Using your favorite camera and taking the time to shoot makes the experience more memorable, and you can feel the cost performance.
While the outlook for improving the situation of rising film prices isn't bright, we want to perceive the 'ching' sound not as money disappearing but as the bell of new memories being created. Let's continue taking film photos with creativity in the future!
cover image by yuya4four
