Guides and Tutorials
22 Film Photography How-To’s, Explainers, and Research Aids
Film Photography 101
How to Zone Focus
Polaroid Emulsion Lifts
Remove Dust, Scratches
About Rangefinder Cameras
Invert Negatives in Photoshop
Wisely Choose Scan DPI
How to Shoot CineStill 800T in Daylight
Make Better Photos With Tungsten-Balanced Colour Film
December 27, 2021
This short guide will help you get better colours out of your tungsten-balanced film with and without the 85C filter.— Dmitri.
What Is a Rangefinder Camera and How to Use It Well
December 16, 2021
Learn everything about this iconic film camera design. Definitions, types, features, mechanics, shooting, repair, and purchase advice.— Dmitri.
Dynamic Range in Film Photography
A Complete Guide to Your Film’s Defining Characteristic
December 2, 2021
Understand your film’s dynamic range, improve your images and master the contrast. Learn about film characteristic curves, film density and more.— Dmitri.
How to Zone Focus Quickly and Accurately
For Fast Action, Night Photography, and Specialty Cameras
November 20, 2021
Zone focusing is a powerful technique that can help you be faster, more confident with your camera and take better shots in subdued light.— Dmitri.
How to Remove Dust and Scratches From Film Scans
Using Adobe Photoshop and Spot Healing Tool
September 23, 2021
No matter how gingerly you may be handling your film, the chances are that dust and scratches are going to creep in, especially if you’re trying to restore an old archive. There are few ways to remedy these artifacts — some are software-assisted, others are scanning device-based or mechanical.— Dmitri.
The Best Resolution (DPI) for Scanning Film
June 7, 2021
Get the optimal resolution for scanning 35mm, 120, and large format film for the Web, print, and archiving.— Dmitri.
How to Invert Colour Film Negatives in Photoshop
Using Replicable Equalization Technique
May 31, 2021
This guide will demonstrate and explain a simple, reliable method for making high-quality positives from scanned colour film negatives.— Dmitri.
How to Get a Correct Exposure on Film (Advanced)
Gain Better Control Over Your Exposures
May 18, 2021
This guide will explain exactly what makes for a correct exposure, what it means for the final image, and how to set yours properly.— Dmitri.
How to Make Candid Portraits
On Film
May 10, 2021
This guide will help you choose the right gear and improve your technique for better candid portraiture on film.— Dmitri.
8 Technical Reasons to Shoot Black and White Film
May 4, 2021
Grain, accessibility, archival properties, creative developers, film speed, scanning, formats, and specialty films.— Dmitri.
Scanning 35mm Film With PrimeFilm XAs
Review & Comparison to Flatbeds, DSLRs; Plus: Scanning Workflows and Ideas
December 10, 2020
A long term review of the PrimeFilm XA dedicted 35mm film scanner. Tips for better results and software overview.— Dmitri.
Lumen Lumination
Making Lumen Prints With Ilford Gelatin-Silver Photographic Paper
December 8, 2020
An easy way to make a solar-gram with gelatin-silver photographic paper and a bit of sun exposure.— Bob St-Cyr.
DIY Perfect Binding — No Book Clamps Needed
Make Full-Size Books and Zines at Home
October 14, 2020
Making beautiful book spines does not have to be difficult or require specialized tools. This guide shows you how.— Dmitri.
How to Calibrate Infinity Focus on a Rangefinder
July 7, 2020
This guide will show you how to calibrate infinity focus on your film rangefinder camera without having to go to a repair shop or buying expensive tools.— Dmitri.
A Simple Guide to Using Flash on Manual Film Cameras
Achieve Greater Control Over Your Artificially-Lit Photographs
February 20, 2020
No light meter, no exposure guesstimates — just zone focus, look up your 𝒇-value, and click. Operating flashguns with no sync at all, like in the photograph above, can be done with any camera that has a Bulb setting and provides control over the aperture.— Dmitri.
The Limited Role of Equipment and Technique
In Photography
February 3, 2020
An essay on the importance of inspiration, position, composition, rapport, timing, emotion, expression over the camera and the lens’ physical properties.— Dan K.
How to Travel With Film Through Airport Security
Protect Your Film From X-Ray Damage and Loss
November 22, 2019
Travelling with film requires a few precautions. Protect your film from X-Ray damage and loss with these tips.— Dmitri.
How to Make Polaroid Emulsion Lifts & Transparencies
A Step-by-Step Guide With Troubleshooting Tips
April 21, 2019
A complete set of instructions (with a PDF checklist) on how to create your beautiful emulsion lifts with Polaroid film.— Dmitri.
Film Photography Costs and Prices
Development, Scanning and Printing; From 35mm to Large Format
March 12, 2019
Understand the true cost of shooting film and how you can save or splurge on it. 35mm, instant, and large format.— Dmitri, with images by scott.
A Beginner’s Guide to Film Photography
February 19, 2019
Internet’s most complete film photography guide with all the basics you need to get started. Includes a free PDF.— Dmitri, with images by Betty and Joy Celine Asto +1.
