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Film Is Not Dead: A Digital Photographer's Guide to Shooting Film
With the popularity of digital photography growing by leaps and bounds over the last decade, some say film has been dying a slow death ever since – or is already dead. The reality is that film has never gone away, and in recent years has experienced a surging, renewed popularity – sometimes simply for its retro, analog status, but mostly for film's ability to create a look and feel that many believe digital can still not achieve. If anyone can attest to this, it's Utah photographer Jonathan Canlas, who exclusively shoots with film, and has both an extremely successful wedding photography business as well as a series of popular workshops held numerous times per year around the world. In Film Is Not A Digital Photographer's Guide to Shooting Film, Canlas teams up with co-author Kristen Kalp to open the doors for anyone who wants to begin – or return to – shooting film. Casual, irreverent, fun, inspiring, and beautiful, this unique 10x8 hardcover book teaches the reader the basics of film, cameras, and shooting in this medium. Whether it's discussing the different tone and color characteristics of different films (Kodak, Fuji, etc.), how to load a medium-format camera back, how to create proper exposures, how and where to get film processed, or how Jonathan uses fun, plastic cameras like the Holga in his commercial and personal work, Film Is Not Dead appeals to anyone who is searching to finally begin creating that film look, but until now hasn't known where to start.
- GenresPhotographyArtNonfiction
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 26, 2013
This book seemed to me more cheerful than useful. A few unpretentious tips diluted with lots of author's photographs. But it is written quite funny, so spending a couple hours with it may be interesting. It may be more useful to those who shoot on medium format, though.
February 20, 2014
This is my second reading of this book, and it only confirms my initial opinion from 2 years ago:
Expected more. Disappointed.
Let me first say that I've been a photo hobbyist for a little over ten years now, and most of my experience during that time was with digital SLRs. I was looking to make the switch to shooting film, and was hoping for something that would highlight the differences involved in working with the two mediums. The subtitle of the book seemed to indicate that the book was exactly what I was looking for: a guide to shooting film for photographers accustomed to shooting digital. In this, I was disappointed.
The book would've been more accurately subtitled: "How The Author Chooses to Shoot Film."
While I learned a few things, it certainly wasn't worth the cost of the book. It felt like I was just reading the author's setup, and while that's fine, it was not what was suggested by the book's title. To say there are photos peppered throughout the book would be an understatement. There were pages and pages of them, sometimes without a bit of text aside from the camera & film used. 95% of the photos in the book have little or nothing to do with the text. The book feels more like an essay or extended blog post padded by mostly random photos and printed on nice paper with a nice hardcover.
The author begins the book with the statement, [paraphrased]: "If you still have questions after reading this book, Google them." Now I know why. I find myself using Google for topics that I feel should have been covered more extensively in the book, such as light metering (which had a section, but it felt weak), and "pushing" (which was briefly mentioned).
I bought this book because I HAD been using Google to learn about using film, and I wanted something more structured that was all in one place. Unfortunately, this fell short of my expectations, and while it looks nice, it lacks the very substance declared in the title.
PROS: Nice photography, nice printing, nice cover, great title.
CONS: Doesn't fulfill the promise made in the subtitle.
I decided to revisit this book having had 2 years experience since returning to film. I thought maybe I'd find reason to improve my review (because honestly, I wanted to love this book, and I do love the fact that there is a market for the book described on the cover). If anything, I was even more frustrated the second time around. The book may be useful if you happen to shoot the exact same gear as the author, but otherwise it's like reading instruction manuals for cameras you don't own.
While the title seems to imply the book is about film, it's quite misleading. The book is about shooting MEDIUM FORMAT FILM, and specifically, shooting with a CONTAX 645. If you're interested in shooting anything other than this combination, you won't find much in this book. For this reason, I've decreased my initial rating from 3 stars to 2. This book is simply not worth reading for the majority of film shooters, and I'm sorry I decided to hang onto it.
Expected more. Disappointed.
Let me first say that I've been a photo hobbyist for a little over ten years now, and most of my experience during that time was with digital SLRs. I was looking to make the switch to shooting film, and was hoping for something that would highlight the differences involved in working with the two mediums. The subtitle of the book seemed to indicate that the book was exactly what I was looking for: a guide to shooting film for photographers accustomed to shooting digital. In this, I was disappointed.
The book would've been more accurately subtitled: "How The Author Chooses to Shoot Film."
While I learned a few things, it certainly wasn't worth the cost of the book. It felt like I was just reading the author's setup, and while that's fine, it was not what was suggested by the book's title. To say there are photos peppered throughout the book would be an understatement. There were pages and pages of them, sometimes without a bit of text aside from the camera & film used. 95% of the photos in the book have little or nothing to do with the text. The book feels more like an essay or extended blog post padded by mostly random photos and printed on nice paper with a nice hardcover.
The author begins the book with the statement, [paraphrased]: "If you still have questions after reading this book, Google them." Now I know why. I find myself using Google for topics that I feel should have been covered more extensively in the book, such as light metering (which had a section, but it felt weak), and "pushing" (which was briefly mentioned).
I bought this book because I HAD been using Google to learn about using film, and I wanted something more structured that was all in one place. Unfortunately, this fell short of my expectations, and while it looks nice, it lacks the very substance declared in the title.
PROS: Nice photography, nice printing, nice cover, great title.
CONS: Doesn't fulfill the promise made in the subtitle.
I decided to revisit this book having had 2 years experience since returning to film. I thought maybe I'd find reason to improve my review (because honestly, I wanted to love this book, and I do love the fact that there is a market for the book described on the cover). If anything, I was even more frustrated the second time around. The book may be useful if you happen to shoot the exact same gear as the author, but otherwise it's like reading instruction manuals for cameras you don't own.
While the title seems to imply the book is about film, it's quite misleading. The book is about shooting MEDIUM FORMAT FILM, and specifically, shooting with a CONTAX 645. If you're interested in shooting anything other than this combination, you won't find much in this book. For this reason, I've decreased my initial rating from 3 stars to 2. This book is simply not worth reading for the majority of film shooters, and I'm sorry I decided to hang onto it.
February 15, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. It's a great book to read when you are getting started in film for the first time or getting back into it after switching to digital. That is all it is though, a book to help you get started. You're readings about film should now stop here. It got me so excited about film again that I had to tell myself to calm down and not sell all my digital equipment right then:)Beautiful pictures by Jonathan Canlas that serve as great inspiration.
December 16, 2019
A nice look into film photography from a modern perspective
July 17, 2013
I was able to get this book from my local library; that being said, i probably would be more displeased with this book if i had just paid over 30 bucks for it. But here is what i think for a beginning photographer.
There is so much to learn about film photography; aperture, shutter speed, exposure, lenses, etc. He dives into his book assuming you already know all about the little details and are already experienced in the film field. So it was difficult for a beginner like me to grasp some of his concepts not having a previous knowledge of it all.
He goes over multiple cameras, films, and processes that helped me as a beginner become familiar with what is out there. Although, out of the few cameras he suggests he emphasizes using the Contax 645 camera (most of the photos taken in his book are also taken with the Contax). It sounded like an awesome camera until i looked it up and found out they cost about $3500. Expensive much? Definitely not something a beginner like me can afford.
Others mentioned his blog style of writing - completely agree. If you are wanting a professionally written book then this is not for you. He writes as if he is talking to your face - this style was fun for me and made it enjoyable. Some might no like it though.
Being a beginner film photographer, this book helped me create my own questions for further knowledge and exposed me to the possibilities of film. I really enjoyed this book! Although, when i finished the last page i thought to myself, "I liked it.. I'm just glad i didnt put 35 bucks on it." If you have the money, then i would say great - get it! It's a good read! But if you're a poor college student like me or a poor person in general, then i say there are plenty of other resources out there that can grant you all you need to know to get started - for free. Happy reading!
There is so much to learn about film photography; aperture, shutter speed, exposure, lenses, etc. He dives into his book assuming you already know all about the little details and are already experienced in the film field. So it was difficult for a beginner like me to grasp some of his concepts not having a previous knowledge of it all.
He goes over multiple cameras, films, and processes that helped me as a beginner become familiar with what is out there. Although, out of the few cameras he suggests he emphasizes using the Contax 645 camera (most of the photos taken in his book are also taken with the Contax). It sounded like an awesome camera until i looked it up and found out they cost about $3500. Expensive much? Definitely not something a beginner like me can afford.
Others mentioned his blog style of writing - completely agree. If you are wanting a professionally written book then this is not for you. He writes as if he is talking to your face - this style was fun for me and made it enjoyable. Some might no like it though.
Being a beginner film photographer, this book helped me create my own questions for further knowledge and exposed me to the possibilities of film. I really enjoyed this book! Although, when i finished the last page i thought to myself, "I liked it.. I'm just glad i didnt put 35 bucks on it." If you have the money, then i would say great - get it! It's a good read! But if you're a poor college student like me or a poor person in general, then i say there are plenty of other resources out there that can grant you all you need to know to get started - for free. Happy reading!
May 22, 2014
do you want to understand the difference between a medium format camera and a 35mm camera? this book is not for you; a lot of basic information is taken for granted in this book. it took me hours of googling and youtube videos to figure out how a medium format camera system worked. seriously.
it's more of a good *introduction* to film photography for digital shooters - it can help answer the question - why would i want to shoot film?
author makes good arguments for his decision to shoot, and stick with, film photography - it's way less editing than shooting digitally, it forces you to KNOW YOUR SHIT, and it's kind of sexy. okay, maybe that last bit is just me.
this book is full of beautiful pictures and conversational personality, mr. canlas' personal shooting setup and thoughts on cameras. it also has a lot of tips on a few specific cameras he shoots with, as well as shooting tips in general.
i used to shoot with my dad's 35mm nikon FE2, but i'm about to drop some benjamins on a mamiya medium format. i'm a sucker. plus, i'm hoping it'll help me slow down and LEARN MY SHIT. i don't want to rely on RAW files, but then spend hours editing. here goes nothing!
it's more of a good *introduction* to film photography for digital shooters - it can help answer the question - why would i want to shoot film?
author makes good arguments for his decision to shoot, and stick with, film photography - it's way less editing than shooting digitally, it forces you to KNOW YOUR SHIT, and it's kind of sexy. okay, maybe that last bit is just me.
this book is full of beautiful pictures and conversational personality, mr. canlas' personal shooting setup and thoughts on cameras. it also has a lot of tips on a few specific cameras he shoots with, as well as shooting tips in general.
i used to shoot with my dad's 35mm nikon FE2, but i'm about to drop some benjamins on a mamiya medium format. i'm a sucker. plus, i'm hoping it'll help me slow down and LEARN MY SHIT. i don't want to rely on RAW files, but then spend hours editing. here goes nothing!
June 11, 2013
The good: Super fast read, pretty pictures, great rundown on the various cameras in the author's lineup, good tutorial section at the very end
The not-so-good: For the most part, the photos don't line up with the text. For example, the 'sunny 16 rule' is covered right up front and given a prime place of honor...but all the photos on that page (and 90% of the shots in the book) are shot at f/2. There's discussion of the difference between portra and fuji 400H film, but no side-by-side comparison of the same shot with the different films. It's much less like the photos were chosen to illustrate ideas and much more like the author is showing off his favorite photos without thought for the lessons of the book.
The not-so-good: For the most part, the photos don't line up with the text. For example, the 'sunny 16 rule' is covered right up front and given a prime place of honor...but all the photos on that page (and 90% of the shots in the book) are shot at f/2. There's discussion of the difference between portra and fuji 400H film, but no side-by-side comparison of the same shot with the different films. It's much less like the photos were chosen to illustrate ideas and much more like the author is showing off his favorite photos without thought for the lessons of the book.
December 28, 2015
this writer has a great way of writing to make it seem as if you're getting information , when you're not really. complete fluff. some nice pics, and mostly author's opinions and stories without any really useful info. as another reader posted, it's pretty ridiculous that the author states "if you have any more q's, consult google" ummm wtf is the point of reading his book then?! exactly. there isn't any. you have to be completely new and foreign to the world of photography (not just film) to find this amusing...
October 8, 2025
Film photography of all kinds has always fascinated me and nothing makes photography more magical than waiting for images to develop. This books has some helpful info, but it’s mainly geared towards professional wedding photography. I appreciate the attitude of spending more time behind the camera and in the world making images instead of behind the computer screen editing after the fact.
February 7, 2012
Changed me! Picked up my 35mm and started looking for a medium format on eBay! I love the straightforward writing and amazing photography in this book. Looking forward to seeing more from Jonathan canals!
January 17, 2016
Its a great book if you want to be inspired and want a little push into film photography. Its a fun read and has lots of photos. Its not really a how to book on how to shoot film. The sad thing is it's a hard book to get. Its crazy expensive online. Great library book option.
January 31, 2012
If you have shot, want to shoot, are thinking about shooting film, this is your book. Jonathan Canlas has a way with sharing information. This books cuts to the chase and gets you shooting!
March 11, 2012
tons of useful information. long live film!!
March 20, 2012
I feel unstoppably excited to make my move.
August 15, 2012
Love the concept and definitely inspired to shoot film more.
August 22, 2012
Enjoyed it for sure -- good intro guide to shooting more film, straightforward & no nonsense, and awesome images, obviously.
November 1, 2012
Very informative. Also, a very nice art book. I learned to shoot on film ... and well, now I'm going to get back to shooting more than 2 rolls a year again.
December 1, 2012
I don't have anything bad to say about this book. I'm in love!
December 6, 2012
The perfect book for those who want to get their feet wet with film! It's fantastic!
January 4, 2016
As someone who hasn't picked up a film camera in years, this was a wonderful book to read to pick it up again!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews