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The Film Photography Handbook: Rediscovering Photography in 35mm, Medium, and Large Format
In recent years, film photography has witnessed a significant renaissance and not just among those who have previously shot with film. Interest in film photography has also grown enormously among those who only have experience shooting digitally. In "The Film Photography Handbook," authors Chris Marquardt and Monika Andrae speak to both kinds of film photographer as they offer an easy-to-understand, complete resource to shooting film. They also address today s working climate, including such topics as the hybrid film/digital workflow, the digitization of negatives, and working with smartphones for light metering and to assist in film processing.
This book is intended for anyone who is curious about film, whether you need a refresher course or are discovering this wonderful format for the first time. You ll learn how easy it is to shoot and process black-and-white film at home, and how little special equipment you need to get into film photography.
You ll learn all about:
the important differences between film and digital photography numerous film cameras, as well as how to buy a second-hand camera film formats, from 35 mm to medium format and large format exposure settings, tonal values, and tonal representations in different types of film, from color negatives and slides to the enormous spectrum of black-and-white films processing film, covering everything you need to know: equipment, chemicals, and workflow scanning negatives to bring your film into a digital workflow both presenting and archiving your prints and negatives
Working in such an analog medium requires a unique approach to photography, and it fosters a completely different form of creativity. Working in film can also prove to be a great inspiration for your own digital photography, as well. "The Film Photography Handbook" covers it all, from the technical to the creative, and will have you shooting film in no time, whether it s with an old rangefinder, an inexpensive Holga, or a medium-format Rolleiflex or Hasselblad."
This book is intended for anyone who is curious about film, whether you need a refresher course or are discovering this wonderful format for the first time. You ll learn how easy it is to shoot and process black-and-white film at home, and how little special equipment you need to get into film photography.
You ll learn all about:
the important differences between film and digital photography numerous film cameras, as well as how to buy a second-hand camera film formats, from 35 mm to medium format and large format exposure settings, tonal values, and tonal representations in different types of film, from color negatives and slides to the enormous spectrum of black-and-white films processing film, covering everything you need to know: equipment, chemicals, and workflow scanning negatives to bring your film into a digital workflow both presenting and archiving your prints and negatives
Working in such an analog medium requires a unique approach to photography, and it fosters a completely different form of creativity. Working in film can also prove to be a great inspiration for your own digital photography, as well. "The Film Photography Handbook" covers it all, from the technical to the creative, and will have you shooting film in no time, whether it s with an old rangefinder, an inexpensive Holga, or a medium-format Rolleiflex or Hasselblad."
282 pages, Hardcover
First published May 30, 2016
About the author
Chris Marquardt
7 books12 followersChris Marquardt's photographic podcast productions Tips from the Top Floor and Happy Shooting have received multiple international podcast awards. Since 2006 he has been teaching international photo workshops in Germany, USA, Canada and has repeatedly taken photographers to the highest photo workshop in the world: the three base camps of Mt. Everest. Marquardt is a regular guest on US syndicated radio, explaining photography to the audience of Leo Laporte's Tech Guy Radio Show
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 9, 2017
Although you can find a lot information on tips for people who are interested in film photography, this book offers a systematic introduction on most aspects of the subject with clear structure and great resources. However, in my opinion, it is still suggested that people who are completely new to film photography (or even photography in general) to browse the internet for general information first and accumulate questions first and then reading this book won't disappoint you. I personally find this book really interesting and I can feel the joy the author enjoys in film photography. This book helped me form a better structural understanding film photography, saving a lot of time browsing the internet.
March 31, 2026
Medium format has a greater area available for receiving light, with more crystals than on 35mm. This format can save more light and image information. The light sensitive silver halide crystals are smaller in comparison to the negative surface, resulting in less visible grain. The larger negative provides better image quality than the 35mm but is still quicker and easier to process than the sheet film used in even bigger formats. 645, 66 (holga), 67, and 69 formats (cm of negatives). To change exposure by two aperture stops brighter or darker, simply double or half the aperture number. Light metering without light meter:
Sunny 16, in manual exposure mode, set exposure time to reciprocal value of inserted film (ISO 400 to 1/400 seconds). Aperture is f/16 for full sun/sharp edges
F/11 slight overcast/soft edges
F/8 cloudy
F/5.6 very cloudy
For handheld light meter set the iso and aperture, aim the meter at the scene and read third parameter into camera.
At one time there was not enough good quality gelatin in the US so Kodak was the largest operator of cattle ranches in the US. Orthochromatic film renders reds as black and can be developed in red darkroom light. Panchromatic film is sensitized to all visible light colors. Infrared film is sensitized to full spectrum and IR spectrum, records heat radiation, better defined shadows under trees and around dense vegetation. Kodak tri-x 400 black and white film, easily pushable up to ISO 1600. Kodak portra 160 for unsurpassed skin tone rendition. Don’t shake a Polaroid as it’s developing, keep still in dark coat pocket. ISO (nominal film speed) is a guideline on how to set exposure meter so film gets the optimal amount of light. If ISO 400 film is exposed at ISO 1600 (2 stops less of light) then process later with corresponding recipe, this is push processing. Exposing ISO 400 film at ISO 200 (giving twice as much light) is considered pull processing. Push processing increases contrast, pull processing increases films contrast range.
Processing film
Hang film up with sticky tab on the bottom so water doesn’t drip from it onto film. Don’t forget to place center column into developer tank, this is what makes it light proof. Massive Dev Chart is database for suitable recipes.
Push processing achieved by using higher temperature, weaker dilution or a longer exposure time. Contrast range of film is reduced, contrast becomes harder and curve steeper. Detail is lost in highlights and shadows. Typically used in low light and night photos.
Pull processing: during shooting film gets more light than it should, develop for shorter time or stronger dilution. Films contrast range increases with pull, wrong exposures become impossible.
Sunny 16, in manual exposure mode, set exposure time to reciprocal value of inserted film (ISO 400 to 1/400 seconds). Aperture is f/16 for full sun/sharp edges
F/11 slight overcast/soft edges
F/8 cloudy
F/5.6 very cloudy
For handheld light meter set the iso and aperture, aim the meter at the scene and read third parameter into camera.
At one time there was not enough good quality gelatin in the US so Kodak was the largest operator of cattle ranches in the US. Orthochromatic film renders reds as black and can be developed in red darkroom light. Panchromatic film is sensitized to all visible light colors. Infrared film is sensitized to full spectrum and IR spectrum, records heat radiation, better defined shadows under trees and around dense vegetation. Kodak tri-x 400 black and white film, easily pushable up to ISO 1600. Kodak portra 160 for unsurpassed skin tone rendition. Don’t shake a Polaroid as it’s developing, keep still in dark coat pocket. ISO (nominal film speed) is a guideline on how to set exposure meter so film gets the optimal amount of light. If ISO 400 film is exposed at ISO 1600 (2 stops less of light) then process later with corresponding recipe, this is push processing. Exposing ISO 400 film at ISO 200 (giving twice as much light) is considered pull processing. Push processing increases contrast, pull processing increases films contrast range.
Processing film
Hang film up with sticky tab on the bottom so water doesn’t drip from it onto film. Don’t forget to place center column into developer tank, this is what makes it light proof. Massive Dev Chart is database for suitable recipes.
Push processing achieved by using higher temperature, weaker dilution or a longer exposure time. Contrast range of film is reduced, contrast becomes harder and curve steeper. Detail is lost in highlights and shadows. Typically used in low light and night photos.
Pull processing: during shooting film gets more light than it should, develop for shorter time or stronger dilution. Films contrast range increases with pull, wrong exposures become impossible.
May 3, 2020
I absolutely love this book. Chris & Monika have written and structured this book exceptionally well. They have started from the basics, and have taken the reader (me) right through the entire process from exposure to printing.
They start by talking about the salient differences between film and digital, then speak of light and exposure. The rules they highlight are beneficial, indeed.
The section on the types of film is superb, especially as they give their recommendation on which film is best for which application in photography.
I like the section on developing, especially since I intend to start developing my film shortly.
There are lots of useful links included in the book, and this is helpful. I did explore some of these links. They are good.
This book of theirs is exceptional. I recommend this to anyone who would like to explore the world of film photography.
They start by talking about the salient differences between film and digital, then speak of light and exposure. The rules they highlight are beneficial, indeed.
The section on the types of film is superb, especially as they give their recommendation on which film is best for which application in photography.
I like the section on developing, especially since I intend to start developing my film shortly.
There are lots of useful links included in the book, and this is helpful. I did explore some of these links. They are good.
This book of theirs is exceptional. I recommend this to anyone who would like to explore the world of film photography.
September 28, 2021
“In film photography, we have to (re)learn to make decisions and stick with them. Many will see this as a disad- vantage. Why should we limit ourselves? Isn’t it true that more is better?
Not necessarily. Film photography forces you to concentrate on the essential. And that can also have advantages. The necessity to make decisions in advance not only has a photographic dimension, but also a psychological one. Numerous experiments and surveys have shown that our level of contentment initially increases with a greater number of options. But there is a point of diminishing returns: an unlimited number of choices does not necessarily make us incredibly happy.”
Not necessarily. Film photography forces you to concentrate on the essential. And that can also have advantages. The necessity to make decisions in advance not only has a photographic dimension, but also a psychological one. Numerous experiments and surveys have shown that our level of contentment initially increases with a greater number of options. But there is a point of diminishing returns: an unlimited number of choices does not necessarily make us incredibly happy.”
January 9, 2021
Great, readable and personable overview of film photography. I’m an absolute beginner so I don’t know how much this would help more experienced photographers. It gave me lots of ideas for photo sessions though!
May 3, 2020
Excellent
Opinion of a newb ... this book helped me gain the confidence to dive into film photography and developing my own film.
Opinion of a newb ... this book helped me gain the confidence to dive into film photography and developing my own film.
December 17, 2020
Great value for any photographer no matter if he uses analog or digital.
August 6, 2023
not helpful
Not much instruction on taking better pictures on film. More of an introduction to what methods are available for taking pictures and post processing.
Not much instruction on taking better pictures on film. More of an introduction to what methods are available for taking pictures and post processing.
June 21, 2016
This is a great book to kick-start a journey into film photography. It covers everything you need to get started if you've never shot film. But don't think it's just the basics. There are some fairly advanced concepts in the book. The books runs through everything you need: cameras, films, developing, and scanning. It's well written, well illustrated, and well organized. So give it a chance if you're film curious.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews