Well, a Hasselblad H3DII, which costs $30,000, can be used to disprove that general statement, but yet a drum-scanned 6×6 medium format exposure from a 40-year-old TLR will shame the H3DII. Quality digital costs a whole lot.

Then there’s the kit problem. My father got an Olympus OM-1 with 50mm and 35mm lenses. For him, that was enough. He didn’t buy another camera for nearly 30 years. That sweet Canon G9 you bought last summer is stupid now that the new G10 is rolling out. I cannot imagine in the year 2038 finding an amateur photographer using a Canon G9.

And to hit on another point from above, exposure latitude is really key for me. Digital SLRs are not forgiving if you over or under exposure by half a stop, let alone a full one. Good old negative film will let you shoot sloppy. A stop or two up, a stop or two down, it’s no big deal. Highlights won’t be washed out, shadows will still have depth.

I also liked that Ken mention wives and girlfriends love film. So true. But not for the reason Ken mentions, which is time spent distracted by sorting through the plethora of photos a digital camera can yield in a short time. Skin tones and rich detail from Kodak Portra 160NC are flattering.

Before you call me a Luddite, let me acknowledge that digital photography is the future. Film will have its place. With all the equipment and enthusiasts out there, I believe it will remain in one form or another. In the meantime, though, I suggest digging around your father’s or uncle’s closet for his old 35mm. I promise with a little practice, you won’t be disappointed with the results.

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