My First Rolls of Film Frontier vs. Noritsu | Pentax 645N | Fuji 400H

The beginning journey of learning how to shoot Fuji 400h film with my Pentax 645N at The Commons 1854.

AHHH I got my first film scans back, and no they are not perfect (yet)! I’m working on learning something new, how to use my film camera (Pentax 645N) and shooting with film. So I thought I’d bring you along on this journey with me. It is definitely a challenge, but if you know me at all, you know I’m passionate about learning and getting myself out of my comfort zone.

FYI do not judge my first few rolls of film, as Demi Lovato would say, sorry I’m not sorry – they’re not perfect. HOWEVER, I totally expected these to all be soooo sooo bad, that I am actually happy with them! I bought Julie Paisley’s Shooting Film Without Fear last year, and let’s be honest had lots of fear of trying it, until last week. One of the key things she teaches is, just to start, just like I did with digital. Man oh man, where those horrible in the beginning too.

Matt bought me my first professional camera for my 30th birthday, and contrary to popular belief, the camera is pointless without a good photographer. ALL of my first digital images were black, I couldn’t figure out how to use my camera, so I woke up every morning at 5 AM, before the kids got up, to learn it. At the time I never thought I’d get the hang of it, now it is second nature to me.

I’m a big believer in growth, change, and pushing yourself in life. So jumping in head first is the only way to go. Although, with film, there is a bigger expense than simply hitting delete if you don’t like your image. I’m in it for the long run though, as these are so beautiful to me even with their imperfections..

Things I’ve learned while shooting these:

YES! Film is as light hungry as they say! The room was so bright but these still needed sooo much more light. Definitely only use film when there is adequate light. (Can’t wait to try shooting all outside when it’s warmer!)
I think I like the look of Frontier’s tones more, we’ll see after I try editing these.
Don’t be afraid when your light meter reads 1/30 shutter speed. These first shots were 1/60.
Shooting film is pretty darn expensive, so as everyone suggests, it is so important to slow down and really curate your images.
Learning a new skill takes patience, but keep going!

These are all unedited, Frontier on the left and Noritsu on the right. I decided to try both to see which one I prefer. I used Fuij 400H and rated at 200, it was an overcast day, with a little sun peeking in for a few shots.