Are you a street photographer looking for a way to make your digital experience more like film shooting? Many street photographers find that shooting with digital cameras is not as fun as shooting with film. While digital cameras offer advanced features and reliable autofocus, they lack the tactile feedback and physical controls that make film cameras so enjoyable to use.
Fortunately, there are ways to bridge the gap between film and digital. In this blog post, we will explore some of the options that are available to street photographers who want to make their digital experience feel more like film shooting.
One of the key factors that contribute to the difference in shooting experience between film and digital is the use of electronic viewfinders (EVF) versus optical viewfinders (OVF). With an EVF, you are essentially looking at a miniature screen that displays a digital image of what you are photographing. With an OVF, you are looking through a physical viewfinder that provides a more direct and tactile experience.
Another factor is the reliance on autofocus. While autofocus is a useful feature, it can sometimes take away from the experience of shooting street photography. When shooting with manual focus, you are forced to slow down and think more about your composition and framing, which can lead to more creative and intentional photographs.
To bridge the gap between film and digital, some street photographers have turned to using older cameras with physical controls and manual focus. However, this can be limiting in terms of image quality and functionality. The solution is to find a modern camera that offers the best of both worlds.
One option is to use a camera with an optical viewfinder and a manual lens. This allows you to focus manually and provides a more direct and tactile experience. Additionally, having physical controls for aperture and shutter speed can enhance the shooting experience.
Another option is to use vintage lenses that provide a unique character and are often more affordable than modern lenses. By using these lenses, you can achieve a more organic and film-like look.
Recently, many camera manufacturers have begun to offer cameras with physical controls and manual focus options, such as the Fujifilm X Pro 1. Additionally, third-party manufacturers like TT Artisan are filling in the gaps with lenses that offer aperture rings and zone focusing marks.
Overall, bridging the gap between film and digital requires finding the right combination of features and controls that work for your shooting style. By experimenting with different cameras and lenses, you can find the perfect balance between modern technology and the tactile experience of film shooting. Happy shooting!