I first shot film as a teenager, then set it aside for years — spending a long stretch of time in digital photography before eventually feeling the pull back to something slower and more deliberate. About four years ago I returned to film, not out of nostalgia, but because I wanted to make photographs that felt more considered and, frankly, more artistically satisfying.
I’m Stephen Paul Young, a fine art landscape photographer based in North Hampshire. Everything I write here comes from hands-on experience shooting film in the field — across seasons, in difficult light, and with a range of cameras and stocks. I don’t believe in a single perfect film. I shoot Fomapan regularly (it’s why I stock and sell it — flexible, affordable, and genuinely capable in the right hands), but I try as many stocks as I can. The variety teaches you more than loyalty to one emulsion ever could.
This hub brings together everything I’ve written about film photography — from beginner guides and film stock reviews to technique and camera write-ups. If you’re just getting started, the Resurgence of Film Photography is a good place to begin. If you’re looking for a specific stock or format, browse the sections below.
About Stephen Paul Young
Fine art landscape photographer · North Hampshire · Film & digital · Best Fine Art Landscape Photographer 2025 — Creative & Visual Arts Awards
Film photography is a slower, more intentional approach to image-making. It removes instant feedback and forces you to focus on exposure, composition, and light at the moment of capture.
This hub collects my film photography guides, film stock experiences, and real-world shooting work across both 35mm and medium format formats.
Explore Film Photography Content
Below you’ll find all articles, reviews, and field notes on film photography.
Kentmere 400: A Cheap 35mm Film for Capturing F1 History at Excel Arena
Exploring the F1 Show at Excel Arena The Excel Arena near Victoria Docks hosted an unforgettable daytime event: the F1 Show, focusing on the rich history of Formula 1. As a photography enthusiast, I saw this as a perfect opportunity to test Kentmere 400, a budget-friendly 35mm film known for its versatility. My day revolved around photographing the event—a unique blend of motorsport heritage, iconic cars, and an energetic atmosphere—using this affordable kentmere pan 400 film stock. Formula 1 has…
Exploring Kentmere 35mm Film: A Festive Night in Borough Market, London
First Impressions of Kentmere 35mm Film Kentmere Pan 400 has always intrigued me as an affordable, versatile black-and-white film stock. On the evening of December 19th, with Christmas just around the corner, I ventured to Borough Market in London to put this film to the test. Armed with my trusty Canon 300V and a roll of Kentmere 35mm film, I was ready to capture the bustling energy of festive shoppers under the cool winter sky. The film’s ISO 400 rating…
Street Photography with Kentmere Pan 400: Witney and Winchester
When I set out for a day of street photography, I chose Kentmere Pan 400—a versatile, budget-friendly black-and-white film. Its ISO 400 speed seemed ideal for dynamic street scenes, offering flexibility in lighting conditions. My chosen locations, the streets of Witney in Oxfordshire and Winchester in Hampshire, each presented unique opportunities for storytelling through the lens of my 35mm Canon AE-1P. The Journey Begins: Witney and Winchester Witney, with its historic charm and slower pace, invited me to focus on…
When Film Fails: Reflecting on Choosing the Right Film for the Right Day
The Challenge of Overcast Days Film photography is often about choosing the right film, preparation, intuition, and adaptability. On a recent walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal, armed with my trusted Bronica ETRSi, tripod, and cable release, I chose Ilford Pan F ISO 50 for its fine grain and sharp detail. This choice, however, proved less than ideal for the day’s conditions—a dry but very overcast sky. While I’ve had great success with Pan F in the past, this…
The Kennet and Avon Canal on Ilford HP5+ Medium Format Film
Embracing a Slower Pace with Film Photography The Kennet and Avon Canal stretch between Aldermaston Wharf and Thatcham is one of those rare places where time slows. With my Bronica ETRSi, loaded with Ilford HP5+ medium format film, I set out to capture the atmosphere on medium format—a format that brings out every texture, shade, and contrast with remarkable depth. While still in the late autumn season, there was a subtle change in the air: the days are shorter, and…
Embracing Film texture: How Pushing Tri-X 400 to ISO 800 Shaped My Storytelling
As a photographer, I’ve always been drawn to the film texture and emotions that film grain can evoke. There’s something inherently nostalgic and raw about grain—especially when it’s deliberate, when it’s part of the creative process rather than a byproduct. My recent experience pushing Kodak Tri-X 400 to ISO 800 reminded me just how essential film texture can be in shaping the narrative of an image. Why Film Texture Matters When I talk about film grain, I’m not just talking…
Pushing Kodak Tri-X 400: A Beautiful Black and White Journey
As an analog photography enthusiast, there’s something magical about experimenting with different films and development techniques. One film that has never failed to captivate me is Kodak Tri-X 400. If you’re interested in getting more from Tri-X in low light, I’ve put together a full guide to pushing film based on real shooting experience. This black-and-white classic has been around for decades, and for good reason—it delivers beautifully rich contrast, deep shadows, and luminous highlights. But there’s something even more…
A Summer’s End in Morgaston Wood: Capturing the Season with Ilford HP5+ and My Bronica ETRSi
As the final day of meteorological summer approached, I found myself drawn to the ancient woodlands of Morgaston Wood. The afternoon light was soft, the shadows long, and the air thick with the scent of summer giving way to autumn. It was the perfect time for a photographic exploration, armed with my Bronica ETRSi, loaded with 120 medium format Ilford HP5+ film. There’s something special about medium format photography, particularly with a camera like the Bronica ETRSi. The larger negative…
Zenza Bronica ETR Lenses
The Zenza Bronica ETR series was a line of medium format cameras produced by Zenza Bronica, a Japanese camera manufacturer known for high-quality, professional cameras. The Zenza Bronica ETR Lenses series includes several models, such as the ETR, ETRC, ETRS, and ETRSi, and they all use a 6×4.5 cm film format. These cameras were widely used in the 1970s through the 1990s, particularly by professional photographers who needed the quality of medium format but preferred a more compact and portable…
Potsdam 100 Review: A Mixed Experience with Lomography’s Black & White Film
Potsdam 100 Review Lomography’s Potsdam KINO 100 is often lauded as a fine-grain black and white film, drawing inspiration from classic German cinema. However, after using this film during the New Forest Fairy Festival at Burley, I find myself somewhat underwhelmed by its performance thus, this is my Potsdam 100 review. Pros and Cons List A quick pros and cons list can help you quickly gauge the strengths and weaknesses of the film. Pros: Cons: Comparison with Other Films Film…
Exploring Blakeney Quay with Ilford FP4+ and Bronica ETRSi
Exploring Blakeney Quay with Ilford FP4 and Bronica ETRSi, Nestled along the serene coast of North Norfolk, stands as a picturesque testament to the region’s maritime heritage and natural beauty. This quaint harbour village, with its timeless charm and stunning views of the North Sea, has long been a magnet for travelers seeking a glimpse into England’s maritime past. What drew me to this enchanting location was not only its historical significance but also its reputation as a haven for…
Shooting Kodak Ultramax 400 on the North Norfolk Coast
Kodak Ultramax 400 is a versatile colour negative film, known for its vibrant colour reproduction and fine grain. I chose this film for my trip to the North Norfolk Coast because of its ability to handle diverse lighting conditions, making it perfect for capturing the region’s dynamic landscapes. My journey included three picturesque locations: the nostalgic North Norfolk Railway with its vintage steam trains, the bustling seaside town of Cromer with its iconic pier, and the serene Blakeney Quay with…
Film Formats
Most of my shooting is on 35mm — it’s accessible, affordable, and the range of available stocks is enormous. But I save medium format for occasions that feel worth it. The Bronica ETRSi takes 120 film, and the difference in negative size is immediately visible in the final image — a quality of detail and tonal depth that 35mm simply can’t match. I don’t shoot medium format every week, but when I do, I’m more deliberate with every frame. Partly because each roll gives you fewer shots. Partly because the camera demands it.
If you’re starting out, 35mm is the right place to begin. Get comfortable with the process, experiment with different stocks, and don’t rush toward medium format until you’re genuinely ready to slow down even further.
Getting Started with Film
My honest advice: enjoy it before you get bogged down in what the YouTube generation tell you. There is an entire ecosystem of online voices telling you which camera is correct, which film stock is superior, which developer to use, and which rules to follow. Most of it is noise.
Film photography is about more than getting technically good results. Load a camera, go outside, make photographs. The learning comes from doing, not from watching. There will be bad frames, underexposed rolls, and the occasional disaster — that’s part of it. The art matters more than the execution, especially at the beginning.
Why Film Photography?
Film slows you down. That sounds like a limitation but it isn’t — it’s the whole point. When you have 36 frames instead of thousands, you think twice before pressing the shutter. You consider the light, the composition, the moment. That deliberateness is good for the soul in a way that rapid-fire digital shooting rarely is.
There’s something else worth saying that doesn’t get mentioned enough: shooting film regularly makes you a better digital photographer. The habits you build — slowing down, thinking before shooting, being selective — don’t switch off when you pick up a digital camera. Film teaches you to see differently, and that stays with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is film photography worth it in 2026?
Yes — but not for the reasons people often give. Film isn’t worth shooting because it looks better than digital, or because it’s more authentic. It’s worth it because the process changes how you photograph. It slows you down, makes you more deliberate, and produces images that feel genuinely considered. If that appeals to you, film is absolutely worth it.
What is the best film stock for beginners?
There isn’t one perfect film stock — and anyone who tells you otherwise is probably selling something. Fomapan 100 and 400 are excellent starting points: affordable, widely available, and flexible enough to shoot in a range of conditions. Ilford HP5 is another reliable choice. The honest answer is to try several and see what suits your eye.
Can you still buy 35mm film in the UK?
Yes — 35mm film is widely available in the UK, both online and in some high street camera shops. FineArtPics stocks a selection of 35mm film including Fomapan, available to buy directly from the online shop. The resurgence in film photography over the last decade means supply has remained healthy, though prices have risen compared to ten years ago.
Does shooting film improve your digital photography?
In my experience, yes — significantly. The discipline of working with a limited number of frames forces you to think more carefully before shooting. Those habits don’t disappear when you pick up a digital camera. Photographers who shoot film regularly tend to be more selective, more patient, and more intentional with their digital work as a result.
What’s the difference between 35mm and 120 medium format film?
35mm film is the standard format — rolls of 24 or 36 exposures, compatible with a huge range of cameras. 120 is medium format film, producing a larger negative that captures significantly more detail and tonal range. Medium format cameras like the Bronica ETRSi give you fewer frames per roll (typically 12–16) but the image quality at large print sizes is noticeably superior. 35mm is the natural starting point; medium format is worth exploring once you’re comfortable with the process.