What is the best brand of film to use with a film SLR?

I have a Minolta Maxxum 3000i and I would like to start using it again. I want my pictures to come out good so is there any brand of film that you recommend? I'd also like to take some b%26amp;w and if there are any special development films (lomography etc.) I should know about please let me know!|||I'm going to answer this for my wife (Felicia):





I've got over 30 years of photography experience; primarily as a hobby, but I have used it professionally over the years.





The film is less important than where you have it processed. Kodak seems to be the most used process and therefore the photos generally come out more consistent using this brand. If you chose to use other films a one-hour photo shops etc... not the way to go. Find a good photography shop where you can specify which process you want based upon the brand of film used.





Every brand of film has a slightly different developing process and different photographic characteristics. You need to experiment with each. Take each brand (12 exposure) and take the same photo (one after another, vary and log your settings for each) then change your film and take the same photo using the same ASA , shutter speed, and f-stops used on each picture recorded before. Take some photos in manual and some in auto mode. The trick here is to duplicate the exact photo(s) on each brand (roll of film) you test. Then, go get your photos developed at a reputable photography shop and compare the photos. You may find that you'll want to use different brands of films for different effects.





I have multiple (3) cameras, all the same, that I can load with the same/different films and/or put different lenses on for quick shots without the need to change film/lenses. I also do my own film developing (color and B%26amp;W); taking the photo is only a small part of the finished product. I'm afraid film photography is a dying art.





I now lean towards color digital photography for it's ease. But, as far as I'm concerned when I want B%26amp;W photo's...nothing touches film or your own darkroom!





For B%26amp;W if you want clear sharp photos use 100 ASA film, if you want a grainier effect use 400 ASA, maybe even 1000 ASA film. Many will tell you 100 ASA film is a daylight film, 400 ASA a speed film for action shots or for indoor use, and 1000 ASA a night film. While this typically true, it requires you to carry many rolls of film. I find I'd rather limit what I carry to mostly 100 ASA film and "push it to 200" if I need to. I do keep a few rolls of 200 ASA film and will "push it to 400 ASA" when the need arises. I have pushed 100 ASA to 400 ASA for certain effects. You must use the whole roll of film at your chosen setting and remember to mark the pushed roll as 200 or 400 ASA and have it developed accordingly; this changes the films developing time. I elect to not carry 400 ASA film as I find it's a little too grainy for most uses. Here again, it does have it's use...I just don't use it much. Note: 400 ASA film does not do well set (called "pulled") at 200 or 100 ASA so why carry it? Indoors I will use 400 ASA and if needed adjust/push the ASA to between 400-800. For night shots I use 1000 ASA and push to no more than 1600 ASA; again, remember to mark the film and inform your photography shop. Remember, adjusting your ASA requires you to adjust your F-stops (aperture) accordingly. In fact, that's the whole purpose. This allows you to chose an appropiate shutter speed. If you want to keep "only one" film handy...keep a 200 ASA roll, set your ASA accordingly (200-400 ASA) as needed.





As I said earlier taking the photo is only a small part of the process...I'm afraid to get the grain, contrast, and overall effects that will make you happy you'll need to do your own developing. It's really not that hard or expensive, not in the long run.





But, experiment with different films...there's not really a definitive film. If you pushed me, I'd say Kodak...just for the continuity. Almost all one-hour photo labs are familure with Kodak processes.|||I use Kodak film in my Minolta x300 and the same for my Minolta 7000|||It's not just the film that plays a role in making images look "good". Without knowledge of ISO, apertures, shutter speeds, lighting, composition and subject matter, it doesn't matter what film is used, the images will not be "good"..





I personally use Fujifilm, Kodak and Ilford. I tend to use mainly ISO 200 and 400. If you want specific B%26amp;W film then look at Ilford or Fujifilm Neopan.





The film I keep loaded in my camera 90% of the time is Fujifilm X-Tra 400. This is useful for the style of shooting I do (street), and this film is great in all situations from (reasonably) low light to broad daylight. I do a B%26amp;W conversion with editing software. On the other hand if I was using my camera for mainly portraits or landscape, then I would look to a lower ISO film such as Velvia 50.





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