First 120 Film Slides A Beautiful Dive Into Medium Format Photography
The Allure of Medium Format and 120 Film
My journey into the world of photography has been a winding path, filled with experimentation and a constant pursuit of capturing images that truly resonate. For years, I've been captivated by the look of medium format film photography. The unique aesthetic, the increased resolution, and the overall tonality have always been incredibly appealing. There's something about the larger negative that just translates into a different feel, a certain depth and richness that I find hard to replicate with smaller formats or digital cameras. So, I finally decided to take the plunge and venture into the realm of 120 film.
The decision to shoot 120 film wasn't taken lightly. It represents a significant shift in mindset, a move away from the instant gratification of digital photography towards a more deliberate and considered approach. Each shot becomes precious, a calculated act where composition, exposure, and focus must be carefully considered. This slower pace, while sometimes challenging, is also incredibly rewarding. It forces you to connect with the subject matter on a deeper level, to truly see the scene before pressing the shutter. The tactile experience of loading film, advancing the frame, and hearing the satisfying click of the shutter is something that digital photography simply cannot replicate. This analog experience, the tangible connection to the process, is a huge part of the appeal.
There's also the undeniable element of surprise. Unlike digital, where you can instantly review your shots, with film, you have to wait. The anticipation builds as you send your precious rolls off to the lab, the days stretching out until you finally receive the processed images. This delayed gratification makes the experience all the more exciting. It's like opening a time capsule, rediscovering moments captured weeks or even months ago. And then there's the magic of seeing the images for the first time, the colours, the tones, the subtle nuances that you may not have fully appreciated in the moment. This element of surprise is a crucial part of the film photography experience, adding an extra layer of joy and excitement to the process.
The Anticipation and the Arrival of the Slides
The anticipation leading up to the arrival of my first set of 120 slides was immense. I had carefully chosen my subjects, meticulously metered the light, and tried my best to visualise the final results. But the truth is, until you see the developed film, there's always an element of the unknown. Did I nail the exposure? Was my focus sharp? Did the compositions translate as I had envisioned? All these questions swirled in my mind as I tracked the package online, watching its progress from the lab to my doorstep.
When the package finally arrived, it felt like Christmas morning. I carefully unwrapped the box, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Inside, nestled amongst protective padding, were the neatly organised slide mounts, each one holding a precious frame of film. Holding the slides up to the light for the first time was a revelation. The images seemed to glow with an inner radiance, the colours rich and vibrant, the details sharp and crisp. It was a moment of pure magic, a culmination of weeks of planning, shooting, and waiting.
Looking at these slides, I was struck by the unique character and beauty that 120 film can produce. There's a certain depth and dimensionality to the images that I haven't quite achieved with other formats. The subtle grain, the smooth tonal transitions, and the overall organic feel are all hallmarks of medium format film. It's a look that's both timeless and contemporary, a blend of classic aesthetics and modern sensibilities. The experience of holding these physical slides, of being able to examine them closely with a loupe, adds another layer of appreciation. It's a tactile connection to the images that you just don't get with digital files. This tangible aspect of film photography is something I truly value.
The Beauty of 120 Film: A Visual Feast
And gosh, they were beautiful. The beauty of 120 film is hard to describe, but it's something you instantly recognise when you see it. The increased surface area of the film allows for a level of detail and tonality that's simply breathtaking. The colours are richer, the contrast is smoother, and there's an almost three-dimensional quality to the images. It's like stepping into the scene, experiencing the moment all over again.
The scans I received from the lab were excellent, but even they couldn't fully capture the magic of the slides themselves. Holding them up to a light source, examining them with a magnifying loupe, reveals a level of detail and nuance that's truly remarkable. It's a completely different experience from viewing images on a screen. There's a physicality to it, a sense of connection to the image that's both intimate and rewarding. The subtle grain, the smooth tonal transitions, and the overall organic feel all contribute to the unique aesthetic of medium format film. It's a look that's both classic and contemporary, a blend of timeless elegance and modern sensibilities.
One of the things that struck me most about these slides was the depth of colour. The colours were vibrant and true to life, but they also possessed a certain richness and complexity that I hadn't seen before. The dynamic range of the film allowed for a wider range of tones, from deep blacks to bright whites, without losing detail in either extreme. This is particularly noticeable in landscape photography, where the subtle gradations of light and shadow can make all the difference. The ability of 120 film to capture these nuances is truly impressive. Moreover, the unique character of each film stock also adds its own flavour to the images, making each shot unique and special.
Lessons Learned and Future Adventures in Film
This first experience with 120 slides has been incredibly rewarding, not just for the beautiful images I've received, but also for the lessons I've learned along the way. Shooting film requires a different mindset, a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to photography. It forces you to slow down, to consider each shot carefully, and to truly connect with your subject matter.
I've also gained a greater appreciation for the technical aspects of photography, such as exposure, composition, and focus. With film, there's less room for error, so it's crucial to get these elements right in camera. This has pushed me to improve my skills and to become a more confident and competent photographer. The process of learning, the challenges overcome, and the sense of accomplishment are all part of the journey. Each roll of film is an opportunity to experiment, to try new techniques, and to push your creative boundaries. This continuous learning process is what keeps me excited about photography.
Looking ahead, I'm eager to continue exploring the world of 120 film. I want to experiment with different film stocks, different cameras, and different shooting styles. I'm also keen to delve deeper into the darkroom process, to experience the magic of developing and printing my own images. The possibilities are endless, and I'm excited to see where this journey takes me. This passion for exploration and discovery is what drives me to keep creating, to keep capturing the world around me in new and meaningful ways. Ultimately, the goal is to tell stories, to share my vision with others, and to connect with people through the power of photography.
Embracing the Art of Film Photography
In conclusion, receiving my first 120 film slides back from the lab was an experience I won't soon forget. The beauty of the images, the tactile nature of the slides, and the overall process of shooting film have all left a lasting impression. It's a reminder that photography is not just about capturing images, it's about the journey, the experience, and the connection you make with the world around you.
I encourage anyone who's curious about film photography to give it a try. It's a different way of seeing, a different way of creating, and a different way of connecting with the world. The rewards are immeasurable, and the journey is incredibly fulfilling. So, grab a film camera, load up a roll, and start exploring. You might just discover a new passion, a new way of expressing yourself, and a new appreciation for the art of photography. The world of film photography is waiting to be discovered, and the possibilities are endless.
