Have you ever been mocked for LF?

[John Kasaian]

My son just got into 35mm film photography and I was listening in on conversations at our local store. It appears, from the scuttlebutt, that the next soldier to fall will be film developing---once the need falls below the level required to make a profit at the local level, it is going to become a DIY thing.

[Drew Wiley]

Funny... The camera store here all know me by first name and routinely apologize for any delays I might encounter if they're busy selling digital gear, which is an important "gateway" product line for them. And customers do move on to film, often with a format increase. This is a well educated area and real film always gets respect, and size matters too. Just too much local tradition famous large format photography for anyone to ignore. I really don't know why anyone would even be on the defensive about the subject. If some smartass made a quip about my camera, I'd just ask him if he'd never seen a camera before. If he showed me his cell phone, I'd just give him that usual sideways glance that implies "flatlander", or "ain't been around the block yet", or whatever. But no need. Even teenagers give me compliments and ask how to get in the game, and often request to look behind the groundglass. After all, they're out on the trails themselves, and not a blob of sagging lard behind a video game on the weekend.

[Tin Can]

My son just got into 35mm film photography and I was listening in on conversations at our local store. It appears, from the scuttlebutt, that the next soldier to fall will be film developing---once the need falls below the level required to make a profit at the local level, it is going to become a DIY thing.

Central Camera in downtown Chicago has a lively film development business, however they do send it out locally with quick turn around. Of course I DIY.

Whenever I am near Central Camera I stop in and now buy all roll film and 4x5 from them. They stock lot's of chems, at great prices.

New, used gear and they bargain. Then Don, the owner, offers a cookie. Good cookies!

There's a black 8X10 Seneca in excellent condition with original bellows right now...

Get an Italian beef from Al's next door. The Art Institute is 2 blocks away.

Summer in Chicago is great!

[richardman]

I was just in Chicago a couple months ago, and Central Camera saved my bacon when I took 50 sheets and I needed 70! Didn't have a chance to ask for or spoke to Don but by all accounts, he's quite a nice guy.

[Roger Cole]

Yes, and for using film. One guy I know calls me a Luddite all the time.

Throw a wooden shoe at him.

I've called myself a Luddite before. Mostly jokingly, of course. Mostly.

I don't get this-most people I run into think using a big old film camera is cool.

This does seem more common. It's 35mm that more often gets mockery, or something similar.

[Roger Cole]

A college student called me an elitist for using LF film.

That's not mockery, that's a compliment. I gladly accept that title.