What is 35mm?
35mm is one of the most popular formats of analogue film, named after its physical width of 35 millimetres.
When people refer to "old-school" or "retro" photography, they are often talking about 35mm film. To use it, a physical roll of film is loaded into a camera. The film is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion, and when the shutter is released, light passes through the lens and exposes the film. This creates a latent image that is later developed using photographic chemicals to produce the final photograph.
The 35mm look
Analogue photography has a distinct aesthetic compared with digital photography, often characterised by visible grain, softer tones, and a nostalgic feel. A standard roll of 35mm film typically contains 36 exposures, meaning the photographer has a limited number of shots. Unlike digital photography, where hundreds of images can be captured at virtually no additional cost, this limitation encourages photographers to be more deliberate and thoughtful about when each photograph is worth taking
Why choose it?
35mm and analogue photography has become very popular within the modern era. Much like how vinyl records had a resurgence, I think people crave analogue processes in this increasingly digital world.
Analogue photography uses the same principles as digital photography, but the medium in which it's captured on translates light in a different way. I've been using analogue photography since I began my photography journey in school.
Other analogue formats
I also shoot on 120 film, which allows for 12 shots per roll. 120 film is larger than 35mm film, meaning the negative can capture finer detail. The 120 camera I own has a manual focus, so best used in the slower parts of your day.
