35 mm (135 Film)

Pros of 35 mm (135 Film) format photography compared to larger film formats

Compact and Lightweight Equipment:
Small format cameras are typically much smaller and lighter than large format cameras, making them ideal for use in mobile or travel-intensive situations. They are easy to carry and require less physical effort when shooting on location.
Faster Workflow:
Compared to middle adn even more large format photography, the workflow with small format cameras is usually faster and easier. Small format film formats allow for quicker image capture, which can be advantageous in fast-paced or spontaneous situations. But also all and per picture, other workflows before shooting (film packaging, loading, etc.) and also afterwards (film development) are faster than in the other and larger analog formats. Aside of Polaroid*.
Wider Range of Available Lenses and Accessories:
Small format cameras often have a larger selection of lenses and accessories available from various manufacturers. This provides more flexibility in terms of focal lengths, aperture settings, specialty lenses, and accessories such as flashes, filters, and tripods.
Cost:
In general, the costs of equipment, film and accessories are often lower for small format photography compared to medium and large format photography.
Flexibility in Depth of Field:
Due to the smaller sensor or film size, small format cameras usually have a greater depth of field compared to large format cameras. This can be advantageous when desiring a larger depth of field in images or when working in situations where quick depth of field adjustment is required.
Versatility:
Small format cameras are versatile and suitable for a wide range of photographic applications, from street photography to portraits to photojournalism and more. They offer flexibility and convenience in various photographic situations.
Simplicity:
Compared to all other and larger analog formats, 35mm is easier to handle, especially in development. Aside of Polaroid*.

Cons of 35 mm (135 Film) format photography compared to larger film formats

Image Quality:
While 35mm film provides good quality, larger formats typically offer higher resolution and better detail due to their larger film size.
Limited Enlargement:
Enlarging 35mm film prints significantly can result in visible grain and a loss of sharpness compared to larger formats, limiting the size of high-quality prints.
Dynamic Range:
Larger formats often offer better dynamic range, capturing more details in highlights and shadows compared to 35mm film.
Depth of Field:
Achieving a shallower depth of field can be more challenging with 35mm film compared to larger formats, impacting creative control over focus.
Film Grain:
The smaller size of the 35mm film can result in more noticeable grain when compared to larger formats, especially when using higher ISO films.

My Conclusion(s)

Aesthetic Quality:
After tens of thousands of 135 film images and a similar number of digital full-frame images, despite the possible aesthetic differences, I see the digital image capturing as the clear winner in terms of flexibility (not to mention the effort and costs in money and time). The flexibility lies in its resolution and grain, sensitivity, color control, and image control. Accordingly, I currently have less interest in the analog 135 format. (State of 9/2024)

20.12.24

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