The vast majority of my work, both personal and professional, is shot on a digital Leica M — arguably one of the most film-like experiences it’s possible to have with a non-analogue camera. Still, regardless of old-school styling and a comparatively limited set of technological capabilities, it remains a fully digital process. An experience I thoroughly enjoy too, as the M is a camera I simply love using. A piece of kit that even on days when I don’t feel especially creative, encourages me to go out and take photos.
All that said, I also appreciate the look and imperfections of film, so I generally carry an old school camera in my bag as well. One that admittedly may not get used all that often, but one that is nonetheless always there. And so these then are some film photos taken in various abandoned places in and around Japan over the last 6 months or so. Moments when I remembered the camera was there, felt the shot was worthy, or simply had a day when I wanted to shoot more film.
Sean says
These are awesome! Very cool to see your film shots. More please 🙂
Lee says
Thanks a lot. Glad you like them. And happy to say there will definitely be more.
Mike says
Amazing work Lee! What a delight to see your signature style on film. I would love to see more of this. What film stock do you use? Do you have a favorite camera?
Lee says
Thanks a lot, that’s lovely to hear. There will be more too. No doubt about that. A process I enjoy.
These were all shot on Portra 400, and a Leica MP and Contax T2. I like the change of shooting style with the T2, but the MP is simply a thing of beauty.
cdilla says
What an absolute treat to see these. Since we chatted about film photography and we watched you taking some of the above you will be pleased/distraught to hear I now have a collection of seven film cameras (1959-2005) and have recently finished a test roll in each. I spend more time (and money) on them than I do computers! I now have a few months to decide which one to bring to Japan next visit.
All your photographs have come out so well, but the cyan abandoned mountain line rail car really pops.
Lee says
Thanks. Yeah, quite a few taken when we were together. Totally agree about the cable car too. That one came out particularly well.
Blimey. Seven. A rapidly growing collection. I’d be tempted to bring a couple if they are small. Always nice to have options.
Arno says
Used to shoot on film and also developed myself ( B+W ofcourse ). I wouldn’t want to go back really. Also thinking of all the chemicals that are involved. I would use a special filter if you want to recreate the look. But that’s my personal opninion. It’s nostalgic though, hanging all my film rolls to dry in my living room etc. But nothing more than that.
Lee says
That’s totally understandable. There’s the expense involved as well. But for me, having that option to take some film shots now and again is always a good one to have.
Damien says
Very nice to see the graininess and mood of these film photos Lee. The open case with the Final Doom gaming disc is a nice touch. It’s admirable that you lug around a film camera as an option on your expeditions. But nothing beats the gamble of hoping the film gods do their thing in that moment and having to wait until the processing to see if the stars aligned.
Lee says
Thank you very much. Really good to hear. And finding that Doom case really was wonderful.
Thankfully carrying an extra 35mm camera isn’t a big effort. Be no medium format for me I think! But yeah, the more deliberate way of shooting and then the wait makes the effort more than worth it. Even better if some come out well too.