I couldn’t have been happier with my rented Nikon F5.  I have wanted to get my hands on this camera for such a long time, and it didn’t disappoint — I did.

I have been shooting digital for a few years now, and it wasn’t until I had this camera in my hands that I realized everything I knew was wrong and that photography is a real art form that demands respect.

I had developed such a blanket of security with digital that when push came to shove, I couldn’t pull the trigger on my 35mm camera. I rented this beast for a wedding and I took only a couple frames. I was too afraid of messing up and missing the shot.

I remember boastfully talking to friends about my photography and how we can shoot 100 frames and as long as we got one, we were successful.  “Point and spray” is the term appropriated to such foolish and careless photography.  This was what I knew of photography. My foundation was built on disposable values and instant gratification.

My first roll of film was an amazing experience, just images of my family, really, but the emotion and action that were captured was unlike anything I’ve ever seen with digital.  I can’t explain it other than film is real and digital is an illusion.

Film shows mistakes in such a beautiful way.  A flawed digital file gets deleted immediately, but a flawed film image makes you look twice.

Much in the same way vinyl records draw in audiophiles, film draws in those with a curious interest in the human condition.

Film is a world of exposure and feeling like none other, and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of it.

Since renting the F5, I have purchased multiple film cameras; and though I am still shutter shy and have a lot to learn, I have become more confident and purposeful with my photography.  Simply put, film makes you a better photographer.