In article , Tony Cooper
wrote:


Well, I don't. I started with film, and had the requisite bathroom
darkroom. The only thing I didn't do was develop the film. Going
through the film steps, which you and Tony enjoyed, drove me up the
wall. I hated every bit of it, and nearly gave up on photography. But
more to the point, I disagree completely that the film steps are
*artistically* different from the digital steps. You are doing the
same thing, only with one you are using toxic chemicals, awkwardly
working slowly with trial and error, whereas with the other, you are
working towards identical artistic goals, but working much more
quickly. And the more quickly you can work, the more time you can
spend getting things exactly as you want them. Better yet, when you
fumble around with digital, all you waste is some electron flow and
some time, as opposed to some pricey chemicals and paper.

I respect those who work with film, it's hard. But I still don't think
there is any remaining legitimate reason for it, except for personal
entertainment, or sense of achievement.

(Laughing!) What else *is* there for the non-professional
photographer?

Unless we are getting paid to take photographs, the only reason we do
so is as a form of entertainment and to gain a sense of achievement.

you don't speak for everyone.

And, is either of those not a legitimate reason to pursue the hobby?
When it comes to hobby activities, anything that a person does because
they enjoy doing it or gain a sense of achievement from it is
legitimate.

nobody said otherwise.

the point is that no matter what 'film look' one wants from film, that
very same look can be done with digital.

That last sentence of yours in the penultimate paragraph is a hoot!
Pricy chemicals and paper?

it's more expensive than for digital, which requires no chemicals
(i.e., free) and inexpensive paper that has no special storage
requirements.

Pretty much everyone reading this has several thousand dollars
invested in digital camera kit and software. And, some like the Duck,
are contemplating spending a couple of thou more upgrading and adding
to what they already have. And, he's burning a lot of gas and time
driving out to take snapshots of a field of wildflowers.

so what?

that has nothing to do with film or digital.