Eric and Russ
I can sympathise with the attractions of digital, most of all the no-film-cost angle of it, and as far as 35mm goes, neither would I welcome an enforced return to film. In that format, for me, it was ever about shooting a lot in order to capture that single, elusive expression from many tries. As a pro, it didn’t matter about money at all because it was all budgeted, but for myself, it’s a very different story.
That written, I would certainly return to film if it was going to be a matter of returning to the world of the ‘blad. It was always a different sort of thing, even with people shots, because there, one was looking for something that wasn’t really the same as with 35mm shooting: more considered, slower and somewhat more static. Of course, that would now imply the use of a good, dedicated 120 scanner, and the same cost monster rears its ugly head! Ironic, really, as slow and considered would probably more describe my world of now than ever before! Further manifestation of changing circumstances, I guess. I notice I’m not getting younger anymore; was a while when I’m fairly sure that I did manage that – possibly in my fifties – but that particular mojo’s left; mother!
Rob C