Prices of 35mm films & DVC cassettes

I think it is a good idea. Years ago 35mm film was much cheaper in the US than Europe. Since I shifted to digital I haven't priced film. With low demand for film could it be more expensive and less available?

With the current exchange rate the way it is, most everything is more expensive in Europe. Take as much film as you can pack. Also, don't forget extra batteries and carry them with you while siteseeing. Hope you're not getting hit too bad by IKE! Have fun!

Film? People still use film?

OK, I know people still use film, although I think digital makes sooooo much more sense, especially for travel.

It has been years since I shot film, but when I did, I'd buy a ton of film at Costco at home before leaving. Then I'd lug it around the world while traveling. I always found film to be way, WAY more expensive overseas (gee, what a surpise: buying a roll of film next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa costs twice as much as that same roll of film in the Big Box store at home), and I found the choice more limited, too.

Price aside, one of the best things about going digital is leaving behind all the heavy, bulky film cannisters. I've gone on some trips and come home with over 100 rolls of film. They make a big, heavy bundle to schlepp along. The there's the whole issue with your film being x-rayed, repeatedly, and despite what the drones running the machines will tell you, it can indeed ruin your photos. I've had my last argument with security staff about xraying my photos (I ued to ask/beg/plead/throw fits trying to get them to "hand inspect" all my film; sometimes they would, sometimes they wouldn't, often they just ignored me and ran it through their xray machines).

There are plenty of good reasons to go digital, but if you're not going to, I'd suggest buying your film at home if cost is an issue.

Hi Veronica

I'm with you all the way. My wife bought me a digital a couple of years ago, it's great but nothing will make me abandon my old Pentax.

Without doubt buy your film in the US. That way you ensure you have enough film with the correct film speed for your needs.

I always buy my film before I leave home, for the simple reason I know where to get good quality cheap film in the UK. Sure there are places in the US where I can buy it as cheap or even cheaper but I'm not going to waste valuable vacation time looking for them.

Thanks Everyone!!!
About Ike, hope it's gone by Tuesday... at least from our area (Puerto Rico). LOL!!!
I'm going to buy a few more films before leaving then. And about 35mm vs digital, I'm aware of the pros of going digital... less space, less things to carry on, but I'm still on the film era. I really think digitala are never going to have the picture quality of a film. By the way, we own a digital camera, but for the good pictures, the important ones (and that includes our fisrt trip to Europe, of course!!!)we prefer film.
Thanks again for your advice... and Al, keep ypu Pnetax, I'll keep my Canon... LOL!!!

Veronica,

YES, definitely buy Film before you leave home, as this is more expensive in Europe (especially with the current exchange rates).

A few points of caution though. It's very important that you carry Film in hand / carry-on luggage only! The powerful X-Ray Scanners that are used for checked luggage are much more likely to ruin film than those used for hand luggage.

In addition, the film speed will have a bearing on how much risk there is from X-Ray damage. The higher the speed of the film, the more likely it is to be damaged. Generally, ASA 400 and lower speed films are reasonably "safe", however be cautious of repeated scans. If you carry the films in canisters (without packaging) inside a clear zip-lok bag, the Screeners MAY be more agreeable to hand-inspecting it.

If you're going to be in a particular city for a while, you may want to find a reliable photo shop and have the films developed and printed. If possible, get a backup on DVD and keep this separate from the prints and negatives.

It's always interesting to encounter someone still using Film, but I disagree with one of your statements - "I really think digital are never going to have the picture quality of a film". Since there are varying qualities in film, only the best films would likely be better than digital (I don't think the average Kodachrome is a good comparison).

In my experience, the newest dSLR's are equal or very close to film; it would take someone with a very sharp eye to tell the difference. With the easy ability to post process (especially with RAW images), it's possible to "tweak" digital images to give them characteristics approaching that of Velvia or other top quality films.

Hope you have a wonderful time in Europe!

Cheers!

Veronica, choose what you like best, but it's simply not true that film cameras take better quality photos than digital cameras do. I've worked for many years in the industry, and lived through the big changes that digital imaging has brought. Years ago (many years ago), it was true that digital didn't measure up to film quality. But digital has come a long way, and with today's technology you give up no edge in quality with digital. Ten years ago, yes. Five years ago? Not really. Today? Fuggedaboudit. Professionals, who live and die by image quality, have all pretty much switched to digital. That should tell you something.

Of course, if you just want to shoot film, by all means you should go ahead. But if you have thought about going digital but have resisted because you thought you would have to put up with lesser quality - then you should reconsider (or look for another reason to stick with film, 'cause lack of quality is not a valid reason).

In any case, have a fun trip.