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Just realized I've shot 12 rolls of film and only gotten 3 photos I actually like
That's about 288 frames for maybe three keepers. I'm using a Pentax K1000 with mostly Kodak Gold 200. Is this a normal ratio when you're starting, or am I doing something wrong?
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bettyhunt2mo ago
My old photography teacher said a 1% keeper rate was pro level. You're at about 1% right now, so honestly you're on track. The K1000 is a great teacher because it makes you do the work. With Gold 200, your exposure has to be pretty spot on. I'd bet a few of your 'misses' are just a half stop under or over, which that film doesn't forgive. Try writing down the settings for every shot on your next roll, then compare what you wrote to the final photo.
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cameron7631mo ago
Honestly that 1% rule feels like a made up thing to make beginners feel okay about wasting film. The K1000 is a tank but calling Gold 200 unforgiving is a stretch, it's actually pretty forgiving for a cheap film. Writing down every setting sounds like a great way to kill the fun and make you overthink every single shot. Sometimes you just gotta shoot and learn from the mistakes, not turn it into homework.
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maxm632mo ago
That notebook trick saved me a ton of film.
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