No Picture Preview?

So this will be a real quick post. As a parent and a forty-something year-old, who grew up with a father who loved photography, and someone who took photography in High School and College, I really enjoyed my youngest son's latest observation.

After viewing photos a colleague took with a 35 mm film camera, I decided I would shop on eBay and buy a used Nikon FE2 35mm Film camera, to replace the one I sold back in 1997. I won the bid for the FE2, that came with two lenses, two flashes and an assortment of junk and a roll of Kodak Royal Gold ISO 200 Film with an Expiration Date of 10/1997, that's right 1997, coincidence? Total price $90.

It took me awhile to remember how to use it and thank goodness for the Internet. I found an Instruction Manual for the FE2 that I downloaded. Anyway, as I was burning through the included roll of film to check for seal leaks, I asked Drew to hold still so I could take a picture of him. I clicked off several frames and then proceeded to walk out of the room. Drew looked up at me and said, "Hey Dad, can I see the pictures?" I laughed and said, "This is a 35mm film camera." Drew responded, "What does that mean." I said, "I have to finish the roll and take the film in to be developed." Here's the kicker, Drew said, "What!!! there's no picture preview? How do you know if the picture comes out good?" I realized that film has gone the route of 8-track tapes, LP records, typewriters and other things we knew as kids, teens, and even young adults.

Above is a picture from the 12 year-old film shot in Aperture Priority Mode with a 50mm lens at f/1.8. No EXIF data to recall the rest of the photo info. I've been told the the Green and Magenta get wonky over time, and the Red loses Highlight detail. Atleast the camera seal is good, otherwise there would have been overexposed streaks on the print.

What did I learn?
Easy, that although I enjoy digital, I really miss shooting film.  Film definitely makes you stop and compose the shot, double-check your exposure and slow down.