Prior to last month, I couldn't even recall the last time I used a film camera. It might have been two decades ago, because sometime in the mid-2000s, digital cameras began to proliferate and before we knew it, film was out, and the 'Megapixel War' had commenced.

I still remember how almost everyone I knew suddenly started talking about which camera had how many megapixels and how it that would deliver the best resolution and therefore, the 'best' photos.

One-hour photo developing shops in shopping centre basements started disappearing. Nobody wanted to wait for their photos to be developed when they could be viewed and even printed at home.

I, too, was enamoured at the speed at which we could produce images. Pictures that were no good could be easily deleted, so there was no more pressure to get your photos right the first time.

But I began to miss shooting film a few years ago. Shooting for work is done with a digital camera and there's a rush to just get the shoot over and done with. There's little engagement in the process.

The Spotmatic F feels great to hold as it is constructed from mostly metal, with some plastic bits used for the dials

After all, we live in an era where everything must happen instantly, which means we're always doing (or trying to do) everything as fast as we can.

It's like going on a holiday with such a packed itinerary that instead of immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and flavours, you're just rushing to tick every box on your list in a bid to maximise your time there. Damn, that's WORK, not leisure, and it's also the reason why you come home and declare you need another vacation.

Slow your roll

I have four film cameras: A Minolta I inherited from my late grandfather, a Yashica from the 1990s, a Mamiya RB67 I bought from Ebay a few years ago (but got 'lost' before I could use it), and my most recent acquisition, a Pentax Spotmatic F. I got that because I wanted a manual 35mm camera.

One Saturday, during a few hours of clear skies, I asked my better half to indulge me by playing the role of muse/model in a photo shoot.

I then loaded the Pentax with a roll of Kodak Portra 160 and set the film speed to 100. Not having touched film in nearly 20 years made the process of loading the camera, which once upon a time felt so natural, feel tricky. Luckily, I could tell I loaded it right, because the rewind lever turned counterclockwise as I advanced the roll.

With a digital camera or even my smartphone, taking snapshots is easy. Once I am satisfied with the light, background and overall composition, I can click away without worry.

The 120mm film rolls are expired, but they could still give 'interesting' results

With film, the process is slower and more purposeful. Yes, I also imagine the final image I want to see and work backwards from there, while factoring in the available light and background.

After this, I asked my missus to practice a few poses. Only after we decided on one did I activate the camera's light meter by uncovering the lens. Aha, and unlike modern camera lenses that have plastic caps, this one is made of metal. Woot.

Then I adjusted the exposure by tweaking the aperture and shutter speed. Once these were sorted, I finally cocked the shutter by advancing the film lever. I felt like a sniper of sorts as I held by breath before releasing it. The click that accompanied its opening and closing was most satisfying.

This was followed by a long-lost but familiar feeling of not knowing how the images will turn out. I wonder if I focussed correctly and whether my hand shook. From here on, it'll be up to the lab and whoever's processing the film to adjust accordingly, assuming there's enough latitude.

The shutter speed is set using the left dial, while the shutter itself has a threaded hole for a cable release. The film counter is above the advancing lever

Making each shot count

Because each shot is carefully planned, my time is put to better use. Film costs more than it used to, and I recall spending $21 for the 36-exposure roll of Portra 160.

The entire shoot lasted 35 minutes and I took either five or six photos. So, I probably have another 30 exposures... and much planning to do. I'm thinking of shooting landscapes in the Botanic Gardens next time.

Shooting film feels more shiok than shooting digital. After all, it's something I enjoy, so naturally, it's nicer to spend more time on it as opposed to hurrying through the process.

It's also liberating. A digital camera is more convenient, but if you review your shots, you start to feel constrained. With film, I can totally focus on lighting and composition since I won't see my results anytime soon. And yes, I like that feeling of anticipation and eventually, excitement, after I eventually finish the roll and send it to be processed.

Aperture is set using this handy dial, while the focus is dialled in using the checkered ring - plenty of engagement for the hobbyist

Larger formats?

Having 36 exposures is great, but for a hobbyist like me that tries to plan every shot, medium format might be a better option. Apart from better resolution, and smoother tones and colour gradients, I'll have less planning to do, as the 6x7 format may only give me a dozen exposures.

Or maybe I'll want to try a large format 4x5 camera in the future. Sheet film might be even more expensive than 120mm film, so I might only take two photos. Two well-planned shots after spending time setting up the camera.

Film is outdated for an online portal like ours, but as a hobby, it's immensely more rewarding than shooting digital. I hope it doesn't disappear, because it's not outdated - it's just another format.