Moment I Realized I Was Done with Film Photography
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In a heartfelt moment at a family camping trip, a photographer found themselves regretting the decision to leave their digital camera at home. Armed with only their trusty Leica M2, they captured memories in black and white on Fomapan 400 film. However, a moment of carelessness led to a film tear, causing the loss of precious images from the morning.
This incident marked the end of the photographer's film journey and sparked a newfound interest in dedicated monochrome digital cameras. Seeking a solution, they turned to the Leica Q2 Monochrom and M11 Monochrom, two highly recommended options for photographers making the transition from film to digital.
The Leica Q2 Monochrom, with its 47.3MP full-frame monochrome sensor and fixed 28mm f/1.7 lens, offers stellar image quality. Its fast burst shooting, 225 autofocus points, and manual focus options cater to the tactile experience film photographers appreciate. In 2025, it was recognised as the best black and white camera overall, making it an ideal choice for those dedicated exclusively to black and white photography.
On the other hand, the Leica M11 Monochrom is a niche manual-focus-only rangefinder with a 60MP black-and-white-only sensor and no video capability. Its high-resolution monochrome images and deliberate shooting experience evoke a familiar and rewarding feeling for those transitioning from film photography.
For a more flexible option that still embraces black-and-white photography with the possibility of color, the Nikon Zf offers a dedicated B&W mode. Its versatility makes it a practical choice for photographers used to film who want simplicity and versatility.
Meanwhile, Sebastian Oakley, a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and the youngest member to be elected into BEWA (British Equestrian Writers' Association), has also been contemplating the switch to digital monochrome cameras. Oakley, who specialises in equestrianism for nearly two decades, has expressed a readiness to trust a digital camera not to falter in crucial moments. He now spends his spare time using Leica M-E or Leica M2 for Street/Documentary photography in Black and White.
As the photographer prepares to embrace digital photography again, a digital Leica camera will now carry the torch forward, ensuring that precious memories are preserved without the risk of film tears or other mishaps. The transition from film to digital may be a significant step, but with the right tools, it's a journey that promises to be just as rewarding.
[1] Source for Leica Q2 Monochrom [2] Source for Leica M11 Monochrom [3] Source for Nikon Zf
- The photographer, having learned from a mishap with film, is now exploring dedicated monochrome digital cameras, such as the Leica Q2 Monochrom and M11 Monochrom.
- Seeking versatility as a film-to-digital transitional photographer, Sebastian Oakley, a renowned equestrian writer, has expressed interest in using cameras like the Leica M-E or Leica M2 for Street/Documentary photography in Black and White.
- For those who prefer a camera that offers both monochrome and color photography, the Nikon Zf, with its dedicated B&W mode, is a practical choice.
- As the photographer is prepared to transition from film to digital photography, they are considering a digital Leica camera, assuring that future memories are preserved reliably without the risks associated with film.
