CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF FILM
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| Where to Buy and Have My Film Developed

The Digital Age is definitely revolutionizing photography but it is important to know that film is still around, and contrary to popular belief will continue to be around for many years to come.  At Bird Films, you will find only the best Kodak quality film.  We carry all the popular Kodak Color Print Films including MAX, High Definition, Gold, Ultra Color and more. We also stock Kodak Slide and Black and White Films.

Firstly, decide whether you want pictures, color or black and white, or slides.  Typically, most professional film photographers prefer slides because of the rich color saturation and minimal graininess.  Black and white film delivers striking images with stark textures.

Then choose the film size that suits your particular model of camera.  The majority of film cameras use 35mm.  There are, however, other formats such as APS (advanced photo system - 24mm), and 110 format.  There are also large-format film cameras that use 120 or 220 film which use single sheets of film for each exposure.

Film comes in a variety of speeds and it is important to know where you'll be shooting and what you want to do with the pictures.  High/fast speed film pick up rapid action and work very well in low-light situations.  Conversely, low/slow speed film is excellent for producing richer colors and greater contrast.  It is important to note that you will need very bright light and a steady hand when using a low speed film to produce best results. 

Film speed is indicated by an ASA or ISO number. This number represents how sensitive a film is to light compared to a standard from the International Standards Organization.  As a rule of thumb, the faster the film, the more sensitive it is to light and the more grain it will have.  If you want minimal graininess and rich color, choose a slow speed but make sure that you are taking your pictures in bright sunlight for optimum results.  Slow speed film is ideal for close-ups, still shots, and photos you plan to enlarge.  If possible, it is a good idea to use a tripod to help steady your camera when using low speed film.

If you want an all-purpose film, select a "medium" film speed such as 200 ASA.  You will get clear colors and images both outdoors and indoors with a flash.  If you plan to take action shots or be in low-light conditions such as cloudy days or indoors without a flash, a 400 ASA film would be best.  It is always best to use higher-speed films (400 ASA & up) with cameras with zoom lenses.  800 speed film is an excellent choice if you are photographing very fast action or if you are taking shots in dim light.  This particular speed is ideal for taking pictures of fireworks, twilight or a candle lit dinner.  We also recommend this speed for photos taken at graduations and weddings where the reception hall is generally quite dim.  Speeds above 800 are used for sporting events and generally are considered professional speeds.

Always store your film in a cool, dry place with good ventilation.  Never leave your exposed or new roll of film in an area exposed to direct sunlight such as the dash of your car or next to a window that gets a lot of sunlight.  Heat/sun damage can quickly ruin a roll of film.  You should also keep film away from any sources of direct heat.      

WHERE SHOULD I BUY AND HAVE MY FILM DEVELOPED

Film can be purchased almost anywhere these days and prices are very competitive.  It is, however, our opinion that the best place to purchase quality film and have it developed is at a photo specialty shop, such as Bird Films.  At Bird Films, you can be guaranteed superior knowledge, information, and service that you rarely see at big box merchandisers.  Cost is not the only factor to consider when purchasing your film and getting it developed.  To ensure top quality images which we know the customer desires, we ensure our developing/printing process is monitored continually.  We meticulously maintain our minilab and constantly monitor it for optimum quality control.  We personally look at each and every image, and adjust if necessary, to ensure the absolute best results in terms of color and density (brightness).  We also check each print for dust.  Bird Films is renown for its photofinishing excellence and this is undoubtedly what sets us apart from the competition.  We are proud to say we are the ONLY minilab in the Regina area that exclusively uses Kodak Royal Paper which is Kodak's thickest, highest quality photographic paper for ALL of our print orders.  We also only use Kodak chemistry in our developing and print process.  We only believe in the best for our customers and we know they recognize this fact.  Bird Films had the first mini lab in Regina over 20 years ago, and our experience and quality is number one! 

"TRUST THE PEOPLE KODAK TRUSTS".... Bird Films since 1928!