Introduction
As promised in my previous analogue articles, “Analogue Photography – A Personal Journey Part 1 and Part 2”, I’ve started shooting with film again and will be sharing the results from each roll in this series.
The pictures you see in this article all come from a single roll of Tri-X, shot at ISO 400 and developed and scanned by bildskanning.com in Sweden.
You can see this article as a YouTube video here!
For the first instalment, I wanted to begin with one of the oldest and most classic black-and-white films available: Kodak Tri-X. It’s a cornerstone of analogue photography, used for generations by renowned photographers. Tri-X first appeared in the 1940s as a sheet film rated at ASA 200, and since 1954 it has been available in 35mm and 120 roll formats at ISO 400.
Almost everyone who has shot film knows—or at least knows of—this stock. It has long been the go-to choice for street photographers and photojournalists, especially in the US. Its distinct “Tri-X look” is synonymous with classic documentary and street photography.
For this roll, I chose two subjects that fit that tradition: a nostalgic car race and exhibition, and street scenes at a suburban shopping centre.
The Nostalgic Motor Race
What began in the 1920s as an exclusive speed race has grown into one of Sweden’s most beloved motor events. Today, Gärdesloppet draws tens of thousands of visitors who come for the roar of classic engines, gleaming vintage cars, and the mix of racing nostalgia with a festive, family-friendly vibe. It’s a place where history is alive—not in a museum, but out in the open, running on four wheels.
The atmosphere was a gift for Tri-X. Its grain and contrast carried the metallic shine of polished chrome just as well as the grit of worn tires.
The main competitive part of the event is Prins Bertil Memorial. It’s not a speed race but a “regularity race” (rally).
I found myself moving between the cars and the people—because the event isn’t just about machines, it’s about the joy they bring.
The Gärdesloppet features exhibitions of classic vehicles, food trucks, and other entertainment. There’s often a soapbox derby for children, providing an opportunity for the younger generation to get involved.
Walking through the exhibition, it was easy to see why this event has such a strong pull. Tri-X, with its bold contrast and timeless grain, seemed made for capturing that energy.
The Shopping Centre
Later, I shifted scenes completely—from roaring engines to the hum of daily life at a suburban shopping centre. Here, the pace was different, but just as compelling.
Tri-X thrives on contrast and texture, and I found it in storefront reflections, silhouettes, and the quick expressions of passersby. Everyday moments turned cinematic through the lens.
This roll reminded me why Tri-X has such a legendary status. It doesn’t just record what’s in front of you—it shapes it, giving weight and mood to the ordinary and the extraordinary alike.
Whether at a historic car race or in the flow of suburban life, Tri-X pulls it all together with that timeless, documentary feel.
All the good things about Tri-X said, I have to admit I’ve always been of two minds about this film. I like the look, and I know many photographers love it — and yes, I’ll probably catch some grief from the fans for saying this — but sometimes I find the grain a little too bold for my taste. For war photography, catastrophes, crime scenes, and misery, it is unbeatable. Perhaps it’s because this film has been used by photojournalists around the world for decades in such contexts, and that association lingers in my mind. For day-to-day photography, happy events, or lighter documentary work, I personally prefer other black-and-white films. More on that in upcoming articles.
The pictures you see in this article all come from a single roll of Tri-X, shot at ISO 400 and developed and scanned by bildskanning.com in Sweden.
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Further Reading
- What camera gear and accessories do I use most frequently?
- Analogue Photography – Part 1: A Personal Journey into Film Photography 1/2
- Analogue Photography: A Personal Journey – Part 2 – Embracing Colours
- REVIEW: Meyer-Optik Görlitz Trioplan 50mm f/2.9 V – Soap Bubble Bokeh Treasure or Garbage?
- Analogue Adventures landing page
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Martin
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