What's the magic number, 24 or 36?

This might be what the kids call a hot take — but as a solid millennial, I’m not even sure I’m qualified to say that. Still, here goes.

I’ve been shooting film photography for several years now, and in recent months I’ve been diving in more regularly. As my enthusiasm grows, so does my awareness of just how expensive film photography has become — especially now that the fourth or fifth “honeymoon phase” has started to fade.

If you shoot 35mm film, you’ll know that most rolls come in two standard exposure counts: 24 or 36 frames. When buying film in multi-packs — often three rolls per pack — the price difference can be pretty significant. A 3-pack of 24-exposure rolls is usually £8–10 cheaper than the same film in 36 exposures.

Why I Prefer 24-Exposure Rolls Over 36

Here’s the controversial bit: I don’t think it’s worth spending extra on 36-exposure film. Seriously. Let’s be honest — how many of us shoot an entire roll and end up with 36 keepers? Probably none of us.

Instead of stretching your budget for a few extra frames, consider buying more rolls in different styles. With the money you save, you can grab an extra roll or mix it up with a pack of colour and black and white film to experiment with. Most film photographers would be happy to get 10–15 good images from a roll — and those results don’t change just because you’ve got 12 more shots.

So, for those of us trying to balance creativity with cost, I say go for 24 exposures. You’ll get more variety, better budgeting, and the same amount of satisfaction.