🎞️ Exploring NEW FILM - Same Same Film: A NYC & Upstate Adventure
- calebknueven
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
🎬 Making Film Photography Fun in a World of Same-Same
Making things is hard. That’s why the world is full of stuff that feels kinda the same — from pain pills to cameras, cars… and, of course, film.
So then — what makes this Same Same film different from the rest?
[Bad Flashes intro logo]
About a full moon cycle ago, my buddy Jason and I took our annual pilgrimage to New York City — to hang with friends and surprise my brother for his 30th birthday. Perfect timing to test out one of Mr. Negative’s newest films from down under.
He sent me a couple rolls so I could really dig in and see what this creative 400-speed film could do. But, as you probably know, a lot of modern film stocks come from only a few sources. What makes someone pick one roll over another?
It’s all about sexieness. Let’s find out.
đźš— Heading Upstate: Beacon in Late Fall
This being my 100th NYC visit, Jason, David, and I decided to switch it up — a hop, skip, and jump to Beacon, New York. There, we met our Rochester pals Noah and Jesse.
Beacon in late fall feels like someone cranked up the saturation in real life — perfect for testing a film that promises color accuracy and honesty. Every year I think I’ve shot this city dry… and every year, I’m wrong.
🌲 Discovering Same Same: First Shots & ISO 400 Magic
Right off the bat, Same Same film is showing its chops. The detail is sharp — every tree root and lath shows crisp structure.
ISO 400 is a blessing here. While 200-speed films dominate the market, having a solid 400-speed film in your film photography toolkit is a must.
Some shots might seem “meh,” but the sky blues this film renders? Beautiful. Many films make skies look dull or overcast, but not this one. This Same Same 400 film feels alive.
🎨 Midpoint: Dia Beacon Adventures
We wandered into Dia Beacon to see the infamous “confusion sculptures.” Mirrors in sand? Yes, that’s a thing. And Same Same handled the indoor lighting like a champ.
Its vibrant colors made me want to dance with Mr. Milchick. That higher ISO really came in handy, holding up in tricky light while preserving shadow detail and highlight latitude.
📦 Branding & Identity in Film Photography
Here’s where things get fun. The box, branding, and name give Same Same its personality. Lomography says “let’s party,” Kodak says “tried and true,” and Mr. Negative says “let’s fuck around.”
It’s not just marketing — it’s identity. Like Tylenol vs CVS pills, film packaging sets the vibe before you even shoot a frame. Good design wins, and these boxes look hella sick.
This film performs well across the board, with graceful shadow detail, natural highlights, and color consistency. Think of it as a well-layered film sandwich — if your sandwich were made of light-sensitive photochemical goodness.
⛴️ Ferry Shoot: NYC Skyline & Grain Glory
Back in the city, we grabbed a fresh roll and hopped on the Lady Liberty ferry with our guide Birgit.
The grain here is unapologetic — textured and alive, unlike the smoother Portra 400. Shots of warm interiors against vibrant orange steel? Chef’s kiss. Walking the ferry, capturing the New York skyline, the film’s color renditionimpressed across every shot.
If this doesn’t win you over — sharpness, low-light performance, colors that pop, grain that doesn’t overwhelm — not sure what will.
✨ Reflecting on Film, Creativity & Packaging
Maybe the point of Same Same is that film isn’t just about the final image — it’s about creative expression.
Mr. Negative’s films are exciting not just because of their chemical makeup, but because of packaging, marketing, and personality. In a market full of “same-same” films, a little flair goes a long way.
If you love what Mr. Negative is putting down, check out their online store — tons of unique films, some rare finds, and yes… totes! Who doesn’t love a good tote?
So, while pain pills, cameras, cars, and films may all seem similar under the hood, presentation matters. Same Same has personality in the box, the branding, and the name — and that’s what makes it feel different.
🍕 Wrapping Up: Pizza, Pickle-Backs & Film Love
After our ferry adventure, we celebrated the traditional Bad Flashes dinner of champions: pizza and pickle-backs.
I’d pick Same Same film over Portra 400 or Ektar any day — it’s got personality, vibrant colors, sharpness, and a playful grain.
What’s your favorite film stock packaging? Let me know in the comments below — and keep shooting!
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