>>3025978The absolute cheapest way would be finding the cheapest film you can find, like another anon said bulk loading kinda loses it's edge but if you're patient and can find your equipment for free, you'll be good.
>quality and convenience are of no concern>frugality is number oneThere is a way, and you certainly will be left with poor quality and it's a huge hassle to do.
C-41 discount film can be cheaper than black and white. Shooting expired/discounted C-41 for a cost of less than £1 per roll, developing in homemade rodinal (via stand/Tri-X times) and fixing would probably be the most frugal way. When you buy the film, buy it in bulk and push for a discount (more than 100 rolls). The more rolls you buy at once the cheaper the average cost per roll drops.
Your cheapest options will be for C-41: Agfa Vista 200 > Colorplus 200 > Fuji Superia/C200.
Black and white will be Fomapan > RPX and maybe Kentmere going around the same area.
Otherwise buy B/W film in bulk, only ever stand dev with rodinal and fix. Re-use your fixer over and over until it's completely exhausted even if your fixing times extend past 15 minutes. For that, a two stop bath would be your best bet.
Pricewise, these are based on European values. It will probably be more expensive in the US.
Also if you ever choose to go down down this path
>>3026003Ignore the can opener suggestion if you bulk load, retrieve the film tip and save all the canisters for bulk loading. For maximum frugalty, only ever bulk load in the dark, use paper as a film leader and spacer on the reel and only ever load your camera in a changing bag/dark room.
Have fun anon.
