What photography experience have you had?
Neophyte...First camera? Read the camera manual/book recommended/Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition by Bryan Peterson.
Transitioning from digtal to film? Understanding Exposure...
Film you wish to use?
Do you develop your own film?
Film: Pick ONE, and shoot with it till you know what it will do, and whether you like the results. If you like what you can do with it, go no further. If not, repeat.
Recommendation: Ilford XP2. 400 speed, very forgiving of exposure farbles, fine grain, (finer when you shoot it at ~300) can be processed in color negative chemicals, if you can convince the 19 year-old "expert" that it will not pollute his chemicals.
Expose properly, (for the shadows), adjust as necessary, shoot lots...the more we shoot, the better we get!
Excellent equipment....now make it do your bidding! After all, you ARE a photographer1
OOOps! 2009! I just gotta start reading the posting dates!
Anyway, maybe this will help someone else with the same questions.