Though I'm certainly old enough to have been a film photographer, my enthusiasm for photography has only evolved since the advent of digital. Digital has allowed me to learn through mistakes; has allowed a level of wild experimentation that would have been beyond my means if I'd been shooting film and paying for development.
Bolton Abbey, West Yorkshire - Fujifilm XE-1 with Carl Zeiss Planar F/1.4 - Fuji Astia 100F Emulation
That said, I can appreciate the 'romance' of shooting film. It does retain an aura and a kind of analogue purity that digital cameras don't have. The two main attractions to film for me are, firstly, the need for economy. Film encourages a different approach to composition and restricts the opportunity for trial and error.
Talia - Fujifilm XE-1 with Carl Zeiss Planar F/1.4 - Fuji Superia 100+ Emulation
This has developed naturally with me as a digital photographer. I'm far less of a compulsive shutter fiend these days, and take far fewer photos now than days of yore, but there is no doubt digital is conducive to a 'spray and pray' approach. I like the idea of the slower, more considered approach to photography. I'm not saying there is anything intrinsically better to this approach, but its where I've been going personally.
Bolton Abbey, West Yorkshire - Fujifilm XE-1 with Carl Zeiss Planar F/1.4 - Fuji FP-100c Emulation
The other attraction is the unique look of film. Each brand has its signature films, that, to certain eyes, are unmistakable. Film has various levels of contrast, grain, colour balance and saturation that combine to provide a recognisable aesthetic. VSCO ( link) produce a range of film emulation effects for Lightroom that come highly recommended. I've been experimenting with them, and most confess, have been pleased with the results. IT'S NOT THE SAME, I'm sure some people will say, but to me the photos do have that elusive filmic quality I've often admired.
Bolton Abbey, West Yorkshire - Fujifilm XE-1 with Carl Zeiss Planar F/1.4 - Fuji FP-100c Cool++ Emulation
With films being discontinued more and more, film emulation will become the norm. A bad thing? I must say, I've been considering picking up a 35mm EF compatible SLR to explore film photography, maybe before its too late.