I started taking film photos a year ago when I arrived in London. My friend’s disposable camera would accompany all of our adventures, whether a birthday or a mundane day. When they were finally developed, we spent an afternoon browsing through them and every moment seemed sharper because we had a physical photo. Time lasts longer in the form and I knew I wanted to get one too.
Starting as a film photographer was easier than I thought. I discovered that I could buy an affordable point-and-shoot, pick up a roll of film at Boots, and get it developed at a Snappy Snaps. All of these were widespread chains, one just needed to look in the right place. A lot of online articles were telling me about focal lenses and shutter speed settings, I was keen to learn about them but they didn’t seem essential at the moment. I felt one could take a good photo regardless. I just wanted to capture some memories as best as I could.
So, what is film photography?
There are two routes in photography: digital and analog. Digital photography is what everyone is used to, it’s when pictures are captured on a memory card. These can be accessed when the card is slotted onto a computer. Analog photography replaces the memory card with a roll of film. When the shutter clicks, it captures the impression of the image on the light-sensitive roll. Most rolls capture 36 images as a maximum amount. There are alternate options with 24 or 12 images too. When a roll is completed, one can take the roll to a film shop which will develop it. The pictures are accessed on physical paper but one can get digital prints as well.
On a purely functional level, digital photography is more convenient but there are reasons why film is better. Every combination of film and film camera is different so photos come out with unique characteristics. Also, the grain and light are handled gracefully, something about it is a reminder of old times. It’s nice to preserve things as they are rather than edit them continuously, film feels like a more authentic medium.
How to choose a camera
For people who want to take a photo of their family, friends, or places without too much fuss, this is where I can help you out. The higher-level cameras (SLR which is the film equipment of the DSLR) have more focused settings. However, I prefer the graininess, hazy and amateur quality of film. When shooting with an advanced camera, the photos often come out like they were taken by a digital camera or phone; which I find defeats the point of using film.
Disposables
For easy shooting, one could opt for disposables or reusable cameras. These are broadly called point-and-shoot cameras. Disposables come loaded with film and can only be used once. Reusables come unloaded with film but can be used multiple times. The main thing to think about when choosing a disposable is whether you want your pictures to come out black and white or in color. Digital Camera World has compiled a list of the best disposables with their respective nuances.
Reusables
For reusables there is a little more to think about. they vary in size so pick a bigger one if you prefer how it sits on your hands. Some prefer a smaller one because they can pack it in their bag. Many point and shoots have the same film effect but with a digital screen. These are what I have mostly shot with as I can adjust the zoom, flash for red eye, camera settings for landscape and portrait shots, self-timer at the press of a button. These aren’t too expensive so I would recommend getting one and using the extra functions only when you need them. Even if I just press the shutter button with the automatic flash, my photo turns out without any problems.
How to choose a film
Film is available in 35mm which is the standard size. Each brand has a different configuration which can change the way your photo develops. It’s often fun to try out varieties of film but one could choose a single brand to maintain a signature and consistent look. Websites like Lomography have a collection of photos grouped by the same film which can help you determine the effect you like. These are some popular ones:
Kodak Gold
Kodak Gold is one of the most popular affordable films used by both beginners and professionals. Kodak’s range produces warm photos with a decent bit of grain. It does well with daylight photography because it highlights yellow tones. At nighttime with flash, the pictures have the same style.
Fujifilm range
Fujifilm tends to produce bright and colorful results. The shades pop out and are saturated. In cloudy or dim lighting, it replicates the mood of the photo while Kodak gives the impression that it is sunnier. The blues are accentuated in this film. A popular product is the Superia X-tra.
Kodak Portra range
Portra 800 or 400 is on the higher end than most Kodak and Fuji films. Used frequently by professionals, it does really well with accuracy in shades. Skin tones, weather conditions, and scenery are true to color.
Ilford
Ilford is famous for its black and white films specially HP5. They market their products as divided into two ranges. The Plus range features more grain and is better for beginners. The Professional range uses less grain and the latest technology for experienced photographers.
These films are available online if you search for them or in a local photo shop. They can only be inserted in reusable cameras. There is no need to buy 35mm film if you have a disposable.
The process of buying a camera
Film cameras can vary greatly in price so I find it more helpful to decide your budget and what you want from a film camera first. Here are some examples of how I would go about it.
Home and local shops
Most of us have childhood photos that were taken with a film camera. Chances are, they’re still in your house and they work perfectly fine. Ask your family members if they know where these cameras are, take it to a shop to see if it works and if you’re lucky, you won’t have to spend money buying another camera. If you choose an old camera, someone close to you would still know how to work it. This quickens the familiarisation process.
Also, a lot of local photo shops have second-hand film cameras. It’s quite helpful to ask even if it is not on display. My first film camera was a Pentax Espio which I got for £25. This is a reusable film camera with automatic functions. I consider reusables more financially sustainable than disposables which each cost £15-20 on average.
Websites specializing in film
The website has many such cameras listed. When going through the listings, think about what features you need and what you don’t. This camera has an automatic flash which helps reduce the time to take a photo. Beginner photographers benefit from this option quite a lot. The other modes include self-timer, taking photos in succession, and zoom; something which is a perk but not a need. If you choose a camera without the extra options, the price will go down.
Another way to reduce the price is to choose a camera and then use a google search to find all the sellers for it. Many sell cheaper alternatives on eBay. Focused websites for film tend to be more reliable because they have reviews and a standardized process. However, eBay is great for finding deals on hidden gems.
eBay
Here we have the same camera for a fraction of the price of eBay. Because it contains a wide repository of sellers and cameras, you are bound to find what you are looking for. Check that the post contains original images of the product and not some stock photos. In these photos, determine whether the camera looks clean. If there are slight marks, would it be okay as long as the camera worked or would it bother you? Look at the reviews and ensure that there is a return policy. If there is an option to bid for a lower price, go for it! They are usually accepted.
Tips to guide you while taking a photo
Disposables and point and shoots work with a similar mechanism to guide your thinking. Most are built-in with a flash that you should press when shooting at night or in a darker room. In dimly lit rooms, one can make a choice not to use the flash for the same effect. Not everything has to be perfectly exposed for it to be beautiful. Also, when pointing at a mirror, it is easier to switch the flash off because it dominates the frame otherwise.
On taking good photos
These are the technicalities but what makes a good photo depends on the person. Some prefer to capture buildings, some prefer people. Some prefer quieter moments while others have chaos. Also, some prefer odd angles while others like straightforward ones. Some go by a mood, others by an event. It’s nice to think about what moves you as a photographer and the look you want your pictures to have. What about a photo that makes it distinctly yours?
