We hear a lot about the resurgence of photographers shooting on analog film. Whether using an SLR, point-and-shoot camera, or disposable; people seem to be enjoying the look, and charm, of using a film camera even more so now than any point in the past two decades.
I’ve come to the recent realization that many of my high school photography students had never even seen a film camera before I brought some in- let alone used one. This shocked me, as someone less than ten years older who’s childhood was captured on 35mm point-and-shoots and disposables.
The charm of using a fully manual, 35mm SLR film camera for the first time intrigued my students. Although they found it easier to use a point-and-shoot, they found the control and look of the SLR camera much more rewarding.
This is for good reason, too. For best results, I would recommend shooting manually on a 35mm SLR for film photographers. You get more range, depth, and control of your focus and exposure. Additionally, you can get into some pretty niche experimental techniques. This trumps using a point-and-shoot any day. However, if you have never loaded or shot with any type of film camera before, it’s best to learn on a cheap 35mm point-and-shoot. Then, it’s easier to fine-tune your skills on an SLR when you’re more confident with your abilities.
Similarly, if you’re wanting to learn how to shoot on film as a filmmaker rather than photographer, I recommend starting with the easiest route- Super 8mm. You don’t have to be an expert yet; just pop the cartridge with the film pre-loaded into the camera, and it’s ready to shoot.
Where to Find a Working Film Camera
Any time I purchase a film camera, or film equipment, I head to Facebook Marketplace or eBay first. There are dozens of people in my area selling their parent’s or grandparent’s film cameras every time I check. Often, they are listed for much lower than market value. I’ve found my favorite cameras from anywhere between $10-$40 a piece.
Make sure to check your local thrift stores as well. When I started out, I happened upon my first point-and-shoot at my local thrift for $10 (pictured below).
Where to Find The Right Film at a Low-Price
The correct size film depends on what format of a camera you have. For a 35mm camera, obviously you would purchase 35mm film (sometimes listed as 135mm when it’s movie film stock). If you’re unsure about what format camera you have, look up the manual for your camera online.
I like to get my film from sales at B&H Photo, but occasionally I’ll come across cheap rolls on Amazon. Another favorite of mine when expanding my range of film stocks to try is Etsy. You may have to dig for a bit, but nothing beats Etsy’s prices when it comes to experimental film stocks loaded by independent vendors.
For shooting on 35mm, my favorite daylight color films are from CineStill. This is a motion picture film, with the emulsion altered for the ability to develop using the C-41 developing process. Plus, it gives a great red halation effect on areas of high exposure (the brighter points in your image).
*Tip: Store your film in the freezer/fridge until 12 hours before you use it, and after shooting until it is developed. This keeps the film from any sort of degrading that it may encounter in the heat.
How to Load a Film Camera
Different cameras vary slightly in the way they load, but process is the same nonetheless.
Upon opening a 35mm format SLR or point-and-shoot, you’ll find that there is an opening on one side the same size as your roll of film. On the other side, there will be what is called a “take-up spool”.
Place your film in the opening, making sure it is secure. Grab the leader (the curved edge of film protruding from your roll of film) and stretch it across to the take-up spool. For point-and-shoots, once you get the leader locked onto your spool, you may close the camera and it should wind up the film for you.
If you are shooting on an SLR, you may have to wind the film around the spool yourself using the advance lever.
Developing the Film
Once you have shot and rewound your roll of film, you can either take it to a film developing lab, or develop it yourself. If you plan to develop film often, learning to develop it yourself is a much cheaper option!