Beginner's Guide to Film Cameras: A Primer for Novice Photographers

While digital technology has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we capture and share moments, there is an undeniable allure to the tangible process of shooting with film. Film cameras, with their mechanical precision and unmistakable charm, offer a unique journey for photographers and enthusiasts alike.

In this article, we embark on a delightful exploration of the world of film cameras. We'll dive into the reasons why these vintage devices continue to captivate the hearts and minds of photographers, both seasoned professionals and curious newcomers.

So, whether you're a seasoned film aficionado or someone intrigued by the mystique of this analog art form, join us as we delve into the captivating realm of film cameras.

In this article, you will learn:

1. What You Should Know About Film Camera?
2. How to Get Started in Film Photography?
3. Final Thoughts About Film Camera

What You Should Know About Film Camera?

If you have never been exposed to film photography but are interested in learning about it or engaging in it, the following are a few questions you should consider in advance:

Question 1: Why shoot film?

In reality, shooting film or digital is simply a matter of personal preference, much like some people prefer apples while others prefer pears. Film photography is by no means an outdated practice, but at the same time, one should not feel superior for shooting film.

Digital and film are two different paths with their own unique characteristics, and there is no definitive answer as to which path is superior.

Question 2: How are the photos taken with film different from digital?

In reality, there are several differences between photos taken with film cameras and digital cameras. Please refer to the image below, where the left side is a photo taken with a digital camera, and the right side is a photo taken with a film camera.

However, it's important to note that this comparison image does not represent the most typical characteristics or the most significant contrasts between digital and film photography.

Question 3: What do we mean by the "film look" in photographs?

In reality, the commonly mentioned "film look" or "film effect" is not a fixed and specific photography style. Different films and scanners can produce varying effects. Additionally, apart from the equipment used, it is also influenced by the initial shooting parameters and subsequent processing and scanning.

We can even say that the film look is merely a subjective perception, where you feel that the colors in a photo resemble those of film.

Question 4: Is film photography difficult?

Let's first exclude the discussion about developing and scanning film. When it comes to purely taking photos, there are both easy and challenging film cameras.

On one hand, Some film cameras are fully automatic, where you only need to press the shutter button, and the camera takes care of the rest.

On the other hand, there are fully manual film cameras, requiring you to set the aperture, shutter speed, and carefully focus manually, which can be quite complex. So, it can be said that film photography can be both difficult and simple.

The main challenge might be the initial adjustment period. Firstly, you can't immediately see what you just captured, and secondly, you have to wait for the film to be developed and scanned.

We recommend that beginners initially exclude the developing and scanning process. This step requires dedicated space, expensive equipment, and some of the chemicals used in film processing can be toxic.

Question 5: Are film cameras expensive?

It can be said that film cameras are both expensive and not expensive. Comparatively, film cameras are much cheaper than digital cameras.

You can find a usable film camera at a very affordable price (even 1/20th the price of a digital camera). This makes film photography significantly cheaper than digital photography.

However, why do we also say they are expensive? Because film photography involves ongoing expenses.

After purchasing a camera, you need to continuously buy film rolls to shoot with. If you choose to use higher-quality film from the start, it's entirely possible to spend around one dollar per shutter click.

Now that we've answered these questions, how interested are you in film camera? If you're ready to start shooting film, continue reading!

How to Get Started in Film Photography?

In this section, we'll dive into the basics of shooting with film. Whether you're new to photography or experienced with digital cameras, this guide will help you begin your film photography journey.

Step 1: Finding the Right Film Camera for You

Let's start by exploring the different types of film cameras available.

1. Fully Automatic Point and Shoot Film Cameras

Point-and-shoot film cameras are the ones that allow you to simply press the shutter button and capture decent photos.

They are designed to be extremely user-friendly, making them ideal for photography enthusiasts who prefer a hassle-free experience. These cameras are also highly portable, usually about the size of a mobile phone but slightly thicker.

Pros: No learning curve, compact and portable, generally affordable.

Cons: Limited control over camera settings.

Suitable for:

• Those who typically use their smartphones for photography but want to explore film cameras.
• Those who have no knowledge of aperture, ISO, and shutter speed but want to experience film photography.
• Those in need of a compact and portable film camera.
• Those with a limited budget for purchasing a film camera.

2. Semi-Automated Film SLR Cameras

Film SLR cameras come in varying degrees of automation, ranging from highly automated to fully manual. To make it easier for you to understand, although there isn't a standardized name for this category, let's refer to them as "semi-automated" cameras.

These SLR cameras closely resemble modern DSLR cameras in appearance and offer a high level of automation. They can autofocus, have fully automatic modes, as well as aperture priority and shutter priority modes.

The operation of these cameras is nearly identical to digital SLRs (which some find convenient, while others feel it takes away from the essence of film photography). The main difference is that instead of using a memory card, these cameras require film rolls.

Pros: Relatively simple operation, seamless transition for those familiar with digital SLRs. Some film cameras can even be compatible with certain modern digital SLR lenses (depending on the lens mount).

Cons: Larger and heavier in size. Requires separate lens selection after purchasing the camera body.

Suitable for:

• Those who have experience with digital SLRs (even if not highly proficient).
• Those who already have film SLR-compatible lenses.
• Those who want something more advanced than a point-and-shoot camera but have limited knowledge of photography.

3. Semi-Manual Film SLR Cameras

Compared to semi-automated film SLR cameras, this category of cameras tends to be older. These film SLR cameras lack fully automatic modes, and some may not even have built-in light meters.

If you don't manually control the settings and focus, it's quite easy to end up with wasted shots. However, the process of manually operating these cameras can also be a source of enjoyment.

Additionally, since they are SLRs, they allow for interchangeable lenses (similar to the previous category), and lens selection is required after purchasing the camera body.

Pros: Vintage! Artistic! These cameras often have a high aesthetic appeal and carry a sense of sophistication. Some photography enthusiasts believe that full manual control is the essence of shooting film.

Cons: Complex operation and a steep learning curve. Unless you invest time in learning and practicing, achieving a high success rate in capturing quality shots can be challenging.

Suitable for: Individuals with a solid foundation in photography who understand the relationship between aperture values and shutter speeds and have experience shooting in manual mode (M mode) on digital SLRs.

4. Rangefinder Cameras

What sets rangefinder cameras apart from SLR cameras? The biggest difference lies in the method of composing the image.

SLR cameras achieve a "what you see is what you get" view by incorporating a reflex mirror and pentaprism behind the lens.

Rangefinder cameras, on the other hand, simply feature a separate viewfinder window, resulting in a non-direct view. However, this design also makes rangefinder cameras generally more compact and lightweight compared to SLRs.

Which is better, the rangefinder or SLR camera? The viewing structure doesn't directly determine the quality of the camera, so they are simply two different types of camera constructions without a clear superiority or inferiority.

Similar to SLR cameras, rangefinder cameras can range from highly automated to extremely manual.

Highly automated rangefinders are beginner-friendly but may be less appealing to experienced photographers, while highly manual models can be challenging for beginners but enjoyable for photography enthusiasts. Choose based on your skill level and preference.

Regarding price, rangefinder cameras come in a range of affordability. It's important to consider your budget. Some luxury camera brands, such as "Leica," produce a significant number of rangefinder cameras, including high-end models that can be quite expensive.

Step 2: Find the Film You Like

There are many types of film available. In terms of formats, the most common is 135 film (Typically, when we refer to 35mm film, we are talking about 135 film), followed by 120 film, and there are also other formats available.

The term "film format" refers to the size of the film, and the numbers like 120 and 135 are just designations. The film format you can use is determined by your camera and cannot be freely chosen (unless you change cameras).

Cameras that use 135 film are the most common and relatively inexpensive, which is why most beginners start with a 35mm camera. So, it's important to understand that the film format is not something you can choose.

In terms of film characteristics, films used for photography can be roughly divided into color negative film, color reversal film, black and white film, and so on. Black and white film is self-explanatory, as it produces black-and-white images.

However, there are significant differences between color negative film and color reversal film. Color reversal film tends to be highly saturated and vibrant, but it is expensive and less common. Considering the price and availability, we highly recommend color negative film.

In summary, for beginners starting with film cameras, we recommend using 35mm color negative film.

When searching for 35mm color negative film, the next thing to consider is the film's sensitivity, which is indicated by its ISO rating. Common ISO ratings include 100, 200, 400, and 800, which are usually clearly labeled on the packaging.

ISO sensitivity refers to the film's sensitivity to light, and photography enthusiasts who have used digital SLRs or mirrorless cameras should have a basic understanding of ISO.

If you are unfamiliar with ISO sensitivity, you can simply think that the higher the number, the more sensitive the film is to light, allowing you to shoot in darker environments. However, higher ISO films also tend to have more noticeable grain in the resulting photos.

For example, on a sunny day outdoors, using ISO 100 or 200 film is usually sufficient. For indoor photography with artificial lighting, ISO 200 or 400 is commonly used. For nighttime photography, you may need ISO 800 or 1600 films.

Step 3: Shoot with a Film Camera

After familiarizing ourselves with the basics of film cameras and film rolls, it's time to dive into the heart of the adventure — shooting and developing your own photos.

The first thing to remember when shooting with a film camera is there's no "delete" button. Every shot counts. So, think carefully about your composition, lighting, and subject.

Here is how to capture the moment with a film camera:

1. Loading the Film: To start, load your film into the camera. Make sure you're in a low-light environment to prevent the film from getting exposed prematurely. Insert the film roll into the camera, pull the film leader out a bit, and insert it into the take-up spool.
2. Setting Up the Shot: Once your film is loaded, you're ready to take your first shot. Set your focus by looking through the viewfinder and adjusting the lens until your subject is sharp. Next, adjust your aperture and shutter speed.
3. Taking the Picture: When everything's set, gently press the shutter release button. You'll hear the satisfying click as the shutter opens and closes, exposing the film to light and capturing your image.

Step 4: Develop Your Film

In fact, we do not recommend developing film by yourself. Developing film requires a significant amount of space, time, and financial investment. Factors such as room setup, temperature, humidity, and equipment all need to be taken into consideration. 

Moreover, the chemicals used in color negative film development can be toxic. For amateur photography enthusiasts, it is not practical to include film development as a regular part of their photography routine.

In fact, many professional film photographers also rely on professional lab services for film development.

Therefore, we suggest that for the film development step, you can choose professional developing services offered online or by local specialized photography stores.

Here, we can provide a brief overview of the photo developing process for your understanding:

1. Preparing the Developer: First, you'll need to prepare your developer solution. This chemical will react with the film to form a visible image.
2. Loading the Film into the Tank: In a completely dark room or using a changing bag, remove the film from the camera and roll it onto a developing reel. Place the reel in a light-tight tank to prevent any further exposure.
3. Developing the Film: Pour the developer solution into the tank and agitate it gently to ensure the film is completely submerged. The development time depends on your film and developer, so make sure to follow the provided guidelines.
4. Stop, Fix, Wash: After developing, you'll need to stop the process by washing the film with a stop bath or water. Then, fix the image onto the film with a fixer solution. Finally, wash the film thoroughly to remove all chemicals.
5. Drying and Viewing: Hang the film up to dry in a dust-free environment. Once dry, you can view your negatives. To turn these into positive images, you'll need to print them onto photo paper or scan them into a digital format.

Final Thoughts About Film Camera

We believe you are now eager to purchase a film camera, but please don't rush. There are a few points we would like to clarify:

1. Currently, there are very few film cameras still in production. So, most of the film cameras you see online or in the market are used cameras. Sellers usually don't explicitly mention that the camera is used (this is not an intentional deception; it's just assumed that you know).
2. Since film cameras are mostly used, the price depends not only on performance and design philosophy but also on the condition and age of the camera. Some cameras may appear old with scratches, dents, and worn-off paint, but they can be significantly cheaper (around 10% to 50%) compared to a nearly new one of the same model.
3. The film camera doesn't determine your photographic style. The style primarily depends on the film and scanner used. So, don't have the misconception that more expensive cameras will automatically result in better-looking photos.
4. X-rays can affect the film. Although some airport luggage X-ray machines are labeled as "film-safe," according to Kodak's official advice, it's still best to minimize exposure of the film to X-rays. Therefore, if you have a film in your luggage, remember to request a manual inspection from airport staff during security checks.

(In the United States, airport security considers X-rays to have no impact on films with an ISO rating of 800 or below. However, the signs also state that you can still request a manual inspection if you prefer.)

As times have evolved, the traditional film process has merged with digital technology. By employing digital scanning or digitizing techniques, photographers are now able to create digital negatives, effectively addressing the challenges of complex darkroom processes and film preservation.

The conversion of film into digital negatives not only provides a more convenient and long-lasting imaging solution but also allows photographers to utilize post-processing software such as Photoshop and Lightroom to adjust tone, grayscale, and negative color masks, achieving the desired final image.

This enables digital preservation and editing of film photography.

However, during the post-processing stage, photographers can often get caught up in the frequent operations of editing software, leading to a loss of focus on the creative process itself.

This is where the TourBox comes in, a product that effectively liberates photographers' productivity and enhances their efficiency in their work.

In conclusion, film cameras offer a unique and captivating photography experience that continues to attract enthusiasts and professionals alike. The tangible nature of film, the artistic possibilities it presents, and the nostalgia it evokes make shooting with film a rewarding endeavor.

Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a beginner exploring the world of analog photography, embracing film cameras opens up a world of creativity and inspiration. So, grab a film camera, immerse yourself in the timeless charm of film photography, and let your creativity unfold with every click of the shutter.