Film cameras are back! From Instagram to art galleries, people are falling in love again with analog photography. Whether it’s the colors, the grain, or just the joy of slowing down, film photography is making a comeback — and it’s never been cooler to go retro.
TL;DR
Film photography is making a big comeback. It’s a fun, creative, and hands-on way to take photos. Perfect for beginners who want to learn the basics and slow down a bit. Plus, film cameras are often affordable and easy to use!
Why Film? What’s the Hype About?
Let’s be honest — we love shiny new tech. But sometimes, old-school is just better. Here’s why film photography is turning heads again:
- It’s real: No filters, just raw image magic.
- It slows you down: You think before you click.
- The look: Film has rich, beautiful colors and natural grain.
- It’s fun: Getting your photos developed feels like opening a gift.
Choosing Your First Film Camera
Great news — you don’t need to spend a fortune. There are tons of beginner-friendly film cameras out there. Here are a few popular types:
1. Point-and-Shoot Cameras
These are simple and automatic. Great for total beginners.
- Small and portable
- No manual settings to worry about
- Just load the film and shoot
Examples: Olympus Stylus Epic, Canon Sure Shot, Yashica T4
2. SLR Cameras
Want more control? Try an SLR (Single-Lens Reflex) camera.
- Manual focus and exposure settings
- More creative control
- Perfect for serious beginners
Examples: Pentax K1000, Canon AE-1, Nikon FM10
3. Rangefinders and Toy Cameras
Feeling artsy? Try a rangefinder or even a toy camera.
- Quirky image effects
- Fun and creative to use
- Often super affordable
Examples: Holga 120N, Lomo LC-A, Kodak Ektar H35
Understanding Film Types
Film isn’t one-size-fits-all. But don’t worry — it’s simple once you know the basics.
1. 35mm Film
The most common film type. Easy to find, develop, and shoot.
- 36 shots per roll
- Works with most beginner cameras
2. 120 (Medium Format) Film
Bigger film = better quality, but fewer shots.
- Great for portraits and landscapes
- Requires medium format cameras
3. Color vs. Black and White
- Color film: Vibrant, modern look
- Black and white: Classic and timeless
How to Load Film
Loading film might sound scary. But once you do it a few times, it becomes second nature. Here’s a quick guide for 35mm film:
- Open the camera back.
- Place the film canister in the slot.
- Pull out the film leader and insert it into the take-up spool.
- Advance the film using the lever.
- Close the back and keep winding until the counter says ‘1’.
Done! You’re ready to shoot!
Tips for Shooting Your First Roll
Keep it fun and relaxed. You’re learning, so don’t stress. Here are a few tips:
- Use lots of light: Film likes daylight.
- Start with color film: It’s more forgiving than black and white.
- Keep track: Write down your settings, locations, and thoughts.
- Don’t rush: Think before every shot—slow is good.
Where to Get Film Developed
Once you’ve shot a roll, it’s time to get it developed! You’ve got a few options:
1. Local Labs
Look for a film lab near you. Many offer scanning services too, so you can get your files digitally.
2. Mail-in Services
There are companies that let you mail your film in. Super easy and great for beginners. Popular options include:
- The Darkroom
- Richard Photo Lab
- Indie Film Lab
Bonus: DIY Developing at Home
Feeling adventurous? You can actually develop film yourself at home!
- Black and white is the easiest to develop
- All you need is a tank, chemicals, and a thermometer
- Watching your photos appear is pure magic
This is a fun hobby if you like hands-on projects and creative experiments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Everyone messes up at the beginning. Don’t worry! Here are a few things to watch for:
- Leaving the lens cap on (yes, we’ve all done it)
- Not advancing the film properly — check that counter!
- Overexposing or underexposing photos
- Opening the camera back by accident (say goodbye to your film!)
Is Film Photography for You?
If you love creativity, patience, and a bit of mystery — film is a great match. Here’s why you might love it:
- You enjoy the look and feel of vintage photos
- You want to slow down and think more about your shots
- You’re interested in photography beyond just digital snaps
- You love physical things — film rolls, prints, actual tangible photos
Final Thoughts
Film photography is more than just taking pictures. It’s an experience. It’s about slowing down, savoring the moment, and getting excited when your photos come back from the lab.
You don’t need fancy gear or lots of money to start. Grab a cheap camera, load up some film, and hit the streets or your backyard. Just start shooting and enjoy the ride!
Retro is back for a reason — and now’s the perfect time to join the analog adventure.