When people say to me they are thinking about trying film photography and aren’t sure about what camera to get or where to buy one I tell them this;
Mention to everyone you know that you wish you had a film camera – bang on about it quite a bit – and then sit back and wait for the deluge.
Taken using a LC-A and 35mm film
In the same way that everyone today seems to have at least one digital camera per household, so it was in the day with film cameras – they were coveted and saved-up for just as their digital cousins are today so they tend to get squirreled away in attics and under-stairs cupboards rather than being thrown out.
Taken using Lubitel 2 and 120 film
I would say at least half the vintage/film cameras I own are ones that have been gifted to me by people who think I am doing them the favour by taking them off their hands. They don’t feel ‘right’ throwing them away or donating them to an unknown, possibly cruel fate – but when they realise they’ll be sending them to a good home where they’ll be cherished and used; it suddenly becomes a very attractive proposition. Everybody wins!
Taken with Pentax K1000 and 35mm film
I was recently given a bag full of camera goodies by some friends at work who are (unsurprisingly) trying to clear as much room as possible in their home. It was so exciting rummaging through that big plastic bag – better than Christmas even. The highlights of this particular haul were definitely the Holga (I’ve always wanted a Holga) and a Polaroid (and Polaroid film – you know I love Polaroids)! Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Taken with Diana F+ and 120 film
So yes – my message to you if you’re thinking of taking up film photography is talk about it incessantly to everyone you know – and even to people you don’t know. The worst that can happen is you’ll be branded a geek and not invited to parties any more, but it’s got to be worth it on the off chance you might hit the camera jackpot!
10 Comments
Stephanie
9 March 2012 at 20:10LOVE it! I’ve recently got into film photography after getting a Diana F and finding a Canon 500 SLR 35mm in a charity shop! It’s sooo much fun I can’t shut up about it. Now I’m just waiting for people to donate their old cameras to me.
Angie
10 March 2012 at 21:37Every trip to a charity shop is charged with extra excitement when you’re in the market for lovely old film cameras – there’s normally always at least one!
Keep on talking up the film photography – I’m sure someone soon will make your day!
Millie0013
9 March 2012 at 20:20I agree!
Since beginning my Photography course and mentioning to people how much fun I’m having in the darkrooms and the incomparable perfection film gives, people have literally been throwing them at me.
Now I have an obsession with collecting old beautiful cameras as well!
x
Angie
10 March 2012 at 21:38Yay – proof, if it’s needed!
It can get scarily addictive, but at least it’s nice to collect something you can also use
Kimberly
9 March 2012 at 23:51I am this close to getting back into film.
Angie
10 March 2012 at 21:39*Chants* Do it! Do it! Do it!
Rhianne
11 March 2012 at 16:09How has this not happened to me yet? I talk about them all the time
Angie
11 March 2012 at 18:35You might need to start talking to strangers on the bus 😉
Cass
12 March 2012 at 08:35I’ve been trying this for a while… Nothing came of it until this weekend when I got the following e-mail from my father: “Do you want any old cameras? I have Poppa John’s old Brawn as you know but also an early Olympus Trip (D Bailey’s favourite) and a couple of early compact designs from the sixties. You can say no or I can bring them next time and you can reject them.”. I have no idea what any of those cameras are because I’m an ignoramus but guess what: I didn’t say no! Poppa John was my maternal grandfather so anything of his is immediately a treasure anyway. Now I just have to start pestering him to visit… err… now.
Angie
13 March 2012 at 20:03That’s so exciting! I remember all the adverts for Olympus Trip’s when I was a kid – it was THE camera to have. Quite small too if I remember rightly so easy to pop in your bag and take quick snaps. (Also, these old cameras look awesome so will look great as ornaments – especially if they have sentimental value) I bet you use them and love them though!