How To Shoot Film in 2022 (A Quick Guide)

How to shoot 35mm film in 2022, a quick beginners guide from choosing the film camera that suits you best to my best beginner film recommendations!

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MY FILM RECOMMENDATIONS!:

DEALS:

My favorite Film Stocks:

MY EDITING RIG:

Landscape Essentials:

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[TerriblyCinemaddict]

I would argue that it's the best time if you were ALREADY into film (because of new stock releases). I would say it's the worst for entry. Basic Point and Shoot prices are higher than they have ever been, with decent ones being minimum $200 it's crazy. Film costs are high, as well as the cost to have pictures developed.

[landesnorm]

As a kid with a camera in the 60s, film was the only way. I pity the film guys now because they have so few choices in film stock. I kept shooting film up until the first decade of the 2000s. I saw all the "great" film stocks diminish: Kodachrome, Pan F, even Verichrome Pan was pretty good. And printing papers, color and B&W, have suffered, too. Not to mention chemistry and labs. Three days to see film? Color transparencies we had to see in 2 hours. B&W we souped ourselves. And we shot everything from 35mm to 8x10 inch film. Dye transfer and cibachrome prints were still available, too.

[thorstenjaspert]

For digital full frame photographers have the possibility to use their lenses with film cameras. For example actual Canon EF mount lenses are compatible with Canons analogue EOS series. You have only to change the body. A lot of Canon EOS camera bodies are available on eBay. So you have no additional cost for new lenses. A quick and cheap way getting in touch with a good film camera.

[TheFilmFellow]

I agree with your assertion that right now is the best time to start film photography. Cameras which cost a grand or two can now be had for $200–$300; Nikon F100, Nikon F3, etc. Not to mention lenses. It’s easier than ever to develop both black & white and color at home. Even slides! Tons of videos online to get you started. Better quality film stocks although admittedly less options. Objectively seen completely agree.

[alexromero]

Just picked up a Minolta XD-11 last month as my first camera and ran through a roll of Kodak Ultramax 400, and I’ve gotta say… they came out terrible lol so much shake, out of focus, or just too dark. But that’s what I love about being a beginner, it’s a learning process. I’m trying out Portra 400 when I take a trip to portland next week with a new 4.5mm f2 Rokkor lens and hopefully they come out crisp, colorful, and clear. Your videos definitely helped me out in choosing a camera and understand how to shoot film. Even if I’m not good yet, I’ll get there with your help. Thanks dude

[cyrusm]

I just picked up two 70s rangefinder cameras this year, which are the Yashica Electro 35 GS and a Miranda Sensoret. I got each of them for $38. Both are in working condition. Excited to see what photos come out of these cameras!

[IruAW]

I'm using two cameras right now, an Olympus OM1 and an Oly Superzoom 115, my very serious reason for choosing this particular combo is that my parents had both lying at home in a closet 🤣 I just brought the first rolls I shot in for development, excited for the results. I've been watching your videos religiously, thank you for inspiring me to start this adventure!

[BraxtonHolley]

I use to shoot film on camera as we all have at some point as I got older I noticed my dad shoot on a fully manual Ricoh super 5 and form there its been history. Since then I now have a Nikon f100 and anytime I can its in my hand. Film allows your creativity to flow in photography it not an automated system like so many other things now days.

So I went to college for film editing, but recently ive been getting more and more into my love for film photography! I took a film photography class in college. I had already owned a 35 mm camera ( Olympus OM-2S ).
My dad recently got me a film camera his job was going to throw away, a Brooksveiw wider 100. Which happens to be a INSANE 120mm film camera. And I plan to get my first TLR soon since I've always enjoyed the look and style of those kind of cameras. I cant wait to really delve into it. Help me force myself to go out and see the world maybe.

[anatorres]

My tip would be if you are in college check to see if there is a film photography class. That how I got started. And they show you the basics but also let you develop your film and print your film an a dark room. We even did some film scanning. I had a ton of fun and really developed a love for film photography through that class

[neilpiper]

Get a an old Nikon digital camera first like a D40 for £50 and then get a Nikon film camera like a Nikon EM or an FM if you can afford it. Nikon F mount lenses are compatible on both Nikon digital and film Slr cameras.
For black and white film I would recommend Ilford XP2 which can be processed anywhere that processes colour film.

[snowman]

Just got myself a Rollei 35S, super exciting! Trying out different cameras

[willstith]

I personally went straight to rangefinders but I totally get your recommendation to start with SLRs for me the form factor of the rangefinders is so much more comfortable. I also lucked out and found a really good deal on a Bessa and some lenses. SLRs are way more common and affordable.

[macgyver]

I found a Canon sure shot supreme that was literally like new on eBay, and paired it with kentmere 400 and was literally blown away with the results from it. The f2.8 aperture is perfect!

[Robocobo]

Id actually argue that it’s the worst time to get into it! Barrier to entry seems
Higher than ever with more labs closing than opening, film prices skyrocketing and to get a film tested working point and shoot you’re even spending a ton

[nomoore]

Can’t say I have a ton of experience. But I’m not a beginner anymore for sure. I agree that an SLR is a GREAT beginner film camera. The quality that you get in comparison to entry level point and shoot cameras is superb! The thing I like about your SLR recommendations is that they are SIMPLE to operate. They don’t have complicated controls like some of the later auto focus film cameras. It’s enough automation to be useful, but not too many features that could overwhelm. My experience with P&S cameras has been underwhelming for sure. The photos always look amateur and the exposure or focus is usually off. Though I admit I haven’t tried an expensive one yet. I tried a rangefinder once and could not get used to the manual focus system. Though I know many people get along with it just fine. Kodak Gold 200 is my favorite color film so far. Love the colors, grain and consistent performance.

[XBojangsX]

I can understand both sides. Worst time to get into film because of costs of certain cameras & film + development. At the end of the day the barrier to entry for a film camera is still much lower than digital for most. You can get a handful what was near top of the line quality cameras of the 60s-90s for the price of one modern day digital. I will say the prices of some of these point and shoots & rangefinders are ridiculous but these some bargains still to be found, it just may not be as easy as it once was but this happens in many niche hobbies. Continuously paying for film is no doubt expensive but it’s a good sign new films are being developed by these big players in the film game. Inflation & supply chain has increased the price and availability of film just like everything else. It’s a “good time” to get into film because as the hobby grows these companies will have an incentive to keep producing film thus driving the prices back down eventually in theory.

[yakimiks]

i used to own a lot of pns but when i tried an slr, i couldn’t get enough of it because i can manually focus and change the aperture. my 1st slr is olympus om10 but it’s electronic (same with most pns) and felt that it’s limiting me bc it’s aperture priority if you don’t have a manula adaptor so i got a nikon fm2n for reliability + quality! also, i recently got an olympus pen f gothic because films are getting expensive + it’s a half frame slr, best of both worlds!

[abussin]

Just got a AE-1p for Xmas first ever camera. I think I wanted more of a point and shoot but now I’m excited to learn more about film and this camera. Could you post updated videos for beginners asa iso and shutter speed

[alayssaalayssa]

I recently bought the Minolta x700 I was wondering if u could do a video on it?