How To Choose The Right Camera Films
Film photography has its unique charm. The nostalgic appearance of analog photographs is special and can sometimes be challenging to replicate with modern photo editing applications. This may be why some people like to use film cameras.
If you’re interested in this type of photography, the first thing you need to find is your equipment. For instance, you need a working film camera and a blank film roll. If you’re unsure of how you can choose the right one, here are some tips to help you out.
Know The Film Size Of Your Camera
You may think there’s only one type of film you can get for your equipment if you’re new to film photography. But film rolls may come in different sizes. Hence, it’s ideal to know which one your camera needs.
The most common film for classes you can find in the market is a 35mm film. It’s compatible with various analog camera models, so you won’t need to worry about using it with your unit. In some cases, films come in 24 or 36 exposures. This number indicates how many shots you can take per roll. Hence, if you wish to capture more images, getting a roll with higher exposure may be a great idea.
Other cameras that don’t use a 35mm film may require a wider roll. For instance, a 120-format film is slightly bigger, which produces bigger negatives. This film size is commonly used by some cameras made before the 1970s. So, if your unit isn’t compatible with a standard 35mm roll, you may need to get the 120-format roll.
There are other film sizes available depending on the camera you’re using. If you own a more sophisticated model, you may need to look for a specific roll for your unit. Overall, it’s helpful to know which roll size you need so you can shop for different films without any problems.
Identify Where You’ll Take Photos
The next thing you need to think about when choosing a suitable camera film is where you’ll take photos. Using the same type of film roll in different settings can produce varying results.
For example, using a film with an ISO of 100 during low-light situations may make dark images. On the other hand, using a film with a high ISO in daylight may result in overexposed outputs. Remember that a higher ISO film will be more sensitive to illumination than those with a lower value.
Hence, it’s ideal to know where you’ll use the film before you load one into your camera. After all, you can’t replace it until you’ve exhausted the shots in the roll.
If you’re learning analog photography, you can choose a film for classes depending on your shooting venue. For instance, if you’re in a well-lit studio, you can select a film with an ISO of around 100 to 400. Alternatively, if you want to capture images at night, you may need a roll with a higher value.
Overall, it may be a great idea to use a roll that works for indoor and outdoor locations to produce good results when learning how to take film photographs.
Pick Your Preferred Color Outcome
Another consideration you should remember when picking film cameras is the appearance of your photos. Unlike pictures from smartphones with great cameras, film photographs have a more vintage appeal and are more challenging to edit.
For instance, small details like the color contrast or grain on your photos may differ depending on your film. Additionally, you can’t fully erase them on the original scans. So, you must know what you wish your images to look like. After all, you have limited means to adjust a photo’s settings before capturing an image.
If you want to make your subject look more dramatic, it may be a great idea to use a black-and-white film. On the other hand, if you wish to make some colors pop, you can select a film with high saturation and minimal grain. This way, the images will have high-definition and clear elements. Films with good color outputs are great choices when shooting dynamic subjects like landscapes or colorful objects.
Consider The Price
Some people may consider film photography to be more expensive than taking pictures with more advanced equipment. After all, you must purchase a film roll to take photos and have limited shots. Regardless, some people still enjoy this type of photography.
Thus, when choosing an appropriate film, considering its price is a great idea. Some products may cost more if they produce more high-quality images. In addition, some brands are sold in packs instead of individual rolls, which may make them more expensive.
Knowing where and when you’ll use your analog camera is ideal so you can decide which films to buy. If you’re on a budget, choosing affordable film models that produce good results may be better. This way, you won’t break the bank doing film photography.
Final Thoughts
You need to consider various factors when choosing a film. For instance, you need to identify your preferred output, as different film brands produce varying results. Additionally, it’s helpful to know where you’ll take pictures as it’d help you decide which film is most suitable.
