Vintage 35mm film photography has gained a lot of popularity in the last few years. Film cameras capture really unique pictures, but it’s good to know what you are getting yourself into when buying a film camera.
Let’s look over the pros and cons of vintage photography.
Pros
- It gives your picture a really unique style
All vintage film cameras give you that grainy vintage look that is really different from digital photography.
- Less editing required compared to digital cameras
One of the perks of taking pictures with a vintage camera is that you don’t have to edit your pictures. The camera itself basically does the job for you. The colors are more vibrant most of the time and the grain gives the picture a really nice finish.
- No need to charge your camera or use batteries
Vintage cameras don’t require power. This can be a big advantage if you are on the road and you don’t have access to power.
- Easy to use
Most film cameras are easy to use on the automatic setting. You can easily achieve a really nice look with almost no effort.
Cons
- You can’t see the picture after it’s been taken
Unlike other modern cameras, you can’t look at the picture you have taken and retake another one if you don’t like the result.
- You have a limited number of pictures
Vintage cameras require 35mm film. You can usually take up to 36 pictures on a 35mm film. This can be a big inconvenience if you usually take multiple pictures at a time to get the perfect picture.
- It can get expensive
While the cost of the camera itself is pretty cheap, the costs don’t stop there. You have to buy film, which can also be expensive. Expect to pay between 10$ to 50$ per film. Additionally, you need to get your pictures developed which can also get pricey.
- Film cameras are heavier than digital cameras
Carrying a heavy film camera can be annoying for some people, especially if it is brought on long hikes. If lightweight gear is important for you and you plan on carrying it a lot with you, digital cameras have a lot more lightweight options.
Final thoughts
So, should you buy a 35mm film camera?
Ultimately, if you really like the vintage style that 35mm film cameras offer and you don’t mind the hassle of buying the films and getting your pictures developed, it’s a great choice!
Popular film cameras on the market:
· The Canon AE-1
· Pentax K1000
· Olympus OM-1
· Minolta X-700
Did you like this article? Follow our page for more!
