Why I Chose to Adopt an Aging Film Camera

Contrary to what you might expect, my reasons are unconventional.

Embracing Film During Upgrade Season

Celebrating my shift to a half-century-old film camera might seem out of place during Fall Upgrade Week, but there’s method to my madness. It’s not for the nostalgic charm of grainy photographs or their enduring appeal. Instead, I believe it’s the most effective method to deepen your understanding of photography.

My entrée into the realm of film happened because my work in phone reviews slowly evolved into an assessment of their cameras — screens and all. This shift posed a challenge because, lacking a foundation in photography, I needed to upskill. Taking photos for work meant getting proficient in the hands-on aspects of photography, not just the theory.

Old Tech, New Beginnings

My first step was borrowing a dated DSLR from our studio. It sufficed for a mix of work and leisure practice shots. It taught me the basics of framing, various camera modes, and leveraging natural light. Yet, the convenience of modern devices, capable of automatic adjustments, hindered my learning.

To dig deeper, I sought a less capable camera to eliminate reliance on modern automation. But, constrained by budget, I scoured eBay. Eventually, I snagged a classic Canon from the '70s, complete with a 50mm lens, for just over a hundred pounds — marking the start of my journey with film.

Mastering the Fundamentals

My Canon, made from 1973 to 1978, has outlived its years but is still steadfast. It's robust and surprisingly intuitive, given its era. At its core, the camera offers essential functions like a mechanical shutter system, which sheds the dependency on batteries for quick shots. Initially, I leaned on its shutter priority setting, choosing a shutter speed while the camera picked the aperture.

It quickly became clear this method made me think about aperture implicitly. Opting for quicker shutter speeds forced wider apertures, affecting the depth of field. Conversely, slower speeds yielded a more focused picture. This realization led me to fully manual settings, relying on the light meter and my judgment to guide me.

The Importance of Each Shot

I've certainly captured my share of poor images over the years, with the wasteful nature of film being a constant reminder. Although rolls are inexpensive, processing isn't. Over time, I may have spent more on film than on a new digital camera, yet that cost instills a discipline: every shot matters.

With a digital camera, I'd snap dozens of images without much thought, confident in finding one good amongst the bad. But with film, the expense and the limitation of a roll transform every photo into a calculated venture, urging me to pay attention to settings.

Lenses and Learning

While film can strain the wallet, lens options are much kinder. My diverse lens collection was quite affordable, enhancing my understanding of composition details like light and depth which the standard 50mm lens couldn’t provide. Each piece of glass served as a fresh teacher in my photographic education.

Of course, there are drawbacks. Films can be pricey, especially during shortages, and mistakes with light can ruin entire rolls. While waiting weeks to reveal photos presents fun surprises, it also fragments the learning process — memories of the settings used fade alongside recall of the moment.

Balancing Digital Ambitions

A digital camera remains on my wish list. Some days, I dream of the effortless processing power, instant results, and the simplicity of auto settings. Through regular curiosity and research, a future purchase seems inevitable. Nonetheless, my foray into film has and will continue to enrich my photography skills once I embark on a digital journey. My time-tested Canon will still hold a special place regardless of the digital allure.