Cameras, Buying Film, and Film Labs

Cameras

Acquiring a film camera is both easier and more difficult than you think. Plenty of antique stores have old film cameras. However, they may not always work or they may take a type of film that is no longer made. Disposable cameras are still available but being one time use they aren’t the best for long term.

Our Pentax K1000 35mm cameras was a gift from a family member, the 1938 Rollicord we found at a camera store that specializes in restoring old cameras. One might think that a newer film camera is better when looking at those cameras made just a digital cameras were taking over everything but the truth is the opposite. Older cameras are better because they have fewer delicate electronics. Once those electronics are messed up the camera is dead. However, the older cameras without them can be restored.

Film

There are actually a fairly decent number of places where photographers can purchase film. One of our go to is B&H. They have a large online selection. For the 35mm camera I use a lot of Kodak film but recently I have been using Ilford HP5 400 black and white. As for 12o film Keltin uses a lot of Kodak if he is going for normal 400iso but occasionally branches out to other brands when playing with higher ISOs.

I do want to note, that if you find expired film you can still shoot it, especially if it was found in a relatively climate controlled environment. I particularly enjoy shooting with expired film to see what happens. The rule that I use is to drop the ISO one stop for every ten years expired.

The picture above was taken on Kodak 400 film that had expired 20 years ago. I shot it at 100ISO and I let the film lab know what was going on before it was developed as shooting at a different ISO than listed changes the development process.

Film Labs

Film can also be purchased at film labs in addition to vintage cameras and this is where film is developed as well. Below are film labs that we have either worked with or considered using. Note, film labs typically develop the film and scan it before sending the scans to the photographer. All should have the option provide the photographer with the negatives. Negatives can be rescanned.

• Denton Camera Exchange – This is the shop where the Rollicord was restored and purchased. They don’t always carry film but they do develop film.
• Fort Worth Camera – This store sells mostly digital cameras however, they do sell and process film as well and do a good job. This is a good place to get some specialty film. They are also a good print shop and they have photography classes.
• Wilson Camera – This store is all about film and only film. We found them on accident on our first trip to Phoenix. They do sell antique camera along with a wide variety of film. They are also have the fastest turn around time on film development.
• Indie Film Lab – We have not used Indie Film Lab but they do sell film at cost. They have been around for a while developing and printing film photos.
• Carmencite Film Lab – This lab is located in Valencia, Spain. The first time we traveled to Europe with film, I researched film labs in case we had any issues and needed to buy more. We did end up having some questions and stopped by this film lab to get them answered. We did not end up buying film or having any processed with them but they were super nice.

Conclusion

I’ve thrown a lot of information your way. Every time I think I’ve learned something about film I find that there is new information to be had. I hope some of this helps you to start your own analogy journey. Be safe out there.

Thank you KW Photography for allowing me to use your wonderful photos!

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