Starting with film, what camera to get??

Hi,

Another consideration is having or not having specialist repairers in your country. It can make a huge difference...

BTW, some cameras are happy with modern 1.4v hearing aid batteries, near enough to 1.35v to make no real difference. And then there's the weird LR 44 or SR 44 aggro, which I could never understand.

Regards, David
 
Ronald M said:
Your problem is you do not know how to get decent prints from digital. Today film is digitized by processors and that file is digitally printed.

It is the very same linear flat a digital camera produces. You have two choices. First is shoot JPEG from camera or use photoshop. You need a contrast increase curve to make the flat file look like film. Sometimes simply increasing contrast with the camera will do. Also add some clarity which increases mid tone contrast.

Without some manipulation, digital prints look pretty ugly. But film is going away as more and more places have stopped developing. You will be left with an orphan process.

Start with photoshop elements for $100 and learn to use it well. Send the files to a quality printing service, not the local drug store. Millers is one.


When you do not believe me, go to KEH Brokers and buy an inexpensive camera.
If you buy Nikon SLR with modern lens Ai or newer, the lens can be used on a modern Nikon DSLR when you make the transition.
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Or you can get an old enlarger for free, and print your own. It may seem daunting, but it is not at all difficult if you stick with b/w.
 
The OP simply asked for some recommendations of a decent camera system to try film. He's received quite a few lectures, a couple of tickings-off, lots of people telling him to change his personality and stick with digital, a few who think that nothing but medium format will do, while others are suggesting he set-up a darkroom and even print.

I don't wanna spoil the party, because if there's one thing the guys on this forum love it's dispensing advice, but how about we see how it goes with the camera, as a first stage?
 
I feel the Nikkormat is the best value in 35mm film. They are inexpensive and opens the whole world of Nikor lenses which are great and in MF very affordable.
 
mani said:
I don't wanna spoil the party, because if there's one thing the guys on this forum love it's dispensing advice, but how about we see how it goes with the camera, as a first stage?
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I still think he should reserve part of his budget for a decent scanner. :)

He wants to make albums. I've never received shop scans that I liked.
 
What I'd like to respectfully suggest to the original poster is that perhaps the solution lies in acquiring more photographic knowledge and expertise, rather than more camera equipment.
Reading books, joining a camera club where he could meet and mix with other photographers and learn from their experiences, or take photography courses, in my opinion would be far more useful than simply amassing more or different gear.
Robert
 
mani said:
The OP simply asked for some recommendations of a decent camera system to try film. He's received quite a few lectures, a couple of tickings-off, lots of people telling him to change his personality and stick with digital, a few who think that nothing but medium format will do, while others are suggesting he set-up a darkroom and even print.

I don't wanna spoil the party, because if there's one thing the guys on this forum love it's dispensing advice, but how about we see how it goes with the camera, as a first stage?
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This. There was a similar post on the Pentax forum recently and the poor guy, who was close to clueless hence his question, got inundated with a ton of stuff he didn't understand.

If you can't take a decent picture with a crap camera, you can't take a decent picture. Look up Trojan Llama on Flickr and see what can be done with an XA2 that cost 50p (33 cents US) and film at a pound a roll (US$70). He's killing it.
 
mani said:
The OP simply asked for some recommendations of a decent camera system to try film. He's received quite a few lectures, a couple of tickings-off, lots of people telling him to change his personality and stick with digital, a few who think that nothing but medium format will do, while others are suggesting he set-up a darkroom and even print.

I don't wanna spoil the party, because if there's one thing the guys on this forum love it's dispensing advice, but how about we see how it goes with the camera, as a first stage?
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http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2594267&postcount=8
 
Norwaycamera said:
Hello all.
New here and in need for some help.
I also hope I am not the only one with these problem. If so, what is wrong with me?:)

Have been using a small, compact digital camera for some time.
It is ok, but, I never have any photos to show.
Yes, I know, just download them, which I do, but still, you have to show them on your pc or laptop or.....Not like a album.
The good old album, it was great. You had photos to show and enjoy.

I also find myself taking more and more crapy photos, no limit, just shoot away......Hmm.
So, what if I start with film, then I have to get them developed, resulting in an album. Limited amount of photos pr. roll, so maybe I will slow down, with time, and maybe, hope so, get better photos in return.

So, my question, what camera to get?
I do not know, but I think an RF is a bit more difficult to use, that is why I am thinking SLR.
Budget?
All in all, with one lense, 35-50mm, around $1000,-

I really do like the look and feel of old cameras. Leicaflex, is a camera I do like, looks cool, feels well made and it is a Leica.

But, honestly, help, what to do?

All help is welcome.

Have a good day all.
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Any used film camera today, even Leicas, are less expensive than they used to be. If you have a passion or desire to use something, go with your gut and just get it, whatever "it" is. I like the M series Leicas because they are so different to using just about anything digital, other than digital M's, and mechanically they are exquisite cameras to operate.

I also own a fully operating Zeiss Contax IIA, which is a hoot to use and with some of the best lenses ever made during that era, but "manual" on another whole other level compared to something like a Leica M4.
 
ray*j*gun said:
I feel the Nikkormat is the best value in 35mm film. They are inexpensive and opens the whole world of Nikor lenses which are great and in MF very affordable.
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Yup.
Paid $15 for this Ft2 with working meter a few weeks ago. Soooooo much better than the K1000 which some are asking $100 for!
The K1000 was in its day a bargain entry level SLR and cheap. The Nikkormat was a pro level SLR and expensive. Same build quality as the F2, but w/o interchangeable finder or screens.
But the K1000 prices are high now due to recommendations of those who remember that that was what they first learnt with as that was what was cheap. Forgetting that there were much better cameras available at the time (and now)

But ultimately, they are all a light tight box w/ lens and shutter that use the same sensor..
image_zpslgb5ddub.jpeg
 
css9450 said:
That would scare me away from photography! Thank goodness for color slides; once I discovered Kodachrome I never looked back.
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But Kodachrome is dead...

Even if you use E6 slides, a good scanner is still needed. I use the Nikon Coolscan V, but Nikon has stopped making film scanners too...
 
Ronald_H said:
But Kodachrome is dead...

Even if you use E6 slides, a good scanner is still needed. I use the Nikon Coolscan V, but Nikon has stopped making film scanners too...
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True.

The OP lamented his not having prints to put in an album and show others, hence his realistic near term options are:

  • Shoot film and have a lab process and print the images.
  • Continue to shoot digital and purchase a printer an make his own prints
Getting good results either way will require learning both the technical and artistic aspects of his chosen medium.
 
Ronald_H said:
But Kodachrome is dead...

Even if you use E6 slides, a good scanner is still needed. I use the Nikon Coolscan V, but Nikon has stopped making film scanners too...
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I don't mean JUST slides; the OP wants albums full of prints so slides probably aren't the best choice for him.
 
I limit my film work to black & white because it's so much easier to process black & white film, and the Plustek film scanners available new today scan the film very well.

If I need a file with enough resolution to make huge black & white prints, I'll use my Olympus E-M1 or Leica M262 digital outfit, and they definitely are all I will ever use for color.
 
i would take it easy at first and get all of my scanning and printing done by a good lab. the cost will encourage discipline for sure!
 
David Hughes said:
Hi,

I think the trouble is that digital is too blooming (euphemism) easy. Instead of thinking I just push one of the function buttons and the thing does five bracketed shots and later on I pick one. Took me a while to stop doing that (all those photo's of my feet when I forgot the setting was still 'live' did it) and I've been making slides for 50 to 55 years and getting it right (and 37 or 38 slides per roll).

One of my reasons for using film, apart from the pleasure of handling and using the cameras, is so that I don't forget how to take a picture.

Regards, David

PS Talking of spending money, has anyone else noticed how the Leica R5's, 6's and 7's have become so cheap lately? A pity the lenses aren't...
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Oh, good to hear I amanita the only one photographing my feets.
 
Hello.
Thanks a lot for all the reply.s
Printing? Well, maybe I will try, but later.
Developing? Same.

I think I will be better off staring with one thing at the time.
Not making it to hard for myself.

So, camera.
I have not a Rolleicord VA2, borrowed one to use it for a week.
The same gentleman also has some other cameras, SLR, folders, RF and VF, so I will also borrow and test out more cameras.
BEFORE, I buy something. All with help from him and a member here who has given me very good help on pm`s.

But, by all means, I am open to more help/tip.
I have only started these, so help is needed.

Large frame? Hehheheh, well, It sure looks cool, but as some have told me here, do not buy something just because it looks cool.
On the other hand, who knows, maybe with time and after I am able to develop myself.

Cheers all.
 
Pentax MX or K1000, because of the beautiful lenses, and E6 film, for the beautiful colors. Lab can make prints from your best slides for a modest price.
 
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