TM
The world of photography may have gone digital but there is still something about genuine black and white film photography.
it is more tactical and ultimately more rewarding, plus you end up with a physical item - a negative!
In this section of the site we endeavour to give you the information you need to obtain some timeless quality images.
Most manufacturers have ceased production of film cameras, so second hand is the suggested route. on the basis that you are starting out we will not recommend the best, which is leica. Instead we suggest a relatively affordable nikon route with a nikon FM2n body. we reference to a handy site to give you some idea of the camera.
You can go onto e bay to save money but you stand the serious chance of buying a camera which needs an expensive repair. In our view it is better to go to the best Nikon dealer in the uk, grays of westminster. they will help guide you also on the lens. We suggest something like the nikkor 50mm f1.4 AIS lens. This will allow you to take pictures without flash in dim light and gives you a near human eye perspective of the world in your pictures.
Which film and where do you buy?
You need the correct film and it needs to be fresh. we would suggest fuji neopan 400 35mm. Make sure you do not buy the CN or C41 film variant as this can not be developed by some of our listed darkroom boys and can give slightly substandard results.
How can you learn to take pictures?
Buying free cups of coffees maybe your best route. Near you somewhere is a old fashioned camera club and if you search the web you will find them. Their members will have switched to ditigal but many of their members, particularly the retired ones will still love their film cameras or at least if they no longer use them, the owners have a wealth of knowledge and perhaps time on their hands.
Another route is web searching. above we reference a typical site. if you look hard enough there are also many blogs and folk out there who will intimately know your kit and be willing to give answers, then there are old books including the ones sat on your local library shelves. lastly you could go on a course. The issue here is that you dont really want darkroom or photoshop skills at this stage. What we suggest you want is camera craft and photographing techniques as opposed to photographic tricks, so check carefully what is potentially on offer. good luck!
brian hobson, 56 market place, warminster, wilts ba12 9an, 01985 219398
We list a bunch of darkroom boys. the first is well known to us and is our recommendation, but he does not have a website. we suggest you phone first as these guys are typically one man bands with chemicals on their hands and it is wise to check that they are not on holiday etc.
When you send your film the developer will assume, unless advised that you had you camera set on the correct film speed. we always ask for the film to be developed (ie negatives produced) and a contact sheet prepared for each film roll. this means that as well as the set of negatives you will receive back an a4 sheet with 35mm film size thumbnail pictures. from this you can then select the best images to be enlarged.
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