Old fashioned film: I expect this has been done to death on here but, I am new, so bear with me. Recently discovered the joys of digital photography but many many moons ago did play...

calliach

I expect this has been done to death on here but, I am new, so bear with me. Recently discovered the joys of digital photography but many many moons ago did play about with a Practika and B&W film and did some developing. Any suggestions of how I could find a good quality second hand film camera, what I should look for and am I just being sentimental about film? Live in Scotland and do not have unlimited resources.....but if you saw my photography toys you would seriously question that!

BWur

Check eBay you can find some wonderful analog (film) cameras fairly cheap.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I still shoot a lot of film. One source for used equipment is Tempe Camera. http://www.tempecamera.biz/Default.asp
Look for the used subject along the left side of the page.
--Bob

calliach wrote:

I expect this has been done to death on here but, I am new, so bear with me. Recently discovered the joys of digital photography but many many moons ago did play about with a Practika and B&W film and did some developing. Any suggestions of how I could find a good quality second hand film camera, what I should look for and am I just being sentimental about film? Live in Scotland and do not have unlimited resources.....but if you saw my photography toys you would seriously question that!

Quixdraw Loc: x

Roberts Camera Used Photo Pro.

Brokenland

It's easy for anyone/everyone to tell you ebay, KEH, Adaroma, But why not try something diferant: Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/search?q=35mm%20camera) One reason to keep ones old film cameras as they will never go out of style. In fact The only reason im digital is because I didn't want to be or feel limited as to how many pictures I could take. the digital allows infant pictures while the film camera has it's limits. Ideally, if one is going to return to film camera I would suggest locating a medium format cameras.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

calliach wrote:

I expect this has been done to death on here but, I am new, so bear with me. Recently discovered the joys of digital photography but many many moons ago did play about with a Practika and B&W film and did some developing. Any suggestions of how I could find a good quality second hand film camera, what I should look for and am I just being sentimental about film? Live in Scotland and do not have unlimited resources.....but if you saw my photography toys you would seriously question that!

I still shoot film besides digital (actually prefer it over digital) and one way of obtaining one is on eBay, there are thousands at dirt cheap prices, so you just have to pick which floats your boat the most.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

calliach wrote:

I expect this has been done to death on here but, I am new, so bear with me. Recently discovered the joys of digital photography but many many moons ago did play about with a Practika and B&W film and did some developing. Any suggestions of how I could find a good quality second hand film camera, what I should look for and am I just being sentimental about film? Live in Scotland and do not have unlimited resources.....but if you saw my photography toys you would seriously question that!

I shoot with film - a lot. And most of my outfits have been assembled via eBay, antique stores, Craigslist, and FB sale pages quite inexpensively.

Decide what formats appeal most and have patience. 120 format models range from Pentax 6x7 slrs to fairly inexpensive TLR models and folding rangefinder models.

In terms of 35 mm gear, we are in a golden age of bargains. SLR models are a glut on the market, with many used top line models (even Leicaflex!) available at around $200. Glass is another story though, especially high quality lenses that will adapt to modern digital bodies.

35mm rangefinder models, both fixed lens and interchangeable lens, are also bargains. From relatively modern Canon, Yashica, and Minolta, to classic screw mount Leica and Contax, they are extremely cheap.

There is a large collecting community in the UK, and lots of instructional videos on YouTube.

Welcome to the world of user collectors!

Andy

calliach

Thank you...started looking on Ebay and want one of everything! xx

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

calliach wrote:

Thank you...started looking on Ebay and want one of everything! xx

You have to decide what you want to do. There are rangefinders, SLR's, fixed focus cameras, instant cameras, a lot of different types of cameras.

What exactly are you gravitating towards?

For myself, I mostly use a fixed focus simple camera that's truly a "point and shoot". Bonus is that it was pretty inexpensive.

Fill in some blanks here.

If you want to shoot the Practika again...here is one in good working order for only $10.00 on ebay....no bids yet.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pentacon-Praktica-LLC-35mm-SLR-Film-Camera-06-B13146A/362725732072?hash=item5474236ee8:g:iIUAAOSwRLJdUv~L

calliach

That is a simple but difficult question.....I presently like macro and texture....probably have some kinds fantasy about B&W textures, simple but elegant! Thank you for taking the time to explore for me xx

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

BWur wrote:

Check eBay you can find some wonderful analog (film) cameras fairly cheap.

Definitely! There are lots of good old film cameras on eBay. I've bought several.

Carnpo Loc: North Carolina

If you are looking for a 35mm camera it will most likely need new light seals and mirror foam. medium format, I have a Yashica Mat 124 and a Mamayia C330. C330 is very heavy. Both have great lenses. I am in US. Just had my Nikkormat serviced at Garry’s Camera in Illinois. $50. Looks and works as new. This camera is special as I purchased it in early 70s. Have Fun!

wvince

I have a Nikon Fun with a 50mm, 1.4 lens which I haven't used in awhile but I'm not sure how to get it to you

adm

First of all, film is not "old fashioned." It is still a viable option in this digital age. As for camera recommendations, I would stick with something mechanical rather than electronic, since a mechanical camera is more likely to be reliable and last longer. If something goes wrong, it is likely to be repairable, wheras an electronic camera will probably not be. There may be others but the two recommendations that stand out to me are the Nikon FM/FM2 and Pentax K1000, with the latter being less expensive. I do not know what resources are available in Scotland or England but KEH in Atlanta, Georgia USA probably has the largest selection in the world and I am sure ships worldwide.

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

KEH has some film cameras. Also eBay, Amazon, Pacific Rim Camera. Unless the seller can certify that the camera has been recently CLA’d, be prepared to spend some money on one. I recommend Zacks Camera Repair in Providence, RI.

I have acquired some film cameras off the shopgoodwill site. It’s always a gamble, but if you’re watchful you can obtain some decent cameras. I wanted an Argus camera for Argust Day 2019, and won a bid on an Argus 21 Markfinder that is fully operational - just needed a good external cleanup. A bonus was that a working Minolta X-700 was in the lot I won. I didn’t need it, but now I have a backup for the two I already have 😏. I’ll clean it up and display it.

Stan