Film Photography 101: How to Start Your Analog Journey

If you’ve ever wanted to try film photography but weren’t sure where to begin, you’ve come to the right place. This guide is designed to make your introduction to film photography as simple and enjoyable as possible. We’ll cover three easy steps to get started: finding the perfect camera, selecting the right film, and developing your images. At The Darkroom, we’re passionate about supporting the film photography community and making the process accessible and fun for everyone.

As a traditional lab with decades of expertise, we combine the craftsmanship of film processing with the modern convenience of our mobile app, allowing you to track your film every step of the way. We’re also proud to be the only lab we know of offering free inbound shipping for sending in your film—a small way we show our commitment to helping you capture and preserve your memories.

Step 1: Choose the Right Camera

For many beginners, disposable cameras are the gateway into film photography. Popular options like the Kodak FunSaver or Ilford’s black-and-white single-use cameras are easy to find and simple to use. However, while disposables are convenient, they have limitations. Fixed exposure settings and plastic lenses often result in lower-quality images, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

If you’re ready to upgrade, consider a reusable camera. Models like the Kodak M35 or Long Weekend cameras offer better usability while still being budget-friendly. But if you want to get the most out of film photography, look for a camera with a glass lens and exposure controls.

Tip: Ask your family if they have an old film camera lying around. Many people have cameras from the ‘80s, ’90s, or early 2000s stored away. These often just need a fresh battery to get back in action.

Popular camera types include:

• Point-and-Shoots: Compact and often fully automatic, ideal for beginners. There are a lot of Point & Shoot options and when it comes to price, typically non-zoom/prime lens cameras cost more while zoom lens cameras will cost lest but still produce good image quality. Below are some affordable Point & Shoot recommendations!
  • Minolta Freedom Zoom
  • Canon Sure Shot
  • Nikon One Touch
  • Pentax Espio
  • Olympus Stylus Zoom
• SLR (Single-Lens Reflex): Great for manual control and interchangeable lenses. Below are some affordable SLR recommendations!
  • Nikon FA, FM, & FE.
  • Minolta X-700
  • Canon Rebel series
  • Olympus OM series
  • Minolta Maxxum series
• Rangefinders: Less common but offer excellent image quality for those who enjoy manual focusing.
  • Canon Canonet QL17 GIII
  • Minolta Hi-Matic E
  • Olympus XA
  • Yashica Electro 35 GSN

A reliable and affordable option for beginners is the Canon Rebel series. These cameras are inexpensive, easy to use, and capable of producing stunning results.

Checkout this blog to see which is best for you! SLR vs Rangefinder

Step 2: Select Your 35mm Film

We recommend starting with a versatile ISO 200 or 400 film, which works well in various lighting conditions. For color negative film, you can’t go wrong with Kodak Gold 200 or Ultramax 400 with Fuji 200 and Fuji 400 being good alternatives as they will produce very similar results.

For black-and-white photography, try Ilford HP5 or FP4 for a classic look. If you’re on a budget, Kentmere Pan 100 and 400 offer great value at around $6 per roll. For your first rolls, we recommend sticking to one type of film to learn its unique characteristics in different shooting scenarios.

Where to Buy:

• Check out local stores or online retailers like the Film Photography Project for fair pricing.
• Avoid purchasing film on Amazon, where prices are often inflated.

Discover More with Our Film Index At The Darkroom, we’ve created an incredible resource called the Film Index. This interactive tool provides reviews, ratings, and sample images for countless film stocks. Best of all, it allows the film community to share their experiences, making it an invaluable resource for finding the perfect film for your style.

Step 3: Get Your Film Developed

Once you’ve finished shooting, it’s time to develop your film. While some drugstores still offer film developing, they often don’t return your negatives and provide low-resolution scans. Instead, choose a dedicated film lab like The Darkroom to ensure high-quality results.

Why Choose The Darkroom?

• Free In-Bound Shipping: We provide free mailers and printable shipping labels for your convenience.
• Easy Online ordering: You can order with our Mobile App or at TheDarkroom.com.
• Flexible Scanning Options: Choose from Standard (great for social media), Enhanced (perfect for mid-sized prints), or Super Scan (ideal for large prints and detailed editing).
• Convenient Image Download: Our File Operating System (FOS) allows you to view, edit, download, and print your photos, with an option to archive them all from the convenience of our mobile app or website.

We’ll develop your film, scan it, and upload the images to your personal FOS account. You can also order prints directly from your scans. Plus, we return your negatives, giving you a physical backup and return orders come with a fresh film mailer and order form for your next order!

Get Started Today!

Film photography is a rewarding and creative journey. Whether you’re experimenting with your first disposable camera or diving into the world of manual SLRs, The Darkroom is here to help. Check out our blogs and follow us on social media for more tips, tutorials, and inspiration.