Twelve tips for beginners
The advent of digital cameras split photographers. In retrospect, total nonsense. Both segments have their advantages and disadvantages. Digital photography clearly dominates, so it’s even nicer when photographers return to analog photography. What tips are there for beginners who want to start taking pictures on film?
Cheap camera and film
The first Kodak camera was introduced in the 1880s. In over 140 years, countless cameras were built. This fact benefits us today. You can draw from a wide range of cameras. So it is not difficult to find a suitable model for little money to get a taste of analog photography. A 35mm camera can often be found for one Euro, sometimes for free. There are also inexpensive films for the camera.
Of course one can also start with a medium format camera, but these are usually more expensive and also the price per picture is higher than with 35mm films.
The cheapest way to start is certainly a disposable camera. With this you can play around without any obligations.
SLR with Prime lens
A great introduction to analog photography is a reflex camera. Especially in Germany it is very easy to find a suitable model, because especially in the GDR many robust specimens built. These can be found under the brands Praktica, Pentacon and partly also as Porst or Revue.
With a corresponding copy you can go back to the past. In addition a fixed focal length lens, e.g. a 50 mm lens, and you have a wonderful combination for photography.
Depending on the model, there is no exposure meter or automatic exposure. Adjusting the aperture, exposure time and focus yourself can be a bit overwhelming at the beginning, but you have full control and learn a lot.
Prime instead of Zoom
Why not zoom? Prime lenses offer a larger aperture and better quality for your money. They’re easy to use, especially when you do everything manually and you’re more focused on the subject. When you need to zoom in, you just take a few steps closer to your subject.
Take notes
One of the great advantages of digital cameras is the EXIF data. Each setting is written to the file. This comfort feature does not exist in analog photography.
However, information about aperture, shutter speed, film speed, film material, development, etc. is very important to identify possible sources of error and to learn, since there is no direct control. Therefore, it makes sense to log all important data, especially during the first attempts.
Get yourself an exposure meter
Newer film cameras often have a built-in light meter, but with older models this is often missing or there are no more suitable batteries for it. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase an external light meter. This can be a dedicated device or an app on the smartphone. Not only can you always check the correct exposure, but you also learn how to estimate it over time.
Exposure for the shadows
Films behave differently than sensors during exposure. One difference is that you should usually overexpose films rather than underexpose them.
Enjoy film accidents
Photographing on film can be full of coincidences and surprises.
An unintentional light leak (light that accidentally falls on the film) or an accident in the darkroom can breathe new life into a boring picture. If you are a victim of such a happy accident, remember what it was and try to replicate it if you like the result.
Never open the camera until the film has been rewound
At some point, it probably happens to every photographer that you want to put a new film in the camera and you realize in fright that there is still a roll in the housing.
In order to prevent this, it is advisable to always attach a note or a sticker to the camera when you have inserted a film. Moreover, one should rather shoot the roll full for important pictures than leave the film in the camera forever.
Try different film material
Fortunately, there is still a wide range of different films on offer today. Different colors, black and white, grain, contrasts, etc. The easiest way to find your favorite is to try as many as you can.
Do not throw away expired films
No one would drink milk that’s four years out of date. The sell-by date of films, on the other hand, does not have to be taken too seriously. On the contrary, expired film material can sometimes create great pictures. Nevertheless, you should be careful, especially if the film is really very old.
Develop your own films
If you develop your own films this is often cheaper and you have full control over the process. The process is usually not too difficult. For the development of black and white films you need a development tank, a measuring cup, a thermometer as well as developer, fixer and water. The effort is worth it if you hang up the film strip and see your pictures.
Have fun
Photography can be very complicated, especially when you have a certain image in mind that you want to create. Especially in analog photography there are many parameters to think about. Nevertheless, there is always room to experiment and try out. Just do it and have fun. This is probably the most important tip.
