What are the different types of film cameras?
SLR: Single-lens reflex camera
With this system, the camera has only one lens through which you can look, focus and then take a picture. This is possible due to a mirror and prism system that reflects the image through the lens into the viewfinder and then flips up when taking a picture. (A DSLR is exactly the same system as an SLR, just digital.)
One feature making SLRs so popular is that they have lenses that can be removed and swapped out.
TLR: Twin-lens reflex camera
In this system, the camera has two identical lenses. You can look through and focus through one lens thanks to a mirror system. The photo itself is then taken through the other lens. Due to these separate lenses you can continuously view the scene as the camera takes the shot, instead of the moment of black-out that occurs when using an SLR.
TLR cameras have the viewfinder on top of the camera. This requires you to hold the camera at waist level and look down to focus your shot, creating a different and interesting angle for photographs. They will also often have a pop-up magnifier to help you nail focus.
Rangefinder
Rangefinder cameras are a bit different as the viewfinder does not go through the lens. These cameras therefore do not need a mirror system, which makes them lighter, more compact and quieter than SLR cameras. The trade off is that because you’re not looking directly through the lens the framing of your shot may be slightly less accurate.
Point-and-shoot
These cameras are designed to be extremely easy to use. As the name suggests, all you need to do is point the camera at the object you’re photographing and shoot it. On this kind of camera, settings like focus and exposure are automatic, so there’s less for you to think about as a photographer. Though this of course means that you also have less control over your final images.
Point-and-shoot cameras are often recommended for beginner film photographers due to their ease of use and relatively cheap prices. However there are also plenty of more sophisticated and expensive point-and-shoot cameras on the market.
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Will X-ray machines at airports ruin my film?
Traditional x-ray machines are unlikely to affect film of ISO 800 and lower. However, the new and more powerful CT scanners can damage any and all film. We recommend always asking to have your film inspected manually.
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What is the sunny16 rule?
The Sunny 16 Rule is a way to meter for correct exposure during daylight without using the camera’s meter. It is great for photographers who don’t want to get slowed down by metering for every shot or rely too much on their camera’s in-built light meter.
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What does it mean to overexpose vs underexpose a photo?
Put simply, an overexposed image is one that is brighter than the reality of the scene you’re trying to photograph, while an underexposed image is darker than reality. Overexposure generally means you are giving your film too much light, and with underexposure you have the opposite problem of not enough light.
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Why choose film photography over digital?
Almost everyone has access to a phone with a decent camera, however, there is nothing like producing a roll of film with its unmatched richness and an emphasis on preserving the integrity of both highlights and shadows.
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How to unload and seal a roll of 120 film?
Keep the roll tight on the take-up spool as you remove it from your camera. Then wrap the attached paper band around the film and secure it in place.
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How to organize your film negatives?
Film Sleeves, Binders, and maintaining a chronological system for your film negatives are key to effectively organizing film negatives.
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How to avoid “fat rolls” with 120 film
A “fat roll” happens when 120 film is wound loosely around the take-up spool, possibly leading to light leaks. Avoid this by gently pressing your finger near the film holder while loading or shooting; this helps keep tension and tighten the film.
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What is film grain?
Film grain is the visible silver halide crystals within a film emulsion. This is the main photosensitive substance in film so it is what allows an image to be captured.
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How long can I leave exposed film in my camera?
In most cases, you can leave exposed film in your camera for a few weeks or even months without any issues.