Collection: Film Cameras

The Olympus MJU and the Canon AE-1 are popular choices for beginners. The Olympus MJU is a modern camera that's easy to use, while the Canon AE-1 is a classic 35mm SLR that's renowned for its reliability and image quality. Another good option is the Pentax Espio, which is a budget-friendly choice that allows the use of a variety of lenses

Loading a film camera involves several steps. First, check if there's any film in your camera by turning the rewind knob. Next, get the film ready and let it rest to match the room temperature. Load the film and ensure it sits on the advancing gears properly. Then, close the back door and lock it with the base plate if you have one. Wind the camera to let the shutter cocked, take a shot with your lens cap covered to keep the first half frame unexposed. Make sure the rewind knob has tightened and check the film counter. Finally, double-check if the ISO speed has changed to match the film you are using.

Developing film at home involves several steps and requires specific equipment such as a black and white developer, fixer, a changing bag, a developing tank and reels, a digital thermometer, a timer, and a bottle opener. The process includes soaking the film, developing it, and then drying it. It's recommended to start with black and white film as it's less complicated for beginners. The total process time it takes to develop your film should be around 5 minutes. You'll want to agitate your film gently during the first 30 seconds of the development to ensure that the film is soaked thoroughly into the chemicals.

If you don't want to develop your own film then we recommend getting it developed by a professional lab. Our friends over at Rewind Photo Lab provides C-41, Black and White and E-6 film developing and scanning.

The best film camera for travel is one that is compact, reliable, and easy to use. Olympus MJU is a quality film camera that many photographers and collectors are proud of. Its compact size is one of the main advantages of this camera. You can easily carry it around and catch the brightest moments while walking around

Some film cameras, like the Pentax K1000, are entirely mechanical and do not require batteries to operate. However, many film cameras do require a battery to power the light meter, which is essential for getting correct exposures. It's always best to check the specific requirements of your camera model

Yes, a film camera can go through an X-ray machine. However, the film inside the camera can be affected by the X-ray, especially if it's a high-speed film or if it's subjected to multiple scans. It's generally recommended to request a hand inspection of your film at airport security to avoid potential damage.

Shooting with a film camera can offer a different experience and aesthetic compared to digital photography. Film images often have a unique, organic quality that many photographers appreciate. Additionally, shooting with film can help improve your photography skills, as it encourages careful composition and exposure settings due to the limited number of frames. It's also worth noting that film cameras can be more durable and require less power than digital cameras, making them a good choice for certain situations