In a world where the latest mobile camera is all the rage and digital cameras manage to create hundreds of perfect shots in one go, an analog camera has many advantages. Shooting in analog allows you to pause for a moment to try and capture the right subject. You have much more choice about what to shoot as the number of images is limited. For some, the craft of analogue photography is part of the appeal, and developing images yourself can often be an exciting and educational process. An analogue camera also has other advantages – such as the batteries lasting much longer and not having to worry about missing a memory card.
Step 1 – Buy the right camera model
Depending on whether you are a beginner or a more experienced photographer, you may have to choose between different camera models. In an older analog system camera, such as the Nikon F1, there is no automatic exposure control. This means you need to make all the settings yourself. If you’re unsure about this, it may be better to buy a newer analog camera that has more automation – such as the Canon AE-1, Nikon FE or Olympus OM-2. These models require you to know the basics, but they also have more automatic features that make setting the aperture or shutter easier.
Just like digital cameras have different sized sensors, analog cameras have different sized film formats. A larger than standard format (24×36) gives better image quality, but also usually costs a bit more. If you’re looking for really good image quality in an analog camera, you’ll usually need to go up a notch in size, and choose a medium format camera – such as a Hasselblad or Pentax 67.
If you’re looking for a cool photo expression where the errors can be part of the picture, then choosing a camera that is not so expensive can be the right choice. Here, the iconic Lomo camera is a perfect purchase that can be challenging while being fun and easy to shoot with. The Lomo has an integrated lens and is a predecessor of the compact camera. So you don’t need to buy a lens for it, unlike a system camera, where the choice of lens is an important aspect.
Step 2 – Buying a camera lens
Analog cameras are available both with and without autofocus, but most classic analog camera models have manual focus. Therefore, you should also aim to buy a lens that is adapted for manual focusing. Another important aspect to consider is that the analog film often requires bright conditions to produce a good image. Therefore, if you are looking to shoot in darker environments, it becomes more important that you buy a bright lens. Some lenses are better suited to a particular type of photography, so before you buy you will need to think about what you are shooting. In analog city photography, it’s common to use a fixed wide-angle lens, which is suitable for capturing an event up close. For example, a 28 or 35 with a brightness of 2.8 is a good choice. If you want to shoot portraits and have a nice blur at a reasonable distance, a telephoto lens with a shorter focal length can be a good investment.
Step 3 – Select camera film
Analog film gives a special feel to images that can be difficult to replicate digitally.
Film rolls can be bought second-hand, but for best results you should buy film that has been stored in a dark and cool place. For high-quality black and white photography, Kodak T-Max or Ilford Delta films are the way to go, but for a classic retro feel, Kodak Tri-X is perfect.
If you’re interested in developing at home, it’s best to shoot in black and white, as it doesn’t require as much expensive equipment as developing color film. What you’ll need to buy for self-development is mainly a developing box, for example from Paterson, and developing fluids. Then you just have to try it out for the best results!
Step 4 – Camera bag
If you’re going on a long trip, a large camera bag is the most convenient way to carry all your camera equipment, especially if you have different fixed focal length lenses, camera bodies, film or flashes to keep track of. Depending on what you need to take with you, there are different size options and storage possibilities. These days, there are many handy backpacks from the likes of Lowepro or Think Tank that work perfectly if you’re going out shooting for a whole day and need to keep your hands free. But if you’re looking to match your bag to your analog camera, a leather shoulder bag or original camera strap might be a more suitable choice.
