Tips and techniques
Here are some simple tips to begin with analog camera and edit your photos.
1. Find a camera
In Mexico City, the Calle Donceles has many second hand stores where you can find analog cameras, in a wide range of prices. If you already have old lenses, you may bring them with you and see if you find a camera with the same mount.
You can compare different models and discuss with the vendors to find the camera that fits your needs. You can pay attention to :
- The lens : 50 mm is very common and versatile. You can use it in many situation, to shoot portraits, details, street photography or landscapes.
- The light sensor, the aperture and the shutter speed : every model has its own way to display this information on the screen.
Usually, the cameras have a 6 months warranty and they can offer free extra batteries and film rolls with the camera.
2. Choose your film roll
Within all brands, you can choose between :
- Black and white or color films
- 24 or 36 exposures : the number of photos you can shoot with one film roll. Consider that some laboratories will charge the same price to develop rolls of 24 or 36 photos.
- 100 to 800 ISO : more ISO means more sensibility (you can shoot with low light condition). A good balance is 200 or 400 ISO to shoot in almost al conditions.
3. Load your camera
When you load your camera, check the ISO of your film roll and set the camera with the same value. When you are ready, take a moment to understand the way the focus, exposure and speed settings works. You will probably be quite slow at the beginning but the practice will help to feel comfortable with your new camera after few sessions.