How to Choose a Film Camera

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:ChooseFilmCamera
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How to Choose a Film Camera

Introduction

The boom in digital photography hasn't killed the market for film cameras. More than 80 percent of people with digital cameras still use film cameras occasionally, and great choices are available in all price ranges. There are a couple of big issues to consider when shopping for a film camera, and lots of features to choose from.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1

Step One

Get the picture--decide what you're shooting. If you want great vacation and family snapshots, you'll do fine with a point-and-shoot camera. Don't underestimate the quality you can find in these easy-to-operate cameras--many are full-featured with good optics. If serious photography is your bag, look for a single lens-reflex (SLR) camera, which gives you manual control over a number of features.
2

Step Two

Consider your film choices. For most uses, you'll choose between 35 mm and Advanced Photo System (APS) film. The former is easier to find, cheaper to buy and process, and easier to develop, while the latter (in the proper camera) lets you shoot panoramic and wide-angle shots on the same roll as normal pictures. See How to Choose Film for Your Camera.

POINT-AND-SHOOT CAMERA FEATURES SLR CAMERA FEATURES
Flash: Look for red-eye reduction and fill-in modes. The farther the flash is from the lens, the less likely you are to get red-eye in your pictures. Interchangeable lenses.
Timer and/or remote control: These let you appear in your own photos. Manual exposure control: You'll want to be able to adjust both the shutter speed and aperture.
Date stamp: This marks the photo with the date you took it. Automatic exposure control: Look for both shutter speed and aperture priority.
Automatic film loading, winding and rewinding. Automatic and manual focus: Some cameras will even track your eye movements in the viewfinder and focus on the element you're looking at.
Zoom lens. Film handling features: Look for autoloading, autowind, autorewind and DX sensing. With DX sensing, the camera reads a bar code on the film can and adjusts itself accordingly.
Panorama mode (in APS cameras). Flash capability: Some SLRs have a built-in flash. Make sure the camera also has a hotshoe, which lets you connect an external flash.
Price: $30 and up, with many very good cameras under $200. Price: $150 and up, with very good cameras around $400.

What To Look For

  • Point-and-shoot versus SLR
  • 35 mm versus APS
  • Special features

Overall Tips & Warnings

  • The majority of SLR cameras use 35 mm film, not APS.
  • You can find good deals on SLRs and lenses at reputable used-camera shops.
  • Some film cameras have LCDs like digital cameras so you can see the photo you just took (although you won't be able to erase it).
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