In an era where digital photography dominates, film cameras have made a nostalgic and artistic comeback. But what exactly is a film camera, and why are so many photographers, both amateur and professional, drawn to this analog art form? Below, we’ll explore how film cameras work, their rich history, and the variety of film formats that offer unique characteristics to bring your creative visions to life.

How Does a Film Camera Work?

A film camera captures images on a light-sensitive strip of film rather than using digital sensors. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1.  Exposure to Light

When you press the shutter button, a mechanical shutter opens briefly, allowing light to pass through the lens and hit the film. The film is coated with silver halide crystals, which react to the light and record an image.

2. Control of Exposure

The camera’s shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings control the amount of light that reaches the film. The shutter speed determines how long light is exposed, while the aperture controls the size of the opening that allows light through. ISO, or film speed, determines how sensitive the film is to light.

3. Development Process

After capturing the images, the film must be developed in a darkroom or lab. Here, a series of chemical baths develop, stop, and fix the images onto the film, making them permanent.

Unlike digital cameras, which immediately process and display images, film requires patience and an appreciation of the analog process, from capturing a shot to finally seeing the developed image.

A Brief History of Film Cameras

Film cameras have a fascinating history that dates back to the early 19th century, beginning with the invention of the camera obscura, a device that projected an image onto a surface using a pinhole. This discovery set the foundation for early photographic experimentation.

The real breakthrough, however, came in the 1880s when George Eastman, founder of Kodak, introduced the first roll-film camera, making photography accessible to the masses. With roll film, people could take multiple shots without changing plates, and developing processes were standardized.

Throughout the 20th century, film cameras evolved rapidly, with 35mm film cameras becoming the standard for both enthusiasts and professionals alike. Medium and large format cameras followed, offering even higher image quality for commercial and fine art applications. Film photography reigned until the digital shift of the 1990s and 2000s, yet today, film remains a favorite medium among photographers looking for a more tactile, artistic experience.

 Types of Film Cameras: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

Film cameras come in various formats, each with its unique qualities and applications. You can read more about camera format on our other blog post here

1. 35mm Cameras

Often called the classic film camera, the 35mm is compact yet delivers impressive image quality. This includes both SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras, which allow you to view the scene through the lens, and rangefinders, which offer a quieter, more lightweight option for street and documentary photography.

 

2. Medium Format Cameras

Known for their larger film size (such as 120 film), medium format cameras capture incredible detail, making them popular in portrait and studio work. They offer a larger dynamic range and more nuanced tones, though they are bulkier and more expensive.

3. Large Format Cameras

These use individual sheets of film, resulting in exceptionally high-resolution images that are ideal for landscapes, fine art, and architectural photography. Large format requires a careful setup and specialized equipment, appealing to photographers dedicated to technical precision.

4. Instant Cameras

Popularized by Polaroid, instant cameras produce a print within seconds of exposure. Their spontaneity and uniqueness make them a favorite among experimental photographers and fans of instant gratification.

 

Types of Film: Exploring the Aesthetic Options

Each type of film stock has its own look, texture, and quirks, giving photographers a wide variety of styles to choose from:

1. Black-and-White Film

Known for its timeless, classic look, black-and-white film captures shades of gray, emphasizing contrast and texture. It’s particularly favored for portrait and street photography, where mood and atmosphere play a significant role.

2. Colour Negative Film

This versatile and widely available film produces negatives that can be printed into positive images. It’s known for rich colors, smooth tones, and forgiving exposure latitude, making it suitable for a range of photographic styles.

3. Slide Film (Reversal Film)

Slide film creates positives (slides) rather than negatives and is known for high color accuracy and fine grain. It requires precise exposure but rewards photographers with vibrant and lifelike colors. Common choices include Fuji Velvia and Kodak Ektachrome.

4. Infrared Film

Sensitive to infrared light, this film type results in surreal and dreamlike images, with vibrant whites and deep blacks. It’s often used in experimental photography and landscape work to create otherworldly effects.

5. Specialty Films

There are also specialty options like redscale film, which is shot through the film’s red base layer, creating unique red and orange tones. Other films are designed to enhance grain or create colour shifts, adding an eccentric flair.

Why Film Cameras Continue to Captivate

In a world of instant digital images, film photography brings a slower, more intentional approach to the art of image-making. The grain, color tones, and dynamic range of film have a quality that digital cannot replicate fully. Film cameras encourage a deliberate process, requiring thought about composition, exposure, and light.

Today’s photographers appreciate this analog workflow, finding it both meditative and creatively liberating. Film cameras offer unique looks, rich histories, and opportunities for artistic experimentation that make them a timeless medium for photographers of all backgrounds.