Rediscovering Family Ties Through Film
In early 2023, I embarked on a journey that would unexpectedly weave together threads of my past and present: film photography. My initial motivation was simple, yet profound—I wanted to reconnect with my father. He was an avid film photographer during his college days, and I saw it as a perfect way to bond after moving to Charleston, SC. While it didn’t initially bring us closer as I had hoped, an unexpected event set my path into motion and deepened my love for this nostalgic art form.
The Spark: Uncle Danny’s Pentax K1000
The turning point came last May, after the passing of my Uncle Danny, my father’s brother. While sorting through his belongings, I stumbled upon a Pentax K1000 tucked away in his closet. This discovery was more than just finding an old camera; it was a bridge to a man I wished I had known better. Though I’ll never know if Uncle Danny had a true passion for film photography, every click of the shutter feels like a shared moment between us. It might sound silly, but this connection has been a significant part of my healing process.
Finding Comfort in the Art
Film photography has unexpectedly forged a bond within myself, as well. The process demands patience and attention to detail—qualities I often struggle with. Working from home, I rarely ventured out, but now, the need to find subjects and scenes to capture has given me a reason to explore more. Each roll of film is a lesson in mindfulness, teaching me to slow down, breathe, and focus.
A Father-Child Connection Rekindled
Recently, I’ve seen film photography bringing my father and me closer together. Just yesterday I called him for advice on shutter speed settings. A dear friend had asked me to take her engagement photos, a task that left me both thrilled and nervous. As I write this, the shoot is just two days away, and my anxiety is palpable. However, my father’s guidance was invaluable. He reassured me and helped boost my confidence—a reminder of the connection we were slowly rebuilding.
Gaining Confidence Through Learning
To prepare for the upcoming shoot, I joined Skillshare, a learning platform, and dived into various film photography lessons. Despite my self-doubt, the structured learning and my father’s advice are slowly helping me build confidence. I realize that claiming the title of a photographer felt daunting, but now, I can no longer deny it. My love for film photography has grown immensely, and I’m eager to develop my skills further as a photographer.
The Journey Begins: My First Engagement Shoot
As the engagement shoot approaches, I’m filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. This opportunity feels like a significant milestone in my journey. With my father’s tips and the lessons from Skillshare, I feel somewhat prepared, yet the butterflies in my stomach remain. It’s a reminder that every artist’s path is filled with these moments of doubt and growth.
Film Photography Causes Reflection on the Past and Embracing the Future
Looking back, it’s clear that my journey into film photography has been more than just learning a new hobby. It’s been about reconnecting with family, finding a creative outlet that resonates with me, and pushing myself to grow both personally and artistically. The simple act of pressing the shutter has become an intense experience, connecting me to my uncle, my father, and ultimately, myself.
My Collection of Film Cameras
As I’ve delved deeper into film photography, I’ve collected several cameras, each with its own unique charm and story. Here’s a look at my collection and where I found each one:
1. Pentax IQZoom AF Macro (1987)
– A versatile point-and-shoot camera with autofocus and macro capabilities. Released in 1987, it became popular for its ease of use and ability to capture detailed close-up shots. I purchased this camera from eBay, a great platform for finding vintage cameras. Make sure it says ‘tested’ and ‘working’.
2. Pentax IQZoom EZY (1993)
– Another great point-and-shoot from Pentax, introduced in 1993. Known for its simplicity and reliability, this compact camera was favored for travel and casual shooting. I also acquired this one from eBay.
3. Nikon L35 AF (1983)
– Often referred to as the Nikon Pikaichi, this camera was released in 1983 and is renowned for its sharp 35mm f/2.8 lens and accurate autofocus. It was one of Nikon’s first compact cameras with autofocus, making it a hit among consumers. Another great find on eBay.
4. Pentax K1000 (1976)
– A classic SLR and my first film camera, found in my uncle’s closet. Introduced in 1976, it’s known for its durability and fully manual operation. The Pentax K1000 became a favorite among photography students and beginners because it teaches the fundamentals of photography.
5. Canon AE-1 (1976)
– An iconic SLR from the late 1970s, the Canon AE-1 was revolutionary upon its release in 1976 due to its shutter-priority auto-exposure mode. It quickly became popular among both beginners and seasoned photographers for its ease of use and reliability. I bought this one from eBay.
6. Minolta X-700 (1981)
– Introduced in 1981, this highly regarded SLR featured program auto-exposure, manual, and aperture priority modes. It was versatile and user-friendly, making it a great all-around camera and winning the European Camera of the Year award in 1981. I found this camera through KEH Camera, a reputable used camera company known for its wide selection and quality assurance.
7. Minolta SRT 101 (1966)
– Released in 1966, the Minolta SRT 101 is known for its robust build and fully manual controls. It was one of the first cameras to feature through-the-lens (TTL) metering, making it an excellent choice for those who want to master the art of exposure and composition without any automation. I also purchased this from KEH Camera.
8. Canon AE-1 Program (1981) – An advanced version of the Canon AE-1, the AE-1 Program was released in 1981 and featured a program mode that sets both the shutter speed and aperture automatically. It was ideal for quick shooting and learning, making it popular among both new and experienced photographers. I bought this camera from Roberts Camera on eBay, known for its reliability and excellent customer service since 1957.
About KEH Camera and Roberts Camera
KEH Camera is a well-known and reputable used camera company that has been serving photographers since 1979. They offer a vast selection of pre-owned cameras, lenses, and accessories, all rigorously inspected and graded to ensure quality. KEH is renowned for its excellent customer service and competitive prices, making it a trusted source for photographers looking to buy used gear.
Roberts Camera, operating since 1957, is another highly regarded retailer, especially known for its eBay store, UsedPhotoPro. They offer a wide range of new and used camera equipment and have built a reputation for quality and reliability. Their longevity in the industry and commitment to customer satisfaction make them a great place to find vintage cameras and accessories.
Embracing Film Photography: Tips for Beginners
As I continue to navigate my journey, I’ve gathered some tips that might help others who are starting in film photography:
Start Simple
- Begin with a basic camera like the Pentax K1000, the Canon AE-1/AE-1 Program, or the Minolta X-700. The manual settings for the Pentax K1000 will teach you the fundamentals, whereas the Canon or Minolta mentioned have modes that can assist you.
Understand the Basics
- Learn about aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. These are the core elements that will help you take better photos.
Practice Patience
- Unlike digital photography, you can’t see your results instantly. This teaches you to be more deliberate with each shot.
Experiment with Film Types
- Different films have different qualities. Experiment to find which suits your style best.
Join a Community
- Whether it’s a local photography club or an online forum, connecting with others can provide support and inspiration.
Take Your Time
- Don’t rush. Film photography is about the journey as much as the destination.
The Ongoing Journey
As I write this, I’m filled with a sense of anticipation for the future. My engagement shoot is just around the corner, and while I’m nervous, I’m also excited. This experience is another step in my journey, one that has already brought so much joy and personal growth.
Film photography has become a part of who I am. It’s a connection to my past, a bond with my family, and a path to self-discovery. I look forward to every shutter click, knowing that with each photo, I’m capturing more than just an image—I’m capturing memories, emotions, and a piece of my journey.
Starting in film photography has been a transformative experience. It’s taught me to see the world differently, to appreciate the beauty in everyday moments, and to cherish the connections with my loved ones. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, I hope my story inspires you to explore the world of film photography and discover the joy it can bring.
Here’s to many more rolls of film, countless clicks of the shutter, and the beautiful journey ahead.
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