Wanna go film,need pointers!Thank you!

[freebsdntu]

Hi all, I am planning to get a film SLR for the following reasons:
1) No matter how I save, just cannot afford a DSLR within a short period of time.
2) I am taking a photography course and film cameras are discussed and I need to take photos for assignments.
3) I also joined a photography club in NTU, and the guy in charge said I can access the darkroom.
By the way,I am currently using a Canon S3IS,I just feel a need to upgrade to a SLR, since I cannot afford a DSLR, so I wanna get a film one first to play around. I know little about film SLR and film development, so I really need pointers here regarding which camera to get, how much is one roughly and what film to get.
Looking forward to your suggestions,thank you!

 

[zj2000]

Why do you need to use an slr? the s3is already gives you lots of control.....

 

[ExplorerZ]

do be aware that you will easily spend more $ on film than on a dSLR with basic lens setup. Film$Develop$Print$Scan$... $$$

 

[freebsdntu]

Why do you need to use an slr? the s3is already gives you lots of control.....

Hmm, i am tired of the small sensor and low light incapabilities. Wanna try a SLR for greater flexibilities.

do be aware that you will easily spend more $ on film than on a dSLR with basic lens setup. Film$Develop$Print$Scan$... $$$

Ya,i have considered that,but I just want it for short period benefits,maybe after I have saved enough money,I will get a DSLR, i just don't want to save and wait with nothing for a long period of time.

 

[hacknet]

i made the jump awhile back. frankly, film isnt at all cheaper. look at it this way. the dslr body is only a portion of the cost. the lenses are still the same. and you're not going to get any magic out of film unless you get yourself some good glass..

i was in the same situation as you before. frankly, bite the bullet, get a dslr to learn. its really going to cost you a lot if you were to start getting the basics right with film...

 

[ExplorerZ]

Hmm, i am tired of the small sensor and low light incapabilities. Wanna try a SLR for greater flexibilities.



Ya,i have considered that,but I just want it for short period benefits,maybe after I have saved enough money,I will get a DSLR, i just don't want to save and wait with nothing for a long period of time.

haha you wun be saving if you are spending on film as always... :devil:
a good film would easily cost close or more than $10, and that exclude cost of developing, scanning/printing... etc

 

[Snoweagle]

I used to be a film shooter until i upgraded to a DSLR last year. What's yr budget? If u've no budget then go for the best. Canon EOS 1V or Nikon F6. If money's really not an issue, then can consider Leica.

 

[alternatve]

Hello,

Congratulations on your choice! I think you will find Film to be the equal of and even superseeding Digital. Just some pointers to direct you to the right direction.

First off, your final goal is to own a DSLR, correct? Thus, you should aim to get a SLR that has the same lens mount as the DSLR of your dreams. Thus, I would recommend Nikon and Canon AF Film SLRs. Why AF? Because you get to use the same AF lenses that you can mount on your future DSLR. Plus, accessories that you buy are more likely to be compatible with your future DSLR then if you buy a older model. I personally like using the older models, but in your current situation, a modern SLR makes more sense.

Secondly, since you are getting a SLR for now, don't buy the cheapest model. Rather, get a mid range to good model AF SLR. Why, you might ask? This is so your film SLR can act as a back up body to your DSLR later on. However, spend the money on the lens first, not on the body. The lens makes the picture, so don't slack on this one.

Thirdly, don't spend all your money on the camera and the lens! Remember to get useful accessories like a sturdy camera bag, a flash, a tripod and maybe some filters. A dry box is a very good thing to own as well.

I hope this has been some help to you. This isn't a set of rules, but more of helpful pointers. Have fun taking pictures!

Regards,
Samuel

 

[alternatve]

haha you wun be saving if you are spending on film as always... :devil:
a good film would easily cost close or more than $10, and that exclude cost of developing, scanning/printing... etc

I disagree. A roll of colour film costs around $4-5.50 (ISO 400). Development is $4 at most labs and scanning is around $6, for a total of $14-15.50 dollars. It would be cheaper if you develop and scan your own film. Plus, if you don't shoot a lot of pictures, a film SLR is acutally cheaper then a DSLR.

 

[alternatve]

I used to be a film shooter until i upgraded to a DSLR last year. What's yr budget? If u've no budget then go for the best. Canon EOS 1V or Nikon F6. If money's really not an issue, then can consider Leica.

If he can't afford a DSLR, I don't think he can afford a IV and F6, not to mention a Leica.

 

[CYRN]

Firstly, you wan brand new or second hand?

Secondly, what's your budget.

Cuz if you can afford a 1V or F6, I'm sure Dslr wouldn't be an issue.

 

[Snoweagle]

Hmm...missed that part out. Ok then, i'll suggest something like EOS 30 or Nikon F80. Both cost less than $500 second hand.

 

[freebsdntu]

Yes, I cannot afford F6, not to mention a Leica.I would like to get a brand new one preferably,but a good second hand one would also be fine.My budget is below $500.
alternatve,you have made very good points there,I really appreciate it! Yes,I prefer the ones with AF,since I don't know much about film cameras,and I don't want to waste too many films

 

[Frijj]

Scour the b&s section, you can get some excellent deals there (though now getting rarer and rarer - people selling old stuff more and more expensively).

I got a great deal for an EOS camera in b&s a couple of years back... $100 for body plus kit lens (28-80 USM). Sold off the lens for $80... so that body's essentially $20.

 

[scud]

there are many slr cameras available in second hand market, be it a full manual slr or slr with AF, which can be bought from as low as $100 onwards, depending on your requirements and conditions of the camera.

 

[alternatve]

Yes, I cannot afford F6, not to mention a Leica.I would like to get a brand new one preferably,but a good second hand one would also be fine.My budget is below $500.
alternatve,you have made very good points there,I really appreciate it! Yes,I prefer the ones with AF,since I don't know much about film cameras,and I don't want to waste too many films

I think manual focusing is more precise though. You can budget around $150-200 for a body, $250 for a lens and $50 for a bag. If you want a tripod and a flash, that'll be another $50. Quite tight, so many of the stuff has to be second hand. I have found overseas stuff to be cheaper, though I won't recommend it to you unless you buy from reputable online stores like KEH.com. Cash converters sell many SLRs as well, but bring a knowledgeable friend along to test drive the SLRs there.

Samuel

 

[scud]

Yes, I cannot afford F6, not to mention a Leica.I would like to get a brand new one preferably,but a good second hand one would also be fine.My budget is below $500.
alternatve,you have made very good points there,I really appreciate it! Yes,I prefer the ones with AF,since I don't know much about film cameras,and I don't want to waste too many films

i would suggest you to start with full manual slr.
with it, u will be able to learn how to see & feel light (not refering to weight) which is the basic in photography.

 

[freebsdntu]

I think manual focusing is more precise though. You can budget around $150-200 for a body, $250 for a lens and $50 for a bag. If you want a tripod and a flash, that'll be another $50. Quite tight, so many of the stuff has to be second hand. I have found overseas stuff to be cheaper, though I won't recommend it to you unless you buy from reputable online stores like KEH.com. Cash converters sell many SLRs as well, but bring a knowledgeable friend along to test drive the SLRs there.

Samuel

Thank you very much for the information!

i would suggest you to start with full manual slr.
with it, u will be able to learn how to see & feel light (not refering to weight) which is the basic in photography.

Ok, if it is that case, I will consider it, yes, I know go fully manual is the must go through way to be a good photographer, but I am just scared to fail in the early stages.

 

[scud]

a quick search within cs can returns some attractive deals in B&S for film slr.
1 ..... 2 ... ... .. .

 

[madmacs]

do be aware that you will easily spend more $ on film than on a dSLR with basic lens setup. Film$Develop$Print$Scan$... $$$

film slr should outlast most dslr.