#C 41 process black and white film manual#

The manual focus lenses from older cameras are also often a bargain and many of them can be used on current digital bodies. Few film cameras have these features, and some of the ones that do have early versions with less-than-ideal performance. Some features that are quite common on current digital cameras are relatively recent inventions the first autofocus cameras appeared in the 1980s and the first image stabilisation systems around the turn of the century. Even adding the cost of having a technician do a CLA (clean, lubricate & adjust), the prices are still good.

Plenty of lesser old cameras are also available and often dirt cheap. Most travellers cannot afford and do not need today's top-of-the-line pro digital body - several thousand dollars and very heavy mainly because of enormous batteries - but a 20-year-old top-of-the-line pro film body is much lighter because it does not need the batteries and far cheaper they sell for a few hundred dollars at a camera dealer or online auction site, and often less if you can find one in a thrift store or at a garage sale. Used film cameras are a bargain in today's market used professional film equipment often sells for less than even a low-end digital camera. For digital options see the general Travel photography article and the article on more advanced systems at Travel photography/Full systems. This article covers using film cameras for travel.

A disadvantage is that, unless you shoot black-and-white and have your own darkroom, the cost of film and developing services adds up quickly. Travel photographyįilm cameras are like LP records: they have dedicated fans who feel that the digital revolution has taken the soul away.Ĭertainly film cameras can still produce fine images - after all, many of the world's most famous photos were taken with them - and some fine older cameras are now remarkably cheap. This is about physical film for still photography.

C 41 process black and white film