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Is Film Photography Making A Comeback?
Yes, it is making a comeback - big time! Several new films have been introduced since 2022. Old film cameras have increased in pricing, and while good repair technicians are hard to find, more repair shops are opening up across the country. New film cameras have been introduced (Kodak Ektar H35N & Pentax 17) or previous models have been re-introduced (Leica M6). For more information, read this article on film photography revival.
What Are The Common Film Formats?
Films are available in color and black & white (BW). 35mm is the most common film format. It is available in a tin canister and typically has 36 exposures. If you buy a disposable film camera, it typically has 27 exposures. Individual rolls are also available in 24 exposures. Two decades ago, 12 exposure rolls were available in 35mm format.
The second most common film format is 120 format. It is not 120mm, as many mistakenly refer to it. 120 is the name Kodak gave to the film that is bigger than a 35mm film. 120 is also known as medium format or referred to as 120 rolls.
Lastly, there is the 4x5” or large format film. The 8x10” format is also available, though not as widely used due to its high cost.
It is to be noted that color film comes in two varieties; C41 processing (most common) and E6 or slide format, which is also known as positive film as it renders the actual image on the film base, unlike C41 negative film, whose colors are inverted into a positive image when it is scanned or printed.
BW films mostly come in a negative format with a handful of reversal or positive films, such as the Adox Scala 35 film.
Technically speaking, instant films such as Instax or Polaroid are also part of the film family.
We sell over 70 varieties of films.
See how each film really looks in our Film Sample Galleries, with real photos we shot on 90+ films.
What Is The Difference Between A Disposable Camera And A Reusable Camera?
Both use the 35mm film format in color (C41) and BW. With a disposable camera ($14 - $29), when you are finished taking the pictures (typically 27 frames or exposures), you send the camera to a photo developing service where they break open the camera to get the film canister out of it and then develop it. It is a single-use camera. It also has a AAA battery to power the flash in it.
The reusable camera is similar with one important difference - when you are done taking the pictures, you can remove the film roll and insert a new one. The reusable cameras cost $30-50 and also have a flash.
Lens-wise, both cameras are built using plastic lenses, which are cheaply made and add a unique look to the images. A bit dreamy, perhaps, a vintage look. Reusable cameras in the $30-50 range typically last for about 20 rolls. The advantage of the reusable cameras is that you can try out a wide variety of films on them. With disposable cameras, they are only available in a 400 ISO or 800 ISO sensitivity - typically, a Kodak or a Fuji film.
Technically, all SLR, point and shoot, rangefinder film cameras would be considered reusable cameras.
Note that there are no (at least not yet) disposable 120 format film cameras.
For those sensitive to reducing their carbon footprint, note that disposable cameras end up in landfill though some percentage of them are recycled.
What Is Film Developing? What Is The Difference Between Developing And Processing?
When exposed to light, the film starts an immediate chemical reaction that records what is known as a latent (hidden, concealed, or non-developed) image. The film has to undergo a multi-step chemical process to reveal that latent image. That is known as developing or development. Color films go through a different set of chemicals compared to BW.
Some folks use development interchangeably with processing. Today, we use the term processing to include additional steps of scanning the negative and/or printing the images. That is not an industry standard definition. We use it to differentiate a Customer wanting just developing versus the complete service.
We process color (C41 & E6) and BW films in 35mm, 120 medium format, and 4x5” large format.
How Long Does Film Developing Take?
Film processing takes 14–16 working days. Order here: Film Developing Services.
What Is An SLR Camera? A TLR Camera? A Rangefinder (RF) Camera?
Single Lens Reflex (SLR) as opposed to Twin Lens Reflex (TLR). In an SLR, the light travels through the lens and reflects off a mirror (that flips up when you press the shutter so that the light reaches the film behind the curtain) onto a pentaprism that is housed in the pyramid-shaped top of the camera to be seen through the viewfinder. This shows you the image as it will be recorded on the film.
In a TLR, there are two lenses; a viewing lens on the top and the taking lens on the bottom. What you see through the viewing lens is not necessarily what is recorded on the film inside the camera. The 120 medium format cameras are popular in the TLR format though some have adapters to use 35mm film.
A rangefinder (RF) camera has no mirror. You compose through a separate viewfinder window and focus with the built-in rangefinder: turn the focus ring until the two overlapping images in the center of the viewfinder merge into one. Because you are not looking through the lens, what you see is slightly offset from what the lens records, and if you leave the lens cap on you won’t notice until the film is developed. On a coupled rangefinder (like the Leica M3), turning the lens moves the rangefinder images for you. On an uncoupled rangefinder, you measure the distance with the rangefinder and then set that distance on the lens scale yourself.
What Is A Good Beginner Film Camera?
This is a commonly asked question that generates quite a debate. Globally, in photography classes, the most commonly used cameras are three 35mm cameras; the Pentax K1000, the Canon AE-1, and the Olympus OM series cameras. The K1000 is a minimalist, fully mechanical camera and, like the mechanical Olympus OM models (such as the OM-1), works in full manual mode without a battery. You need a battery only for the built-in light meter. The Canon AE-1 and AE-1 Program are intensely popular, but if the battery dies, the shutter stops working. So, the battery is needed for the camera operation and the light meter.
All three models have a great selection of lenses. The K1000 is the least expensive in terms of cost, followed by the Canon and the Olympus.
We sell film cameras with a 30-day warranty and include a 1-hour Coaching session in-person or through a video call.
New to film? Start with our Beginner to Film Photography guide.
Why are your prices higher than what I can buy on eBay or Craigslist?
- When was the last time you were able to speak to someone on the phone for your purchase from eBay or Craigslist? We believe in building a non-transactional relationship with our Customers. We offer full-service. Meaning that you can text us for a call-back, DM us for any questions you may have or for expert advice on any photography topic. Once you are our Customer, you have the peace of mind of being able to reach us Monday - Friday, 11 am - 6 pm, CT. Text us at (956) 492-7140 for a call back as it helps reduce spam calls.
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Every film camera we acquire, we randomly film-test beyond just putting a battery in it. For our Canon A-series and Pentax K1000 cameras, we send them to a trained and experienced (now retired) repair person who does a clean, lubricate and, adjustment (CLA) that is $225 value (inclusive of shipping both ways). We do the same for Rolleiflex & Rolleicord cameras ($400 value) for Hasselblad cameras ($550 value for the body and the film-back) and for Leica cameras ($500 value). Lenses are also sent for an overhaul, if necessary ($300-500 value). As appropriate, we film-test the camera a second time. Often, our listings show you the actual photographs taken with the camera listed for sale.
- Most of our cameras and lenses include a 30-day warranty service.
- We include a 1-hour coaching session over a video call to review your purchase. This is to help you understand the features and answer any questions you have. We want your journey of film photography to be rewarding.
So, as you can see, it is not simply about making an online sale. You have the service and support to backup your purchase by having someone you can call to ask questions about your purchase, how to use it, how to care for it, how to store it, how to travel with it, how to make the optimal use of it for a certain genre of photography. All of these full-service or value-added services are seldom available to you when you buy from most other online channels. Yes, on many online channels, you can return your items if you are unhappy with them but, seldom do you have someone knowledgeable you can connect with in-person or via DM, or on the phone.
We sell 35mm, 120 Medium Format, and Large Format 4x5 Film Cameras That Work. Canon, Nikon, Mamiya, Hasselblad, Rolleiflex, Rolleicord, Pentax, Olympus, Yashica and, more.
Is shipping free? How do you ship? Can I upgrade the shipping?
Shipping is not free; the shipping cost is calculated at checkout. Everything ships fully insured with the most economical carrier. To upgrade to faster shipping, text (956) 492-7140 for a callback and a quote.
Do all items work?
Yes, unless it is mentioned in the description that it is for display only.
Where are you located?
McAllen, Texas, 78501, on the Texas-Mexico border, deep South Texas. Note that we do not have a physical location - all business is conducted online.
Do you accept returns? Who pays for the returns?
Yes, with conditions. Text us at (956) 492-7140 or email pino@artbypino.com to request a return first; items sent back without an approved request are not eligible. Unopened items returned in the same condition are refunded minus a 20% restocking fee and the cost of shipping and insuring the return. If you cancel after we have packed your order, a 10% restocking fee applies even if it has not shipped. Opened items, sale items and gift cards cannot be returned. If we shipped the wrong item, or it arrives damaged or does not work as described (verified together on a video call), we send you a prepaid return label. See our returns & refunds policy for full details.
Do you buy vintage and antique items?
Yes, mostly film cameras and non-electric or manual typewriters. TEXT pictures and pricing to (956) 492-7140 along with any history or background of the item. Do your homework on what price you would like for the item. If you want an evaluation of the item, an estimated price, see next question.
Do you appraise items?
Yes, within our scope of experience and knowledge. You can find the value of most items by looking at complete sales on eBay. Keep in mind that the condition of the item will ultimately determine the value of the item. As dealers, we buy at wholesale prices, clean up items, service them, complete them, refurbish them, repair them and add our profit margin to it. Meaning that we will not pay retail for an item unless we are buying it for our personal collection. To appraise the value of your item, we charge an appraisal fee of $25+ depending on the item. We provide the retail price you can expect to get from sale to a private party, the price you can get by listing it online and, the price a dealer would be willing to pay you.
Do Airport X-Rays Damage Film?
The regular carry-on X-ray is generally safe for film up to ISO 800, but the newer CT scanners at many US airports can fog film of any speed. Always keep film in your carry-on (checked bags get stronger scans) and ask TSA for a hand inspection. They’re allowed to hand-check film.
To speed up the inspection, take all rolls out of their boxes and plastic canisters (keep 35mm film inside its metal cassette) and put them in a clear zip-lock bag. Alternatively, you can use an X-ray protective bag, such as those from Domke, RETO or Lomography. These bags show up as a dark object on the X-ray scan, which then results in a manual check for explosives.
How Should I Store Film?
Keep unused film in the refrigerator in its original packaging to slow aging, and let it warm to room temperature for about an hour before loading so it doesn’t fog from condensation. Get exposed film developed soon, and keep negatives in archival sleeves away from heat and humidity.
Still Have Questions?
You can reach us Mo-Fr, 11-6p, CT by texting us for a call back (it helps us reduce spam calls) (956) 492-7140. We are also on Instagram.