Any advice for a newbie entering SLR Film Cameras?

[XsenseX]

Hi there,

I've quite abit of interest in shooting with film nowadays as i'm abit tired of the clean sharp look from my 5D3.



I'm hoping to still use my canon lens, especially my 85mm and 135mm which i loved.

As i know nuts about film cameras. I only know i should look for Canon SLR EF cameras that will fit my lens.

Any recommendations for a Full Frame EF SLR canon camera? I'm looking at the EOS-3

The second part is on the film itself, does it matter at the start which film i use?

Thanks in advance!
Ray

 

[barnabas2]

Hi there,

I've quite abit of interest in shooting with film nowadays as i'm abit tired of the clean sharp look from my 5D3.

View attachment 3607

I'm hoping to still use my canon lens, especially my 85mm and 135mm which i loved.

As i know nuts about film cameras. I only know i should look for Canon SLR EF cameras that will fit my lens.

Any recommendations for a Full Frame EF SLR canon camera? I'm looking at the EOS-3

The second part is on the film itself, does it matter at the start which film i use?

Thanks in advance!
Ray

hi ray ,

eos 3 is a great camera but may not be so easily available can go for the big bro eos 1n or the last of the great film camera by canon 1v may only be a little more but the shutter sound is nicer not so hollow and easiler to find accessories for the 1n

 

[Light Machinery]

As for compatibility with the EOS system just get a nice used Canon EOS 1V, the last 35mm SLR made by Canon. Plenty of bodies & accessories to choose from.

The EOS 1V is still available new from B&H . You can add the battery pack BP-E1 if you travel or need to add some bulk to the bottom.

Very nice handling and quick AF. Works with all current EOS lenses including IS lenses, works with all E-TTL flashes like the 430EXii & 580EXii.

Nice solidly built body.

I just got one recently & loving it.

Just shoot some Kodak Gold or Fuji Superia for the beginning. Once you get the hang of it, you can try Fuji Acros Neopan 100 B&W or Fuji 400H. Kodak Porta is lovely too. Film colors are a matter of taste.

 

[XsenseX]

Thx man ... I was looking at both EOS 1V and EOS-3.

Will look at into the recommended starter films. Thx

 

[nightwolf75]

you can always pick up a cheap SLR camera from places like CamX or Benphoto @ excelsior shopping centres. most of these entry level cameras are almost sold at give-away prices.

 

[Shadowleong]

You can also try click cameras in the same building

 

[XsenseX]

you can always pick up a cheap SLR camera from places like CamX or Benphoto @ excelsior shopping centres. most of these entry level cameras are almost sold at give-away prices.

You can also try click cameras in the same building

Thanks guys.

May i know what to check for as a lot of Film cameras are over 10yrs old (other than the physical outlook and the mechanical parts)

 

[nightwolf75]

Thanks guys.

May i know what to check for as a lot of Film cameras are over 10yrs old (other than the physical outlook and the mechanical parts)

make sure it can power up and the AF still functions. also check the film door for the lining. if the lining has fallen to pieces, forget it cos you are going to get light leaks. check also the viewfinder and the pentaprism mirrors to see if it has fungus. and the battery compartment to see if there is corrosion.

otherwise... most SLRs are pretty hardy. my EOS300 is still kicking after all these years.

 

[Light Machinery]

There are plenty of things to look out for.

1) Camera back light seal foam. It can disintegrate or becomes tacky
2) Reflex mirror damper.
3) Condition of shutter, check for light leaks.
4) Viewfinder check for fungus & delamination of focus screen, expect some dust & particles.
5) LCD display in the viewfinder
6) Operation of exposure meter
7) Operation of shutter at various speeds.
8) Reflex mirror for scratches, reasonably dusty is normal & acceptable.

9) For manual camera, check the smoothness of the film advance lever.
10) Check exposure meter operation.

11) Check for overall dents.
12) Check for cleanliness of the film chamber & pressure plate.
13) Check the battery chamber for corrosion

14) If possible shoot a test roll & have it developed.

 

[XsenseX]

Awesome thx for the tips!

Will report back with what i end up with eventually.

 

[anuar ahmad]

and take your time composing getting the right frame and exposure as you cannot delete any as in digital.
for any mistake or erroneous shot you would have consumed a frame and stuck with it until you advanced to the next frame or roll.

 

[crispy12]

Hi there,

I've quite abit of interest in shooting with film nowadays as i'm abit tired of the clean sharp look from my 5D3.

View attachment 3607

Ray

Is this from film or your digital camera? Doesn't look too clean sharp to me... looks very nice! hehe

Advise for newbies is... put film in your camera, don't be scared, just shoot!

 

[XsenseX]

Is this from film or your digital camera? Doesn't look too clean sharp to me... looks very nice! hehe

Advise for newbies is... put film in your camera, don't be scared, just shoot!

The shot is from a film camera ... I'm slowly liking the uneven grains that is just not possible to be done in post from my 5D3 images. The highlights and shadows also react very differently on a film camera from what i see, i think like some bros here say about the different type of film i use.

 

[benny]

Love the colors! And frankly, there is no need for images to be tack sharp across the frame all the time. No feel, no mood.

Cheers,

 

[XsenseX]

I got myself a EOS 3 from a nice guy in the B&S forum. Very very nice unit compared to those I saw in peninsula. He also taught me many things in regards to film itself.

I got a roll and started shooting immediately and it's was a whole different experience to really compose every shot carefully before clicking the button.

I went around for almost 2hrs and took like 18 shots only. I switch between my 24-70 and 85.

Will post some images here after I process. Cheers

 

[Light Machinery]

Good find on the EOS 3.

 

[newghost]

There's nothing like film, keep the pics coming!

 

[XsenseX]

Thx guys for the help.

Here is one of the shots from my first roll of film



EOS 3, 85mm, Normal Kodak 200iso film. Slight color editing done.

Next up is to try the Kodak Protra 400 which i've bought a few rolls.

Any comments on getting a film scanner like those Epson V750,etc ? Or should i just let the shops do it for me?

 

[Light Machinery]

Nice shot....

Do a read up on film scanners before you decide on it.

Canon & Epson makes flatbed scanners with negative holders.

Nikon ( discontinued ) models are quite popular too. Used units can be located but it's much expensive when compared to offerings from Canon & Epson, especially the Coolscan 5000, 8000 & 9000 series.

I am currently using a Nikon Coolscan V ED.

 

[newghost]

Portra is certainly gorgeous if you ask me, and that is a nice picture too!

Btw, I still have some expired Kodak Ultra Color 400 film in my freezer! Like they say, you got to appreciate them like treasured vintage wine! ;p

As for scanner, if you're on a budget, the Epson V370 is a decent option for 35mm