35mm Made Simple: Start Your Film Photography Journey

There’s something timeless and incredibly nostalgic about black and white film images. My journey with photography began with my dad’s old 35mm film camera—one I used in high school photography classes, developing my own rolls in the darkroom. Learning to shoot film taught me how to be intentional behind the lens, and it's a skill that’s served me beautifully as a digital photographer today.

If you're curious about diving into film photography but have no idea where to start, you're not alone. I get asked all the time: “Where do I even begin?” And that’s exactly what this guide is for.

1. What Camera Should I Get?

Film photography can feel intimidating at first, but trust me—once you start, it’s so rewarding. The best place to begin is with a 35mm film camera. There are tons of options out there, but don’t stress! You don’t need to spend a fortune. Start with online marketplaces like Craigslist, eBay, or visit your local thrift or camera shop.

Here are a few solid beginner-friendly film cameras:

• Nikon F100

• Pentax K1000

• Minolta X-700

• Olympus OM

• Yashica FX-3

If you're looking for something even simpler, a point-and-shoot 35mm film camera is a great option to learn the basics without manual settings.

2. What Kind of Film Should I Use?

Film comes in a few different formats, but 35mm is the most common and beginner-friendly. You’ll also find 120 film(used for medium format cameras), but stick with 35mm as you start.

There are two main types of film:
– C-41 (Color Film) – Great for rich, colorful images
– Black & White Film – Known for its beautiful grain and contrast

My favorite black and white films for beginners:

• Kodak Tri-X 400

• Kodak T-Max 400

• Ilford Delta 400

My favorite color films:

• Kodak Portra 400

• Fuji Superia 400

👉 Pro Tip: Store your film in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. And when loading film into your camera, do it in a dimly lit area to avoid accidental exposure. Once it’s loaded—do not open the back until the roll is finished and rewound!

3. How Do I Use a Film Camera?

Unlike digital, your film is your ISO—you choose the ISO when you purchase the film. That means you’ll need to pay attention to light and exposure when you shoot.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Set your camera’s ISO to match your film (i.e., 400 ISO film = 400 ISO on your camera).

2. Adjust your aperture and shutter speed using the dials on your camera.

3. Use the in-camera light meter (usually visible in the viewfinder) to guide exposure.

4. Once the roll is finished, make sure to rewind it completely before opening the back.

You typically get 24 or 36 exposures per roll, so every frame counts—shoot with purpose!

4. I Took the Photos... Now What?

After shooting, it’s time to develop your film. While you can absolutely develop it yourself (hello, darkroom days!), I send mine out for professional processing and scanning.

Here are my favorite labs for consistent, high-quality results:

• PhotoVision

• The FIND Lab

• Richard Photo Lab

These labs scan your negatives and deliver high-res digital files—ready for printing, editing, or sharing.

Want to get more creative? You can experiment with pushing and pulling your film (altering the development process to change contrast and exposure). Here's a great resource to learn more: Pushing & Pulling Film – Richard Photo Lab

5. How Do I Print My Film Photos?

Once your negatives are developed, they’re either scanned or printed the traditional way (in a darkroom using photo-sensitive paper and an enlarger). Most labs today scan your negatives into digital files, making it easy to print at your favorite photo lab or use for social media.

You’ll receive your final images digitally—ready to download, archive, or print beautifully on fine art paper.

6. You Shot Film—Now What?

Film photography is an art that requires patience and practice. Every roll you shoot will teach you something new—about lighting, timing, and intentionality.

If you're ready to dive deeper, I offer a Film 101 Mentoring Session where we walk through:

• The basics of film photography

• Choosing your first film camera

• Film types and how they affect your image

• How to shoot, develop, and print your photos

• Answers to all your film-related questions!

Whether you're just getting started or you're a digital photographer curious about trying something new, film photography is a beautiful, rewarding art form that brings a fresh perspective and timeless quality to your work.