Knowing the Limitations of Your Old Film Camera, and Using Them to Your Advantage (Part 2)

In addition, cameras like this can`t be put on automatic mode. They are strictly manual, with the focus having to be customized for each shot, as well as the shutter speed adjusted for the time of day, different locations, or varying weather conditions (ie. based on varying lighting). The shutter settings themselves are not hinted at whatsoever on my personal camera, they are learned by trial and error (just make sure to record your attempts soewhere, lest you forget!). however, some other models of the time do have a light meter to help out with this.

It's also good to know that, if you don`t have flash (like I don`t), forget about taking photos indoors, or late in the evening when the sun starts setting, or at night- like, ever. Although this is the way it is with most cameras, I feel like it's worth mentioning again because we've become so accustomed to built-in flash that we tend to forget that cameras without flash even exist, let alone how to use them. However, on the other hand, some people like that "gritty", grainy look of dark film photos, which is great if that effect is what you're going for... But, if not, you will be highly disappointed.

Here's a photo of someone (from behind)shooting at a paper target at an indoor shooting range. This is the unpolished, gritty look that I was talking about- the contrast had to be turned up so much that it made the photo even more grainy. Because of the distance between the target (focal point) and the shooter, it's a bit difficult to tell what's what in the foreground (the white things are earmuffs, btw). 

The film, too, needs to be wound up manually before each shot (with time, I`ve learned to just do it after each photo I take so I`m ready for the next one). So, if you want a camera that looks "old school" because it's cool, but also want to be able to point and shoot, then go raid an Urban Outfitters nearby, you douche bag hipster. If you want the real deal because you want to learn the hands-on, orginal artistic aspect of taking photos, get an old film camera.

Though this shot isn't as focused as it should be, it has its charms. Plus, the lion statue pops, which would be harder to achieve with digital film.

It's important to also keep in mind that these cameras can`t take close-ups. Anything closer to the lens than a meter won`t turn out. It will just be one big, indistinguishable blur.

Unfortunately, a shot like this is only possible with a digital camera- with film, the street lamps at the front would be so blurry that they would be indistinguishable. 

Lastly, it is very difficult to successfully capture elements in motion. It`s not impossible, but it takes a lot of practice. The shutter speed needs to to be set on a higher number (250ths of a second, for example) for the moving object to stand a chance of not being blurry, and for such a high shutter speed to be possible without the shot ending up under-exposed, it needs to be really sunny. Like, seriously glaring sunshine. Then there is the focusing aspect- are you practiced enough to manually focus in on a moving target before it gets away and/or hits you (ie. trams and the like)? Basically, the stars need to collide for this shot to happen... But when it does, it is so rewarding! In fact, I find using film cameras (especially older ones) to be much more rewarding than using digital cameras, simply because it takes more patience and skills to achieve a good shot with film. Acquiring and developing said skills enables us to further cultivate our artistic abilities.

Girl Running in Sarajevo- one of the most difficult shots I've made.