For those who are still using film cameras in the digital age, there can be a number of struggles when it comes to taking quality photos. These struggles can make shooting with an analog camera completely different than capturing images with a digital camera.
In this post, we’ll explore the top ten challenges that come with using a film camera in the modern world.
Table of Contents
1. Difficult to Archive
Archiving photos taken with a film camera can be quite difficult because it requires physical storage space for negatives as well as digital versions of the photos if you want them to exist online in any way (such as on social media or your own website).
Storing films digitally, like saving Super 8 on USB hard drive options or the cloud, adds an extra layer of complexity when it comes to archiving. This makes archiving much more complicated compared to digital cameras where everything is already stored digitally and ready to be shared without the headache of traditional archiving methods.
2. Cost
While digital cameras and Hipod have become much more affordable since their introduction into the market, shooting with a film camera requires quite a bit of money upfront. Not only do you need to pay for the cost of the actual equipment (camera body plus lenses), but you also have to consider the cost of film, development, and printing of your photos.
3. Storage
Storing large amounts of film can be incredibly time-consuming and tedious, especially for those who take a lot of pictures on a regular basis. Additionally, storing negatives in an organized manner can be quite difficult and it’s easy to misplace or damage them – something that doesn’t happen with digital cameras as often since you don’t have to worry about keeping track of physical items.
4. Processing Time
Unlike digital cameras where you can see your results right away, shooting with a film camera requires patience because you won’t know the outcome until after the photos have been developed and printed.
This significantly slows down the workflow process and can be difficult for those who are used to being able to see their results quickly.
5. Limited Exposure Control
With digital cameras, you have a lot of control when it comes to exposure because you can adjust settings like ISO, aperture, and shutter speed.
However, with film cameras, you’re limited in your ability to make adjustments before taking a picture – something that can be quite frustrating for photographers who are looking for more creative freedom.
6. Difficulty Finding Film
With the dwindling supply of film on the market, finding the type you need for a particular project can be quite challenging and frustrating. Many experienced photographers will tell you that some films are no longer available at all or can only be acquired from specialized suppliers – something that wasn’t an issue in decades past when it was easy to find a variety of different types of films.
This makes it difficult to shoot with a film camera if you’re looking for specific effects since your options are often limited by what is still being produced. Unfortunately, this means that your creative freedom is somewhat restricted when shooting with a traditional film camera.
7. Limited Film Types
When shooting with a film camera, the types of films available on the market are limited, meaning that if there isn’t a specific type of film that suits your needs or is appropriate for your project requirements, then you won’t be able to find it. This can be quite frustrating for photographers who want more creative freedom and control over their images as they don’t have access to options as they would when using digital cameras.
Moreover, due to the dwindling availability of film in recent years, finding the right kind has become increasingly difficult – making the entire process even more challenging.
8. Limited Camera Options
With fewer film camera models on the market compared to digital cameras, you have far less choice when it comes to finding a camera body and lenses that suit your needs or preferences. This can be incredibly frustrating for photographers who are used to having more selection when it comes to choosing camera gear.
Additionally, as the availability of certain film cameras has decreased significantly over the years, it can be difficult to find models that fit your requirements – something which isn’t typically an issue with digital cameras given their abundance in today’s market.
9. Difficult to Repair
If something goes wrong with your film camera – for example, if the shutter sticks or the aperture is giving you trouble – then it can be a difficult process to repair since you’ll likely have to take it to a specialized shop and pay for repair services.
This is something that digital cameras don’t require since they can often be troubleshot quickly and easily at home without the need for professional help, making them more accessible overall.
10. No Live View Feature
Many modern digital cameras come with a live view feature, which allows photographers to get a better idea of what the image will look like before they actually take it. Unfortunately, this is not an option with film cameras since you won’t be able to see your results until after the photos are developed and printed.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, while there are some great benefits to shooting with a film camera (such as its classic aesthetic and distinct look), there are also some downsides that come along with it – many of which have been outlined in this article. However, if you’re willing to put in the time, energy, and money needed for shooting with a film camera then you can create beautiful images that will last for years to come.
