Film photography has generated a lot of interest recently, but not everyone is willing to plunge in and spend hundreds of dollars on gear if they’re not quite sure. Others are interested in getting the gear, but aren’t quite sure if they can get their head around fully-manual cameras or be able to handle manual focusing. At a relatively low cost, you can dip your toe into film photography and see if it’s right for you. For digital shooters, here is a way to get started in film photography for under $50. This post is written from the perspective of a lifelong Canon shooter, but many of these suggestions carry over equally well to Nikon or other systems.
I started shooting an SLR when my children were small, starting with a Canon Elan II, which my husband purchased for me along with a Sigma lens recommended by the folks at B&H Photo. The Elan II was an “enthusiast” or “prosumer” camera, fitting in between the professional line and the cameras, like the Rebel, targeting the vast majority of consumers. The Elan II was released in 1995, mine was purchased in 1997, and was manufactured until 2000.The camera served me well, and I shot some of my favorite shots with that camera, a camera which I still own today.
In 2000, the Elan II was replaced by the Elan 7 and 7E. In 2004, the 7/7E was replaced by the Elan 7n and 7nE, and I upgraded to the 7n.
In 2007, with some resistance, I purchased a Canon DLSR, the 40D. I upgraded in 2010 to the Canon 5D Mark II, but in the last few years returned to shooting film. I borrowed a Mamiya C330 to play with film, but it wasn’t the right fit, so I went through my old stash of film gear and pulled out the 7n. All my lenses which I had collected over the years worked with both my Elan II and the Elan 7n, as they both have the EF mount. It cost me nothing more than a couple rolls of film and the cost of processing to see if this pursuit was worthwhile. I found that all the cameras in the line felt the same in my hands and the controls were essentially the same. It turned out that it was easy to transition back and enjoy film, more than when I started.
Since then, I’ve purchased a couple medium format cameras and purchased my dream SLR, the Canon 1v, but it got me thinking. If you are a Canon DSLR shooter, the transition back to experimenting with film is easy and relatively inexpensive. Today, the Elan II can be purchased on eBay for $30 to $50. All of your lenses work on that camera. For less than $50 plus a few rolls of film and development costs, you can have fun with some film. You may just find that it is more enjoyable. You may find the pleasure of composition before clicking the shutter, and the excitement of seeing your images upon return from the lab. Film photography does not require a mastery of manual controls or manual focus. You can give it a try with the comforts of a camera so similar to the DSLR you already own that you feel at home from the start. You may just find that your digital imagery improves, as you take more time to create each image as if you only had 36 clicks available. You’ll find out you don’t need all 36, and find that you are shooting less, and shooting better.
So give it a whirl! I have only this word of caution — prepare to get GAS, Gear Acquisition Syndrome. There are a lot of great film cameras out there and new films from a variety of film manufacturers you never knew existed. You’ll find yourself joining Facebook groups devoted to film photography, and looking forward to every new podcast on the subject. It’s an addiction, so be responsible, and enjoy!
Since getting back into film photography, I’ve purchased the vast majority of my film gear at KEH.com. The equipment always meets or exceeds expectations. At the time of writing this post, I saw several Canon Elan IIE’s in good condition on KEH for under $50. If you’re starting completely from scratch, you can get a great lens, the Canon 50mm f/1.8 II for under $95. Click a link to KEH in the sidebar to give us a commission for purchases there, or explore some of the cameras they offer here:
For film, I purchase my film from B&H Photo. I am an affiliate for both and receive commissions from any purchase using these links. Thank you!