My first film camera

Jonahnieuwe · Jun 22, 2018

Hi everyone,

My name is Jonah and I’m 17 years old. The last few days I’ve been busy with tidying the attic and while I was doing this I found a large box. This box contained loads of envelopes full of pictures of me when I was very young, me with my baby brother, Holiday pictures etc. There were two main thoughts going through my head: 1. It’s extremely cool to have a hands on experience with pictures instead of viewing them on a pc or phone. 2. The quality of the pictures is extremely good, it really blew me away.

And I even found the camera and lenses that took a lot of the pictures, namely a Nikon f50. I know that it isn’t the most sexy or special analog camera out there, at least I don’t think so, but it gives me the chance to try out film. So I ordered a fresh battery and one role of Kodak colorplus 200 and both will arrive tomorrow.

I do already have some photography experience, I have owned a fujifilm x-pro2 because I liked the rangefinder style and classic look, but the viewfinder wasn’t a rangefinder and I didn’t really like all of the design elements, it was a bit to messy for my taste.it did learn me a lot about photography though in the end I almost exclusively shot in manual mode.

But I wanted something more old school, so the last few months I have looked at Leica m8s and the epson r-d1, both digital rangefinders. I do have some reasons why I haven’t bought one of them yet, first of all: they are still kind of expensive and second (made worse by the first) they are old and aren’t (fully) supported anymore so if/when it breaks I would be very sad.

So an analog camera could be ideal for me and if I like shooting film on the Nikon f50 then I would like to buy my first analog camera. I really love the gauge on top of the epson r-d1 it’s just awesome, but I have searched and searched but haven’t found a analog camera with the same kind of steampunk awesome way of displaying. I know that the Bessa R4 comes close body wise and I do like it, but it doesn’t have the gauges.

So long story short, what kind of film camera would you recommend me, or should I just go for the epson r-d1 or Leica m8?
I hope that you can work with the information that I have provided you, if you want to know more just ask.

Thank you in advance!

Sincerely,

Jonah

Pentode · Jun 22, 2018

Welcome to APUG, er, PHOTRIO, Jonah.

I'm going to give you the advice you least want to hear because it's the least fun in terms of getting new stuff: I suggest you shoot with that Nikon for a few months at least and then ask the same question when you have a lot of rolls of film under your belt.

First of all, sexy has nothing to do with anything, really. The F50 is a perfectly fine camera. It can use all of the wonderful Nikon lenses and it will serve you very well. Second of all, the Nikon is already in your hands and those boxes of photos have shown you what it is capable of.

Everyone on this forum would be happy to regale you with reasons why you should buy their favorite camera but, for right now, you should just concentrate on shooting with what you have. After you've shot film for a while you'll have a better sense of what you like. Who knows... maybe you'll find that the F50 is everything you ever wanted!

Ces1um · Jun 22, 2018

Pentode said:
Welcome to APUG, er, PHOTRIO, Jonah.

I'm going to give you the advice you least want to hear because it's the least fun in terms of getting new stuff: I suggest you shoot with that Nikon for a few months at least and then ask the same question when you have a lot of rolls of film under your belt.

First of all, sexy has nothing to do with anything, really. The F50 is a perfectly fine camera. It can use all of the wonderful Nikon lenses and it will serve you very well. Second of all, the Nikon is already in your hands and those boxes of photos have shown you what it is capable of.

Everyone on this forum would be happy to regale you with reasons why you should buy their favorite camera but, for right now, you should just concentrate on shooting with what you have. After you've shot film for a while you'll have a better sense of what you like. Who knows... maybe you'll find that the F50 is everything you ever wanted!

@Jonahnieuwe You should listen to this advice. It's very sound.

avb · Jun 22, 2018

Probably not the camera you want to get or need, but the Nikon 35Ti and 28Ti have sort of a similar top display as the Epson RD-1:

jimjm · Jun 22, 2018

Yep, stick with the N50 and shoot film for awhile before worrying about what other camera you might want. If you decide later you want more "old-school", you'll be able to get plenty of suggestions from the dinosaurs on this forum

Theo Sulphate · Jun 22, 2018

Welcome to the forums! Your story is a nice one.

I hope your Nikon F50 and lens is in good condition after being stored away, but, regardless, the world is filled with many excellent film cameras - many of them relatively inexpensive with considerable capabilities.

mshchem · Jun 22, 2018

Jonahnieuwe said:
Hi everyone,

My name is Jonah and I’m 17 years old. The last few days I’ve been busy with tidying the attic and while I was doing this I found a large box. This box contained loads of envelopes full of pictures of me when I was very young, me with my baby brother, Holiday pictures etc. There were two main thoughts going through my head: 1. It’s extremely cool to have a hands on experience with pictures instead of viewing them on a pc or phone. 2. The quality of the pictures is extremely good, it really blew me away.

And I even found the camera and lenses that took a lot of the pictures, namely a Nikon f50. I know that it isn’t the most sexy or special analog camera out there, at least I don’t think so, but it gives me the chance to try out film. So I ordered a fresh battery and one role of Kodak colorplus 200 and both will arrive tomorrow.

I do already have some photography experience, I have owned a fujifilm x-pro2 because I liked the rangefinder style and classic look, but the viewfinder wasn’t a rangefinder and I didn’t really like all of the design elements, it was a bit to messy for my taste.it did learn me a lot about photography though in the end I almost exclusively shot in manual mode.

But I wanted something more old school, so the last few months I have looked at Leica m8s and the epson r-d1, both digital rangefinders. I do have some reasons why I haven’t bought one of them yet, first of all: they are still kind of expensive and second (made worse by the first) they are old and aren’t (fully) supported anymore so if/when it breaks I would be very sad.

So an analog camera could be ideal for me and if I like shooting film on the Nikon f50 then I would like to buy my first analog camera. I really love the gauge on top of the epson r-d1 it’s just awesome, but I have searched and searched but haven’t found a analog camera with the same kind of steampunk awesome way of displaying. I know that the Bessa R4 comes close body wise and I do like it, but it doesn’t have the gauges.

So long story short, what kind of film camera would you recommend me, or should I just go for the epson r-d1 or Leica m8?
I hope that you can work with the information that I have provided you, if you want to know more just ask.

Thank you in advance!

Sincerely,

Jonah

Congratulations on discovering your attic treasure! There's a lot of folks on here that can recommend sellers of very reliable used Leicas and the like. I would shoot what you have and try out different cameras before you spend a lot of money. The viewfinder on an M Leica is a thing of great beauty. I have had a few Leica cameras, M2, M6 etc. My current favorite is a chrome Leica M6ttl with the 0.85x finder. This gives you a 35mm frame line max. The M3 is viewed by many as the ultimate M camera. It has a 1.0x finder 50mm is full frame, it really is amazing. These cameras will be around for ever. Pure mechanical, many dedicated professional repair services available. The older screw mount Leica cameras are really beautiful too. There are auxiliary viewfinders available that mount on top of the camera that are pure 30s steam punk everything. Best Regards Mike

Jonahnieuwe · Jun 22, 2018

Pentode said:
Welcome to APUG, er, PHOTRIO, Jonah.

I'm going to give you the advice you least want to hear because it's the least fun in terms of getting new stuff: I suggest you shoot with that Nikon for a few months at least and then ask the same question when you have a lot of rolls of film under your belt.

First of all, sexy has nothing to do with anything, really. The F50 is a perfectly fine camera. It can use all of the wonderful Nikon lenses and it will serve you very well. Second of all, the Nikon is already in your hands and those boxes of photos have shown you what it is capable of.

Everyone on this forum would be happy to regale you with reasons why you should buy their favorite camera but, for right now, you should just concentrate on shooting with what you have. After you've shot film for a while you'll have a better sense of what you like. Who knows... maybe you'll find that the F50 is everything you ever wanted!

Haha well it is the least exciting indeed, but I do totally get what you are saying. Like I said in my post, I have been interested in a epson r-d1 and Leica m8 for a few months now so I don’t have a problem with taking my time.

There are however a few things that bother me with the f50: the need to use a battery, autofocus, buttons instead of dials and it isn’t sexy. I know that you don’t think sexy matters, but it does to me. I’m far more motivated to use a camera with wich I’m in love and for me it’s kind of a fashion item as well. That’s why I bought a new watch although I already had an old watch, I wear this one everyday and I think that it looks good.

I’m not saying that I will shoot one role through the f50 tomorrow and order a new camera the same day, but especially with older nicer cameras it’s good to take some time to orientate because the used market in Europe isn’t that big so if that one camera finally is offered it is nice to know that it exists. I hope that makes sense to you?

And I wouldn’t mind hearing from everyone why they love their camera and I should buy it ;-)

Chan Tran · Jun 22, 2018

Jonahnieuwe said:
Hi everyone,

My name is Jonah and I’m 17 years old. The last few days I’ve been busy with tidying the attic and while I was doing this I found a large box. This box contained loads of envelopes full of pictures of me when I was very young, me with my baby brother, Holiday pictures etc. There were two main thoughts going through my head: 1. It’s extremely cool to have a hands on experience with pictures instead of viewing them on a pc or phone. 2. The quality of the pictures is extremely good, it really blew me away.

And I even found the camera and lenses that took a lot of the pictures, namely a Nikon f50. I know that it isn’t the most sexy or special analog camera out there, at least I don’t think so, but it gives me the chance to try out film. So I ordered a fresh battery and one role of Kodak colorplus 200 and both will arrive tomorrow.

I do already have some photography experience, I have owned a fujifilm x-pro2 because I liked the rangefinder style and classic look, but the viewfinder wasn’t a rangefinder and I didn’t really like all of the design elements, it was a bit to messy for my taste.it did learn me a lot about photography though in the end I almost exclusively shot in manual mode.

But I wanted something more old school, so the last few months I have looked at Leica m8s and the epson r-d1, both digital rangefinders. I do have some reasons why I haven’t bought one of them yet, first of all: they are still kind of expensive and second (made worse by the first) they are old and aren’t (fully) supported anymore so if/when it breaks I would be very sad.

So an analog camera could be ideal for me and if I like shooting film on the Nikon f50 then I would like to buy my first analog camera. I really love the gauge on top of the epson r-d1 it’s just awesome, but I have searched and searched but haven’t found a analog camera with the same kind of steampunk awesome way of displaying. I know that the Bessa R4 comes close body wise and I do like it, but it doesn’t have the gauges.

So long story short, what kind of film camera would you recommend me, or should I just go for the epson r-d1 or Leica m8?
I hope that you can work with the information that I have provided you, if you want to know more just ask.

Thank you in advance!

Sincerely,

Jonah

Epson RD-1 and Leica M-8 are digital cameras. If you want a film camera that looks like those get a Leica MP.

Pentode · Jun 22, 2018

Jonahnieuwe said:
Haha well it is the least exciting indeed, but I do totally get what you are saying. Like I said in my post, I have been interested in a epson r-d1 and Leica m8 for a few months now so I don’t have a problem with taking my time.

There are however a few things that bother me with the f50: the need to use a battery, autofocus, buttons instead of dials and it isn’t sexy. I know that you don’t think sexy matters, but it does to me. I’m far more motivated to use a camera with wich I’m in love and for me it’s kind of a fashion item as well. That’s why I bought a new watch although I already had an old watch, I wear this one everyday and I think that it looks good.

I’m not saying that I will shoot one role through the f50 tomorrow and order a new camera the same day, but especially with older nicer cameras it’s good to take some time to orientate because the used market in Europe isn’t that big so if that one camera finally is offered it is nice to know that it exists. I hope that makes sense to you?

And I wouldn’t mind hearing from everyone why they love their camera and I should buy it ;-)

Oh, believe me, it makes complete sense to me. I have a closet full of cameras, all of which were made decades before you were born. I know everything about wanting to use cameras simply because I find them cool.
All that came later, though. First I spent a year with a camera I didn't especially love because I had it and it worked. I learned a lot in that year and took some photos that I still love today. If I had been worried about how sexy my camera was back then I wouldn't have learned as much as I did about shooting film. I stuck to what was important. (and I'm still learning)

Once that camera broke, all bets were off! I've been buying sexy cameras ever since! My point is that there will be plenty of time for finding a camera you love later - and you should - but this is the time to really get to know the process of shooting film and any camera that is reliable will work just fine for that. If everyone starts recommending their favorite cameras to you now you won't have a lot of context and it will all just be a lot of information without a whole lot of meaning. I'm not saying you're incapable of understanding people's recommendations now, but they'll make a whole lot more sense when you've shot 50+ rolls of film and made a few mistakes. You'll have experience you can apply directly to their suggestions.

Trust me; I'm not saying you shouldn't buy a sexy camera. I'm just saying you shouldn't buy one now.
I'm also not going to muddy the waters by suggesting my favorites. What works for me might be totally wrong for you anyway.

Ces1um · Jun 22, 2018

Just go large format. Everyone ends up there eventually anyways.

Theo Sulphate · Jun 22, 2018

A few cameras you may find sexy...

Theo Sulphate · Jun 22, 2018

There is a plethora to choose from...

Perhaps have a look at this thread:

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/whats-your-latest-new-old-camera-part-2.124299/

But don't become too enamored with equipment. Find a camera that is "natural" for you in use.

Sirius Glass · Jun 22, 2018

Welcome to ~~APUG~~ Photrio

There is nothing wrong with a Nikon F50, I use a Nikon N75, which is a close model, for my color 35mm photography.

Jonahnieuwe · Jun 23, 2018

Theo Sulphate said:
Welcome to the forums! Your story is a nice one.

I hope your Nikon F50 and lens is in good condition after being stored away, but, regardless, the world is filled with many excellent film cameras - many of them relatively inexpensive with considerable capabilities.

Thank you. It was all in a camera bag stored dry and at room temperature, I have already put both lenses on and looked trough them and they seem to be clear, zoom and focus seems to work smoothly as well and the camera looks good too. It does have a sticky grip, but I searched online and that seems to be common, there should be a way to wash it off.

Jonahnieuwe · Jun 23, 2018

Pentode said:
Oh, believe me, it makes complete sense to me. I have a closet full of cameras, all of which were made decades before you were born. I know everything about wanting to use cameras simply because I find them cool.
All that came later, though. First I spent a year with a camera I didn't especially love because I had it and it worked. I learned a lot in that year and took some photos that I still love today. If I had been worried about how sexy my camera was back then I wouldn't have learned as much as I did about shooting film. I stuck to what was important. (and I'm still learning)

Once that camera broke, all bets were off! I've been buying sexy cameras ever since! My point is that there will be plenty of time for finding a camera you love later - and you should - but this is the time to really get to know the process of shooting film and any camera that is reliable will work just fine for that. If everyone starts recommending their favorite cameras to you now you won't have a lot of context and it will all just be a lot of information without a whole lot of meaning. I'm not saying you're incapable of understanding people's recommendations now, but they'll make a whole lot more sense when you've shot 50+ rolls of film and made a few mistakes. You'll have experience you can apply directly to their suggestions.

Trust me; I'm not saying you shouldn't buy a sexy camera. I'm just saying you shouldn't buy one now.
I'm also not going to muddy the waters by suggesting my favorites. What works for me might be totally wrong for you anyway.

I understand what you are saying and I will listen to it. I’m going on Holliday in one month so that is perfect to just use the F50 a lot and one month later I will be going to Japan as an exchange student for one year, I think being in Japan would be the perfect place and moment for buying a new camera. And the camera that I buy there will still be a reminder/memory to my time there if I’m years older.

Jonahnieuwe · Jun 23, 2018

Ces1um said:
Just go large format. Everyone ends up there eventually anyways.

Haha I don’t see myself walking around with a large format camera anytime soon. And “everyone” is maybe a little over the top, I mean that camera that you are using in your profile picture doesn’t look like large format to me

shutterfinger · Jun 23, 2018

The best camera ever made is the one that fits in your hands comfortably, its controls easy for you to operate, and makes the quality of photographs that suit your taste.
I started with a Yashica TL Electro. When it died I tried Pentax Spotmatic, Canon T90, Yashica Mat, Mamiya RB67, Graphic View, Pacemaker Speed Graphic before buying a Nikon F4 new, a used Super Speed graphic, and a Cambo Legend.
Take your time finding that gem and enjoy some of the quality cameras on the used market that hold their value which makes using them for a while a low cost venture.

Les Sarile · Jun 23, 2018

Jonahnieuwe said:
I know that you don’t think sexy matters, but it does to me. I’m far more motivated to use a camera with wich I’m in love and for me it’s kind of a fashion item as well.

I can appreciate your perspective. I've recently explored a few to find out if there is a "perfect camera" for me and it maybe that you too will have to do your own exploration to find one for you.

I can tell you that the journey is fantastic . . .

howardpan · Jun 23, 2018

Hi Jonah,

First, I agree with Pentode’s advice, but I also understand your desire to get a sexy camera can be a distraction, keeping you up each night reading through different camera reviews. My suggestion is for you to buy something that you will not regret and move on to the more artistic part of photography. From what you wrote at the beginning, I think you’re looking for a fully mechanical rangefinder camera. Get a Leica M3, M4, M5, or M6. You can even go for a Leica IIIf. For the same amount of money you planned to spend on an M8, you can easily get a good body a single lens. Yes, there are differences between the various models, but nothing too significant.

The truth is when someone sees a good photo, the first question they ask will not be which camera, which lens the photographer used. You wouldn’t ask which brush Van Gogh used.

But get that nagging feeling out of your system so that you can focus on using it.

Get a good light meter and learn how to properly expose your shot. Learn how to develop the negatives and print photos in the darkroom. Don’t just scan the negatives and share them on the Internet. Your experience with analog photography will be so much richer. I know mine was. Have fun.

AgX · Jun 24, 2018

Welkom Jonah !

Great to a have another young member here. Especially a Dutch as these are scarce here at us.

Stroll around some fleamarkets and you still will find plenty of film cameras to play with, or even to get seriously engaged with. At least it will teach you something on old style cameras.

M-88 · Jun 24, 2018

Only one advice: a mediocre body with a high class lens will give you much better results than vice versa. Don't rush to change the camera until you have mastered it and decided what you actually want. This won't happen in two weeks.

P.S. Welcome to the club.

Ces1um · Jun 24, 2018

Jonahnieuwe said:
Haha I don’t see myself walking around with a large format camera anytime soon. And “everyone” is maybe a little over the top, I mean that camera that you are using in your profile picture doesn’t look like large format to me

Actually, it's an 8x10. I'm just unusually large

albada · Jun 24, 2018

Ces1um said:
Actually, it's an 8x10. I'm just unusually large

8x10 millimeters. Got it.

For the OP: If you want sexy, I suggest something that is sexy and cheap. Later, you can buy something else without feeling that you wasted your money earlier.
For sexy and cheap, I recommend the Olympus OM-1.
If you want a rangefinder, try a Retina IIa/IIc/IIIc.

Mark Overton

Theo Sulphate · Jun 24, 2018

Believe it. This is 8x11...

My first film camera

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