Shooting film can be an expensive hobby, but if you love it, there are ways to make it more affordable.
Coming to you from Els Vanopstal, this practical video offers 10 tips to save money while shooting film. Vanopstal’s first tip is to talk to people about your interest in film photography. You might find someone who has an old film camera they no longer use. Friends, family, and even coworkers might have cameras collecting dust. Many film cameras are still out there, forgotten and unused. By letting people know you’re interested, you can increase your chances of getting a camera for free or at a low cost.
Vanopstal’s second tip is to avoid high-end cameras like Leicas or Hasselblads when you’re starting out. There are many affordable cameras that work just as well. Affordable cameras are often overlooked but perform excellently. You can find them for around $50 with a lens on eBay. There’s no need to buy the most expensive gear when there are plenty of good, affordable options available, many of which can use your DSLR lenses.
For those who want to maximize the number of photos they get from a roll of film, Vanopstal suggests using a half-frame camera like the Olympus Pen. These cameras take double the amount of exposures on a regular film roll. However, keep in mind that the image quality will be slightly reduced because the negatives are smaller. This can be a great way to stretch your film budget.
Finding expired film is another way to save money. But Vanopstal advises against buying expired film from random sellers on eBay. Instead, check local camera stores or reputable online shops for recently expired film sold at a discount. Expired black and white film is less prone to deterioration than color film, making it a safer bet for experiments.
Choosing less expensive film stocks can also help you save money. Black-and-white film is generally cheaper than color film. For instance, Kentmere 400 costs significantly less than Kodak Tri-X. While there are differences in film stocks, budget-friendly options can still produce excellent results.
Buying film in bulk can also save you money in the long run. If you know what film stock you prefer and can afford the upfront cost, purchasing boxes of film instead of individual rolls can be more economical. Another option is to buy spools of film and respool them yourself, though this requires some initial investment and practice.
Being deliberate with what you shoot is another important tip. Vanopstal suggests reserving film for special projects or intentional shoots. This approach helps preserve film for meaningful work rather than casual snapshots, keeping costs down.
Developing your own film can also save money. Though the initial investment in chemicals and equipment might seem high, it pays off if you’re a regular shooter. Those are just some of the tips, so check out the video above for the full rundown from Vanopstal!
