Frequently asked questions
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01
is a film camera required to join?
absolutely no, any photographers are welcome. in fact, most new members do not have a film camera. but we do encouage you to purchase one. a film camera prices from $10 to $500, but an expensive camera doesn't necessarily produce better photos.
02
how expensive to shoot film?
no for most people, unless you go pro.
a camera = $ 10 to $80, one roll of film with processing = $9,
i usually shot less then 2 rolls every semester.
but a DSLR with nice lens = $2000, you can do the maths
03
where do i get cameras & films?
we have a buying guide for cameras and films, please refers to [resources] page.
04
where to process films in town?
for color film (C41-color negatives),
there is no more place in town that develops color film......
you will need to ship out, or leave it with us to ship out together.
a few choices:
http://www.millerslab.com/filmservices
http://www.mpix.com/products/film/
> I have been using mpix -Horace
for black & white film,
you can borrow equipment and chemicals to develop them yourself, we charge $4 fee per roll. of course we can teach you.
Or we can develop it for you for additional $4, with free scanning.
you can also drop it off at Urbana Museum of Photography (https://www.facebook.com/UrbanaMuseumOfPhotography), the owner Lyosha will develop one roll for $7
of course you can ship b&w rolls to studios, see the websites above
we have several scanners if you want to digitalize your negatives. contact wearevamp@gmail.com
05
why choose film over digital?
i still use a DSLR,
but shooting film gives me an element of surprise,
a sense of touch and operation,
a escape from the crystal clearity.
shooting film is way much more fun as you would never know the resuts until you develop them. you would consider each shot more carefully, which forces you to learn.
-Horace
for more about using film, you can refer to the articles in [resources].