All of Guides and Tutorials, Page 2

69 Film Photography Lessons and Theory Explainers

What’s Bokeh and How to Get It on Film?
Lens, Focus, Light, Film Format, and Film Type Can Make a Big Difference!
July 2, 2024
You can have a lot, a little, or no bokeh. It can be gimmicky or beautiful, have a cat-eye or onion-skin effect, be swirly or not, make soap bubbles, or appear diffused. Bokeh is easy to replicate! This article explains how it works.
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How to Make Polaroid “Sol Pints”
A New Creative Instant Film Effect
May 21, 2024
Polaroid film is made for creative experiments. From emulsion lifts and manipulation to embroidery, soups, and cutting — exposed frames are as much raw material as a finished product. This article introduces a new Polaroid film effect and the science behind it. Below, you’ll learn how to make your own Polaroid “Sol Prints,” see more examples of the art, and even get suggestions on how to take it a step further.
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How to Set “Quartz Date” on a Vintage Film Camera
What Does “Quartz/Auto Date” or Data Back Do and How to Use It
May 12, 2024
Some vintage film cameras can stamp the current date and time in a corner of your photo. The dates become a part of the image. This article explains how they work and how to set one up correctly on ANY film camera without a manual.
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Master the Sunny 16 Rule!
Guess Correct Exposures in Any Weather/Indoors Without a Light Meter
February 21, 2024
Free yourself of fiddly devices and phone apps. This short online course spells out the method, provides examples, and suggests exercises for reading exposure without a light meter.
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The Vintage Film Camera Buying Guide
How to Find the Best Deal on a Vintage Film Camera
February 13, 2024
Film cameras have been in production for almost 200 years. The vintage ones are usually the best deal when it comes to features and build quality per dollar. But finding one in good working condition for a fair price isn’t always easy. This guide covers techniques I’ve learned over the twenty years as a shopper and a seller on eBay.
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Film Scanning: Which Side Is Up?
How to Load Film Into a Film Scanner/DSLR Holder Correctly and Get the Best Image Quality
January 9, 2024
There are four ways to insert film into a scanner’s film holder. This post explains which side is the right side up. It also explores what happens if you insert film the “wrong way” in.
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How Much Does It Cost to Shoot Film in 2023-2024?
Budgets for Beginners, Casual, and Avid Photographers
October 17, 2023
How to save or splurge on film: real advice (no sugar-coating) on using your money smartly. Every penny accounted for.
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How to Measure the Dynamic Range of Film
You Can (Sort-Of) Do It at Home
October 10, 2023
Learn how film’s dynamic range is measured by the manufacturer and how you can even estimate the dynamic range at home with simple tools like a sheet of paper and a light source.
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A Beginner’s Guide to Push & Pull Film Development
October 5, 2023
In this short guide, you’ll learn about box speed and ISO, what it means to push or pull film, and how to do it at home.
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Instant Film Dimensions
Polaroid, Instax, One Instant
September 18, 2023
A list of all modern instant film dimensions in millimetres and inches with sources and explanations.
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A Beginner’s Guide to Shooting Manual Film Cameras
Learn How to Use Mechanical SLRs, TLRs, and Rangefinders
August 23, 2023
Take advantage of the great wealth of affordable, working, creatively liberating film cameras by mastering exposure and manual focus.
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How to Test Your C-41 Film Chemicals
Avoid Disasters and Maintain Quality Results With a Simple Snip Test
July 16, 2023
Contaminated C-41 chemistry will yield you a blank roll. A simple snip test can easily prevent this.
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How to Shoot Macro Photos on an SX-70
The Foolproof Method Found After Shooting Over $2,000 in Polaroid Film
June 26, 2023
SX-70 lens has better magnification than nearly any lens other than dedicated macros. All you have to do to make it a full, 1:1 macro is add on a simple close-up lens filter made especially for this camera.
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How to Replace Light Seals on a Film Camera
Fix Light Leaks and Increase the Value of Your Old Rangefinder/SLR/TLR
April 12, 2023
Learn how to fix light leaks and what they are. Easily service your film camera at home.
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How to Store & Organize Film & Film Scans
March 4, 2023
A tried and tested way to index and organize your negatives and film scans. Quick, easy, and effective.
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Shoot Polaroid 600 Film in SX-70 With Backlit Scenes
No Modifications, ND Filters, or Flash Needed
March 2, 2023
Make your SX-70 use the incompatible Polaroid 600 film without any modifications, accessories, or even touching the exposure dial.
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Developing Colour Film as an Absolute Beginner
With CineStill Film Cs41 Powder Developing Kit
February 7, 2023
Developing colour-negative film has a lot of steps, but it’s surprisingly easy to get good results, especially when you got the right tools.
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How to Use a Light Meter With a Film Camera
January 24, 2023
A guide to using — and choosing between five light meter types (inc. free apps and built-in meters).
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Future-Proof Your Film Scans With Digital Negatives
A Film Archiving Technique
January 15, 2023
Preserve your scans, create better images, and backup your physical negatives using this simple technique.
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#BelieveInFilm — a Film Photography Community
“Available Wherever Fine Hashtags Are Used”
November 30, 2022
A guide to the genuinely open online community for film photographers.
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