Getting started with 35mm film

Getting started with 35mm film

Getting Started with Shooting 35mm Film

35mm film photography has made a strong comeback—not as a replacement for digital, but as a slower, more intentional way to shoot. If you’re new to film, the process may feel unfamiliar at first. This guide breaks things down clearly, with a focus on how film photography works in the Indian context.

1. Types of 35mm Cameras (and How to Understand Them)

Before choosing film, it’s important to understand the main types of 35mm cameras. Each offers a different shooting experience and level of control.

Point-and-Shoot Cameras

Point-and-shoot cameras are fully automatic. They handle focus, exposure, and film advance on their own.

Why they’re good for beginners:

  • Extremely easy to use

    • Lightweight and portable

  • Ideal for travel, casual shooting, and everyday moments

Things to keep in mind:

  • Limited creative control

  • Image quality varies by model

  • Flash is often used aggressively indoors

If you want to enjoy film without worrying about settings, this is the simplest way to start.

Rangefinder Cameras

Rangefinders use a separate focusing system where you align two images in the viewfinder to focus.

Why people love them:

  • Quiet and discreet

  • Compact bodies

  • Excellent for street and documentary photography

Things to keep in mind:

  • Usually manual focus

  • You don’t see depth of field through the viewfinder

  • Often paired with prime lenses

Rangefinders reward slow, deliberate shooting and are popular with enthusiasts.

SLR (Single-Lens Reflex) Cameras

SLRs let you see exactly what the lens sees through the viewfinder.

Why they’re a great learning tool:

  • Full creative control

  • Interchangeable lenses

  • Easy to understand exposure fundamentals

Things to keep in mind:

  • Larger and heavier than other types

  • Can be manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic

If you want to truly learn photography, SLRs are often the best starting point.

2. Choosing a Roll of Film

Film choice has a major impact on how your photos look. In India, availability can vary, so understanding film types helps you choose wisely.

Colour Negative Film

This is the most beginner-friendly film.

Why it’s recommended:

  • Very forgiving of exposure mistakes

  • Natural colours and good dynamic range

  • Widely supported by labs

Perfect for everyday shooting and first-time film users.

Black & White Film

Black-and-white film emphasises light, shadows, and texture.

Why people choose it:

  • Timeless aesthetic

  • More control during development and scanning

  • Easier to develop at home

Great if you enjoy a hands-on, experimental approach.

Slide (Reversal) Film

Slide film produces positives instead of negatives.

Things to know:

  • Extremely vibrant colours

  • Very little margin for exposure errors

  • Limited development options in India

Best suited for experienced shooters.

Respooled vs Non-Respooled Film

This distinction is especially relevant in the Indian market.

Non-Respooled (Factory-Loaded) Film

  • Loaded by the original manufacturer

  • Consistent and predictable results

  • Generally more expensive and limited in availability

Respooled Film

  • Bulk film loaded into cartridges locally

  • More affordable and accessible

  • Minor variations can occur depending on who respools it

For beginners, respooled film is an excellent way to shoot more and learn faster without worrying about cost.

3. Development and Scanning: Lab vs Home

Once your roll is finished, it must be developed and scanned. This is where film photography differs most from digital.

Sending Film to a Lab

Most photographers in India rely on labs for development and scanning.

Typical process:

  • Film is developed

  • Negatives are scanned

  • Digital files are shared

  • Negatives are returned or stored

Things to consider:

  • Turnaround time can vary

  • Scan quality matters as much as the film itself

  • You can often request neutral (flat) or contrasty scans

For beginners, labs are the easiest and most reliable option.

Developing Film at Home

Home development is popular with black-and-white shooters.

Why people do it:

  • Complete creative control

  • Lower cost over time

  • Deeper understanding of the medium

Basic requirements:

  • Changing bag or darkroom

  • Developing tank and reels

  • Chemicals and temperature control

Black-and-white film is the most practical place to start with home development in India.

Final Thoughts

35mm film photography is about slowing down and being intentional. From choosing a camera to waiting for your scans, every step encourages you to think more carefully about each frame.

If you’re just starting out:

  • Keep the setup simple

  • Shoot affordable film consistently

  • Use a reliable lab before experimenting further

Film rewards patience, repetition, and curiosity—and the journey is just as important as the final image.