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Film and Collectible Cameras

Film Rocks!

A survival guide for film fans in the digital age

By Mason Resnick - March 11, 2009

Why use a traditioinal film camera in the midst of the new digital age? Didn't get the memo?

Here are several key reasons to use a film camera:

It's archival: Your image file won't get wiped out if you get too close to a magnetic field. A negative will last a long, long time.
The attitude about latitude: While digital is catching up (and if you go through HDR hoops you can emulate film), film captures the widest range of light without the need for post-production or breaking the bank.
You can develop it yourself: Especially black and white. There's nothing like watching a print come up in the Dektol.
The cameras cost less: You can get a state-of-the-art film SLR for a fraction of the cost of DSLRs, especially if you pick one up from our well-stocked Used department.
It's fun: It is incredibly gratifying to say you processed it yourself and you were able to wait to see the results, rather than the low-res, poor quality image on the LCD screen.

We have guides to currently-available film cameras, digital stuff that emulates the film experience, and user reviews of classic used camera legends. Just snoop around and go back (or forward) in time.

So thumb your nose at progress: Retro is in, and film is fantastic!

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The 14 Most Influential Cameras of All Time

But what about...?

ArticleFilm and Collectible Cameras Gear Guides & Reviews - by Jason Schneider, September 15, 2011

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Selecting the all-time best of anything is always a daunting task, and that’s especially true of cameras, which have undergone a seismic paradigm shift in moving from film to digital. It’s also a great way to start arguments, generate irate letters and e-mails, and tick off your buddies at various camera companies.

TAGS: camera, film camera, collectible, film, collectible cameras, cameras, used

Instant Gratification

The Impossible Project Breathes New Life into Instant Analog Photography

ArticleFilm and Collectible Cameras Gear Guides & Reviews - by Anthony Festa, August 4, 2011

When Polaroid announced they were shutting down production of their instant film lines in February of 2008, it looked like an era was coming to an end.

TAGS: Polaroid, Instant photo, Impossible Project

Product review: Flashpoint 3-in-1 Film/Print Scanner

An inexpensive way to digitize your snapshots

ArticleProduct Reviews Gear Guides & Reviews - by Mason Resnick, December 13, 2010

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There are many ways to turn your treasure-trove of slides, negatives and prints into digital image files. Here’s a scanner that can do it all. For $80, can it deliver the quality you need?

TAGS: film, scanning, film scanners, film to digital, scanner, scan, Flashpoint film scanner

People Photographer, Harrison Hurwitz—AdoramaTV

How'd They Do That?

ArticleAdorama TV Techniques and How-Tos - by Mark Wallace, November 9, 2010

In this episode, Mark talks with Harrison Hurwitz. Harrison has shot fashion, editorial and weddings. He even talks about his passion for taking black and white prints.

TAGS: focus on portraiture, Adorama TV, Focus on weddings

The best film camera bargains right now!

Go ahead--thumb your nose at the digital revolution. You'll get a great deal

ArticleThe Best...Right Now Gear Guides & Reviews - by Mason Resnick, October 14, 2010

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With digital cameras of all varieties dominating the market, now is a great time to buy a film camera. Yes...a film camera! Updated for Summer 2010.

TAGS: adorama, film camera, film, 35mm, medium format, large format

Used 35mm SLR Bargains

Second hand, first-rate

ArticleFilm and Collectible Cameras Gear Guides & Reviews - by Mason Resnick, June 14, 2010

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If you love capturing images on film, you have precious few choices among new cameras. Used cameras, however, offer a much wider variety of choices in the film universe.

TAGS: buying guide, SLR, film, 35mm, single lens reflex, cameras, used