Before diving into shooting, let’s understand the basics of 35mm film. It’s a popular film format characterized by its compact size, making it compatible with a wide range of cameras, from classic SLRs to compact point-and-shoot models.

35mm film comes in rolls, typically containing 24 or 36 exposures, and is available in various types such as color negative, black and white, and slide/transparency film.

To start shooting on 35mm film, you’ll need a 35mm film camera. Consider options like classic SLRs such as the Canon AE-1, Nikon FM2, or modern compact cameras like the Olympus MJU-II or Nikon L35AF.

Research and choose a camera that fits your budget, shooting style, and desired features such as manual controls, autofocus, or built-in light meters. You can opt for a standard size camera, or a single use one (more on that at the end of the blog post).

Browse 35mm film cameras

Once you have your camera, it’s time to load your chosen 35mm film. Follow the camera manual or online tutorials to load the film correctly, ensuring it advances smoothly.

Pay attention to the film’s ISO rating, which determines its sensitivity to light. Lower ISO (such as ISO 100 for example) is suitable for bright outdoor conditions, while higher ISO (e.g., ISO 400 or 800) is ideal for low-light or indoor shooting. The safest bet is to set the ISO to automatic mode (usually marked as AUTO). This means that the camera can measure the ISO itsself.

Practice basic exposure principles such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings to achieve proper exposure for your shots. Experiment with different apertures for depth of field control and shutter speeds to capture motion or freeze action.

Focus on composition techniques such as rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to create visually appealing and well-balanced images. But it’s not all that technical. Test around and have fun with it!

After capturing your exposures, it’s time to develop and scan your film. You can choose between DIY development (requires equipment and chemicals) or using professional film labs for processing.

Labs can also provide high-quality scanning services, delivering digital files for editing and sharing while retaining the option for physical prints. This may cost around $5–$20.

Browse different film options

For those not ready to commit to a 35mm film camera yet, disposable/single-use film cameras offer a fun and accessible introduction to analog photography. Here are quick tips for shooting with disposable cameras:

1. Keep it Simple: Disposable cameras have fixed settings, so focus on composition and capturing moments rather than technical adjustments.
2. Use Flash Wisely: In low-light conditions or indoors, use the built-in flash for better exposure, but avoid overexposing close subjects.
3. Experiment with Locations: Take the disposable camera everywhere – from outdoor adventures to indoor gatherings – to capture a variety of scenes and moments.
4. Trust the Process: After finishing the film, take it to a lab or photo store for development and enjoy the surprise of seeing your analog memories come to life.

Browse single use film cameras

Shooting on 35mm film or disposable cameras opens up a world of creativity, storytelling, and appreciation for the art of photography. Embrace the process, learn from each shot, and enjoy the unique character and charm that analog photography brings to your photographic journey.