Unique Photo in Old City Philadelphia has everything photographers need to start shooting film, including cameras, courses, a photo lab, and supplies to develop photographs. | Photo Provided by Unique Photo
Once thought of as a "dead" format, film photography has made a resurgence in recent years thanks to photographers on social media. In speaking with the Unique Photo staff in Old City Philadelphia, we get their take on why people may choose to shoot film, where to get a camera, and how to develop your images.
"It keeps you honest," explains Justin, a Technical Consultant. "Digital cameras have made it easier to learn photography, but with film cameras – if you mess up your metering and underexpose, you won't get the shot. You don't have the instant gratification that a digital camera gives you."
It's through this (sometimes painstaking) process of failing that you get a better understanding of how to use a camera. As Kristin, a fellow Technical Consultant, puts it, "It's not just about pointing the camera at something and clicking the shutter. You have to calculate if you're getting enough light to the film in order for it to be recorded. We offer classes for that reason. Understanding Your Camera is where people [can] learn the fundamentals of photography."
Maybe you've already looked in the back of your closet and scoured the attic to see if you held onto your parents' or grandparents' cameras to no avail. And despite the resurgence, there aren't many manufacturers making new film cameras that are easy to use and affordable. So what's your best bet? Buy a used film camera.
"There are a lot of film camera options out there, from less than $100 and all the way up," says Lucas, Unique's Used and Trades Manager. "People trade in cameras for cash or to upgrade to another camera. We test out everything that comes in to make sure it's in good working condition [before grading it] cosmetically from 'Like New' to 'Fair' and 'As Is'."
Lucas and Unique's team of technicians carefully examine each camera trade-in and include a 180-day warranty so you can be confident in your purchase. Shop in-store or browse the entire Used selection online.
Develop it and make prints! Photo Lab Supervisor Luna explains that "the most popular format is 35mm [because] it's the most readily available and there are many different types of cameras that can use [it]... but we can process 120 and 4x5 film, too.
"Our basic develop, scan, and email [service] is perfect for Instagram, Facebook, and small prints. If you want to print larger, or if you need a high resolution image, we offer that as well."
Additional Photo Lab services include in-house custom framing, prints from 4x6 to 40x60 inches and larger, and much more.
You can also choose to develop your film at home. Unique Photo carries all of the supplies you'll need: from the tanks and thermometers to chemistry, negative sleeves, and binders.
If you'd prefer some guidance on the process, a personal one-on-one lesson is the way to go. "Our one-on-one [lessons] are available for teaching you many different things, from how to use your camera, learning studio lighting, and even learning to use a drone," says Scott, who helps facilitate photography education at Unique University.
For more information visit uniquephoto.com.