Frequently Asked Questions About Analogue Photography

Want to get started with analogue photography? We'll help you on your way

Analogue photography is back in a big way! There's really nothing quite like a classic, tangible photo. Shooting on film takes you back to the roots of photography — and that's exactly what we're doing with this blog. We'll be answering six of the most frequently asked questions about analogue photography. What exactly is it? And how do you actually develop a roll of film? We've got the answers.

What is analogue photography?

Analogue photography is a classic way of taking photos. You shoot without being able to see the result straight away, and you use rolls of film and chemicals to bring your photos to life. Analogue photography truly takes you back to the basics of photography. By shooting on film, you learn the most important fundamentals of photography without any help from technology. After all, there's no 'automatic mode'. This teaches you to photograph in a whole 'new' way. The key difference between analogue and digital photography is that with analogue photography, the image is captured on a piece of film. With digital photography, this happens on a sensor. As a result, analogue photography comes with limited possibilities, as you can only take a few photos per roll. It's also considerably more costly. You have to think more carefully before taking a shot, which means you take more time over it.

What is an analogue camera?

An analogue camera is a camera that uses rolls of film to store photos. The photos are taken without a sensor, and the camera has a light-sensitive film. Through varying light exposure, the photos are captured on the film roll.

Are there different types of analogue cameras?

Yes, there are several types of analogue cameras, each with different features. For example, there are polaroid and SLR cameras. Polaroids are well and truly back. Another name for a polaroid camera is an instant camera. This means the photo comes straight out of the camera after you've taken it. After a few minutes, your photo is already visible! Then there are SLR cameras, or Single Lens Reflex. When you press the shutter button on one of these cameras, the mirror flips and light enters. This allows you to look through the viewfinder and take a photo.

Besides polaroids and SLR cameras, there are many more types. There's also the folding camera, which can be folded up and is very slim, making it easy to take with you. One of the first cameras used by the general public is the box camera. After each photo, the film has to be wound on manually. The pinhole camera looks very similar to the box camera in appearance — both are box-shaped. The pinhole camera uses a small hole instead of a lens. The smaller the hole, the sharper the photo.

Which roll of film do I need?

The roll of film you need depends on your camera. Most analogue cameras use 35mm rolls of film. Another format is 120mm, which is used for a medium format camera. The film determines the ISO value and colour tone you shoot in. If you have a black-and-white film in your camera, you can't take colour photos — not even by adjusting your settings. Swapping out the roll quickly isn't really an option, as it does take a while. You can choose from various brands, such as Kodak, Agfa, Ilford and Fujifilm. The numbers 100, 160, 200, 400, 800 and 3200 indicate the ISO value.

How do I develop my roll of film?

To bring your photos to life, you need to develop them. This is a precise process and involves a great deal of work. You'll need several supplies, and it also takes time. Bear in mind that there is a difference between developing black-and-white and colour films.

You start by taking the film out of the roll in a darkroom. Then wind your film onto a spool and place it in a developing tank. Next, mix the chemicals or use a handy kit. Once you've done this, hang the film up to dry and your photos are ready! Want to know more about developing your analogue images? In this blog we explain everything in detail.

Developing your analogue images takes quite a bit of time. No problem if you find this a bit too much work. We'd be happy to develop your rolls of film in one of our stores!

What can you do with analogue photography?

What can't you do?! With analogue photography, the possibilities are endless. You can capture your life in a classic way, photograph events in a timeless style, or simply go back to the basics of photography. By returning to those basics, you might even gain new insights that you can apply to your future photography. Use them for your portfolio or display them in your home. The choice is yours — the gear and inspiration you'll find with us.

Share your result

Have you been inspired by analogue photography? Share your beautiful photos with us via our Instagram account. Use the #KameraExpress or tag Kamera Express in your post. And don't forget to follow us for plenty of inspiration.