A Beginner Guide for 35mm Film Photography.

Today I want to give you a beginner guide for 35mm film photography. I‘m going to cover everything from choosing the right camera, loading your roll of film and shooting. I hope this video can help you start with this amazing way of practicing photography.
Chapters:
00:00 - 00:27 - Introduction
00:27 - 01:07 - How does film photography work?
01:07 - 03:57 - Which camera to choose
03:57 - 04:56 - Where to buy cameras
04:56 - 06:33 - Understanding your camera
06:33 - 07:53 - Which film to choose
07:53 - 10:32 - Loading your film
10:32 - 13:12 - Shooting & Exposing
13:12 - 14:32 - Getting your film developed
14:32 - 15:07 - The end
Music used in this video:
- Far Away Feelings - Jamie Rutherford
- La Parisien - Jakub Pietras
- Passionate Choices - Mansij
- Releaved - Meod
- Slow Evening - Kitrano
- Some Notes - Tomer Baruch
- Sunset Views - Warmkeys.
- The Girl With The Cat - Tomer Baruch
All music from Artlist - if you want to get two extra months for free when signing up, you can use my referral link, which will also support me: www.bit.ly/36wPfkA
Links to my Gear (USA)
My main video camera and digital photography camera
- Sony A7iii - amzn.to/3hsc7T2
The two lenses for the camera:
- Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 - amzn.to/2FPHMjs
- Samyang 14mm f/2.8 - amzn.to/3j1YOsI
My secondary digital camera for casual photography:
- Lumix GX80 - amzn.to/2FTwZF3
The two lenses I use with it:
- Panasonic 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 - amzn.to/2EmtQwK
- Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 - amzn.to/2CS6EWF
Other gear I use to make my videos:
- GoPro Hero8 - amzn.to/31mZPWl
- Microphone - amzn.to/3j5hCre
- Softbox Lights - amzn.to/3l9JSL6
- Camera Rain Protector - amzn.to/3lekWSD
- Camera bag - amzn.to/2QhjFw7
- SD-Cards - amzn.to/2Yuam02
- Micro SD-Card (for GoPro) - amzn.to/3l8QKIF
- Hard-Drives - amzn.to/2ExSZUU
- Mouse (yes, someone asked this) - amzn.to/34s3mES
(all links are Amazon-Affiliate links)
For my German friends, here are the links for .de
My main video camera and digital photography camera
- Sony A7iii - amzn.to/2NRSQgn
The two lenses for the camera:
- Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 - amzn.to/2PZ6mBn
- Samyang 14mm f/2.8 - amzn.to/2PZ6SiN
My secondary digital camera for casual photography:
- Lumix GX80 - amzn.to/2WSkOg2
The two lenses I use with it:
- Panasonic 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 - amzn.to/2X1mxj5
- Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 - amzn.to/2Cmx3Ij
Other gear I use to make my videos:
- GoPro Hero8 - amzn.to/2YISU8v
- Microphone - amzn.to/2NTPdWZ
- Softbox Lights - amzn.to/36MZ3Tt
- Camera Rain Protector - amzn.to/2FKPyuJ
- Camera bag - amzn.to/2Ys84P2
- SD-Cards - amzn.to/2EmmObx
- Micro SD-Card (for GoPro) - amzn.to/2Qi50AD
- Hard-Drives - amzn.to/3hn5wJB
- Mouse (yes, someone asked this) - amzn.to/2QhRexX
(all links are Amazon-Affiliate links)
Instagram: / teo_crawford
Contact: [e-mail]

[@marysnyder9405]

I've watched a lot of "beginner" videos for 35mm these past few days and this one has by far been so much more helpful than any of the others. Simply a great teacher.

[@teocrawford]

Aww amazing, thank you so much!🥺🙏🏼

[@kalonjitshisekedi6037]

Couldn’t agree more!!

[@nikavidic-uj8cj]

Agree!! U rock!!

[@Twoeggsq]

Facts

[@d46852]

I completely agree, I'm so lost and I learned so much through this video. Could you make another video explaining shutter speed?

[@itsr1p]

I'd like to point out there's no shame in using a point & shoot. It's easy to carry everywhere and effective in capturing moments where u don't have a few seconds to manually focus. a lot of my fav images I've taken were on a p&s.

[@smhvito]

thanks for that! the manual only mirrorless shooter in me has been brainwashed to believe easier equals bad when it comes to anything photography. 😂

[@aircrafts6tge222]

True, I’ve got a Mirrorless and looking at it now and wanting a film camera I’d choose point and shoot because of the ease of carrying it, just put it in your pocket, no bag and no worry of it being stolen plus it’s something I can take where ever I go whereas with the mirrorless I’m likely to miss half the shots as I don’t carry it on me. Also I was on manual but I left it for AV it’s just quick, it’s good to manual as you will need it on certain situations.

[@Photovintageguy]

If you can find a one with a good lens, most have garbage lenses. The autofocus can be bad as well. Some late 80’s slrs had ok AF and you could find a good lens. For example minolta AF cameras and Canon that take EF lenses. They are generally bigger and some are ugly, but they do have fully automatic program modes, that are point and shoot. Although sometimes you do have to click the AF twice to get a good lock. Not especially expensive.

[@anthonyxuereb792]

Yes find the right point and shoot and you won't be disappointed, Minolta is a dependable brand but usually overlooked and make sure the lens is made of real glass and not plastic.

[@Photovintageguy]

@@anthonyxuereb792 i Meant the 80’s had some slr camera that had interchangeable lenses. They are mostly plastic, but they are pretty cheap and have good AF and fully auto modes. Like Minolta Maxxum series. A 50 1.7 and say a Minolta Maxxum 7000 or a Minolta Maxxum 70 etc. would be cheap and fully automatic if desired. But cheap because they are ugly. Start with the maximum 50mm 1.7 because they are cheap, abundant and very good. The system is cheap because nobody collects them for looks.

[@DennisTrovato]

I recently shot my first roll of 35mm film in 21 years on my great-grandfather's old Voigtländer Vitomatic II, which has been laying around in the basement untouched since his death in 2001, which coincidentally was also around the last time I shot film myself on one of those cheap Fisher-Price toy cameras because I was 9 years old back then. Everything still worked perfectly and it was a real thrill to get those negatives back from the lab.

[@teocrawford]

Ohh cool, that sounds amazing! Happy that the camera still works🥺👏🏼👏🏼

[@silkegoossens7373]

Not only is it a very decent video, but your voice is so soothing?? Could honestly keep this on loop

[@elias_martinelli]

perhaps one of the best informational videos about 35mm photography on youtube - i have processed numerous of rolls of film myself but i still enjoyed watching

[@teocrawford]

Aww thank you so much!🥺🙏🏼

[@nixotypical4574]

Absolutely smashing video, answered most of the questions I had about film! Can't wait for my first roll to come in!

[@teocrawford]

Ohh perfect, happy to read that, thank you!🤗🙏🏼

[@andrea-ti2bc]

Now this is a real beginner guide! I cannot tell you how stress I was looking for a video like this to help me operate my Olympus OM10. You are a lifesaver! You were the only one who actually explained the lever, the knob turning to indicate film was correctly loaded, and everything else! Now I can finally used my film camera Thanks so so much!

[@teocrawford]

Ohh amazing, glad to know this could help you out! Thank you :))

[@teocrawford]

Hello hello, for everyone who needs a little introduction to film photography, this is what I would explain to a beginner - I hope this is helpful! :) EDIT: By now I've made a video on the scanning process in case you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/goecm6add9B6mNk Also, for everyone wondering about the Light-metering Process, I made a video on that too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYHJaHt4mbKcZtk Have a good week, Teo

[@tdw8991]

what camera did you use when shooting this video?

[@teocrawford]

@@tdw8991 This was shot with a Sony A7iii🙌🏼

[@tdw8991]

@@teocrawford that thing is expensive as hell!

[@teocrawford]

@@tdw8991 It's got its price, yes. But the value it offers is a great deal in comparison to many choices of similar quality. It's been my work horse for over three years now and I actually think the price is fair compared to many other fullframe cameras🤔 But this certainly depends on what you're looking for. I would not buy this as a camera for casual photography on trips...🤷🏻‍♂️

[@rickylee1894]

One of the better tutorial on basic operations/ use of film cameras. You put in a lot of efforts to produce this video. You touched on the essential points without “unnecessary” details for a beginner. Keep it up.🙏

[@elle4873]

Me with three film cameras that I know how to use still watching this and learning something new

[@rafaelenamorado9243]

I’ve looked at so many videos but you explained the process the best while still keeping the video entertaining your editing is crazy keep it up bro

[@emilyg.8457]

This video was extremely helpful! I just purchased my first point and shoot from a local camera shop and am completely new to film cameras (besides the usual disposable one). This was extremely easy to understand for a beginner like myself and informative!

[@bekaemery2918]

I'm an absolute novice in all things photography let alone film photography! I recently found my granddad's old agfa view finder and I really wanted to try it out. Thanks for the very concise and helpful video, I'm really hopeing this will be a hobby I can really get into 😊

[@maxjewell2093]

Am i interested in film photography? yes. Buuuut i watched the entire video twice because it is so beautifully filmed, narrated, and scored. I feel healed.

[@s3cr3tpassword]

I wanna add: the general rule of thumb to avoid the half exposed first shot is typically two or three pull of the film advance lever. Also don’t be scared to buy expired film. The photos can still be processed. Colors might be unpredictable but that’s perfectly fine! Apps are a good and cheap light meter. But since we’re going old school cool here, I recommend learning the sunny 16 rule and work out the exposure in your head! Lastly, don’t forget you only get 24 or 36 shots per roll. So you really gotta think about your shot before taking a picture. Which is a great contrast to our trigger happy fingers on modern digital cameras/smartphones.

[@christinacooperfilm]

This was a great, thorough tutorial. The pacing was perfect. I have a my first 35mm camera coming in a few days and I'm so excited. It's been about almost 30 years since I've used film (excluding Polaroid 600). Well made video. New sub!

[@e.r4372]

Thank you Teo for this really timely and informative video! Just starting to get into film photography (and proper photography in general actually) and this was a helpful intro.

[@itsScoots]

Just picked up a canonet 28 recently, I've already looked into it and learnt how it works but your video is very clear and concise and gives me a little more insight. ❤️

[@VoltageNostalgia]

You are very good at explaining things. You use few words compared to others yet you make more sense

[@yogijems2282]

This was exactly the video I was looking for thank you! Also the colours, music, tone of voice and editing was all very relaxing and easy to watch

[@littleelephant367]

i’ve had such a mental block on confidently using my film camera for two years - thank u for changing that !

[@mayralopez2150]

I just want to thank you so much for this video. I took a film photography class back in high school about 11 years ago and fell in love. I went through a rough patch in life and completely stopped shooting. I recently took my camera off a shelf and decided to shoot again but was iffy about me remembering how it all works. This has been the best For Beginners video I have come across in the past few months and explained every single thing I was questioning. Thank you thank you!

[@enclavehere6495]

Have had an old Canon AE1 - Program for a while, I originally bought it back in 2019 and shot a couple rolls (Fujifilm superia 400, Ilford HP5 plus). I've just started using it again and relearning everything (getting my first roll of Ektar delivered today), this video is very helpful. Thank you! Also I want to compliment you for your realness. I feel like you're probably one of the few photography KZbinrs who don't try to project an image to viewers, you just make content because you're passionate about it, and that really shines through. I've subbed and watched a few videos from you, keep it up man!

[@versicherungsagent420]

even tho im not a beginner i had so much fun watching this

[@azadebc9896]

I was just given a Nikkormat camera by a family member because I’ve been wanting to get into photography. This video helped so much thank you! I cant wait to get started

[@esme20130113]

Freshly started in shooting with 35mm and this is my second beginner video and found this very helpful! Lucky me! Love your aesthetic filming style either in this video or your photography, and your charming accent! Thanks mate x

[@Dempseybrothersband]

Thanks for a great beginner’s video. I haven’t played with film for so long but this was so clear and simple it inspired me to get back into it. I’m picking up a Fujica ST-801 tomorrow and can’t wait to get started again:)

[@teocrawford]

Ohh cool, glad this could help. Have fun with that Fujica!😍🙌🏼

[@JoeLopez]

One of the best ‘beginner’ videos I’ve seen yet. Well done.

[@annagiambarda]

This video has given me the confidence boost I needed in order to consider trying to shoot a roll with the beautiful Canon Pellix I found at my grandparents'. I've only used a very basic point and shoot until now but I think it's time to take on the SLR challenge!

[@amandavaldegas7500]

Teo, this was such a good beginner friendly video. Informative but simply to follow! I actually picked up a discounted Pentax k-1000, so I was so happy to see you used it in your demo so I could follow along ❤

[@yuichiizucake5730]

Everything about this video is so aesthetics

[@haileyjennelle]

This video was so helpful! I have just gotten a film camera and am learning how to use it, so it's really nice to find a video that explains all this so well!

[@n4humyt948]

I'm getting into photography, I like capturing the moment into photographs, I bought a polaroid not long ago and now I'm looking into this, I'm so excited!

[@ttm2609]

Love your work Teo, I enjoy film again after a hiatus of 25 years

[@film_insider]

Best video on this topic. Period.

[@nurzhamalsmatullaeva6602]

i can't explain how much useful this video was. moreover it boosted my confidence to start cause i was sitting for hours hesitating to open my new camera. Also wanna pinpoint how great your video aetheticallly THANK YOUUU

[@fatmaabdulhadi2477]

I am so glad this video was recommended to me by KZbin. I’ve learned everything I need in order to finally start shooting film in just 15 minutes. Thank you so much!!!

[@brianlukazyaris4250]

This video helped me to understand more about film cameras and different types of it☺

[@michaczynski296]

Great video for the beginners! I recently got Nikon EF220 (1995) and Olympus MJU-I (1996) and immediately wanted to know more about films/formats and the mechanical aspects of camera operation. And this film worked perfect for me.

[@gosyainlondon]

The best beginners guide I have ever watched!!!Thank you for sharing your tips

[@apb_london]

Another excellent video. Excellent because it got me thinking. I have over 55 years of film photography experience, as a kid started with a point and shoot, went on to SLR and now have many different film cameras. My thoughts were around what is the best camera for an adult to start with? I think it’s an SLR, as SLRs allow greater experimentation, from manual to automatic. A point and shoot is better when you know what you are doing! I took my Canon EOS 5 out today, I prefer the rangefinder, but that’s me.

[@twizy14twice48]

This channel is my happy place. Thank you for your hard work

[@SizzleCorndog]

I just picked up a Praktica and this was so useful for explaining iso and exposure and how that all works on a film camera

[@flowaagurl1396]

The best video for beginners I hope this goes viral af

[@johnnylettuce7538]

Danke! Just bought my first analog after years of DSLR, and your vid got me going with the basic stuff! So thanks

[@TinglingTaco]

Recently, I bought my first "real" camera (Canon EOS 250D) and I've been recommended so many photography content by YT ever since. Can't complain!

[@commodoresixfour7478]

Nice explanation and a good review for us that haven't used 35mm in 20 + years.

[@healthysandwich1503]

Just picked up my first SLR camera, an Nikon FG, after watching this video I feel much more confident thank you!

[@wyrunner]

This was an excellent tutorial and broken down by sections really well. Thank you.

[@coachtomas]

You have such a comforting voice, which made this video a cosy and fun video to watch. I may soon embark on my film photography journey and this has helped me a great deal, thank you.

[@williamh7759]

i recently bought a canon rebel xs film camera since i could use the canon lens' that i already own and this is such a useful video, I've watched a few of your videos and they just make me want to go out and take photos even more. Thank you for making this video.

[@lindsay.rohrbaugh]

Such a great beginner guide! Your voice is so soothing.

[@abhishekiyer261]

Absolutely loved this video. As a beginner, it covered almost all of my queries. Additionally the aesthetic of the whole video and your calming voice left me feeling relaxed, Zen like. Thank you for making this :)

[@samanthacaldera2]

Amazing video. Very informative and you hit every point

[@katyagrep]

Thank you so much! Great job 🙌🏼

[@nichillbery2796]

Amazing ❤️🙏🏽 So helpful and well-done!

[@TB-gq5ne]

I just picked up a Pentax for $40! Thank you for this. So excited to start shooting

[@orionriley5154]

Great video, been looking into getting into film photography for a while. Finally picked up a Canon AE-1 off eBay today with a couple of lenses. Now I feel a little more confident that I won't waste any precious film (why are my hobbies always so expensive!?)

[@fernandarochha]

This is amazing editing - also thank you this was so helpful, the light app is awesome I had no idea that existed.

[@lucyknight841]

Thank you for the overview! Someone gifted me a camera unexpectedly- which is great because I love learning different forms of art and have never gotten into photography before- but I really don’t even know the basic basics. I wasn’t even sure how to buy the correct film or what type of camera I had. This was really helpful! Once I get the right batteries and film I’ll be coming back to watch the part on shooting again :)

[@KAM173]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! It is so helpful for beginners. It’s Christmas morning and I’ve been planning on using my canon ql ft for the first time today. This taught me everything I needed to know!

[@jeremytsuki]

This is so timely. 🎞️ Thanks Teo!

[@teocrawford]

Perfect, thanks!🤗🙏🏼

[@lut9353]

This is such an amazing video. Thank you so much.

[@marinaw7138]

thank you so much. this video just helped me tremendously. and your voice was very calming along the way

[@clarisekylander5431]

Very informative video, thank you! It was such a calming video!

[@Old52Guy]

Definitely subbing! For me this is a great review/tutorial. I did photography decades ago, shot some pretty good stuff, and eventually stopped because of lack of time and my photographs had become garbage. Thanks!

[@christopherstoffi]

This is PERFECT!! What a great selection of relevant info and inspiration👌🏻

[@teocrawford]

Aww thank you so much! Happy to know that this was helpful!🤗

[@nerdynerdface]

You earned a sub. Thank you so much! The information in the video is gold

[@kateandersonphotography]

Fantastic tutorial. So helpful. Thank you!

[@alexandrialambert2507]

This is incredibly helpful for someone who has only shot digital before!

[@metinkaraca2190]

Thank you, it was very informative with clear language. I got Konica FC-1, I am retired now and would like to start taking photo again. Thank you again.

[@mmmarrrinnn2015]

incredible video, so much of an effort! thanks to you

[@jatinbasia]

This was just amazing!❤️

[@teocrawford]

Aww thank you!🥺🙏🏼

[@GJSsongsmith]

I’ve been involved in education for 40+ years and I must say that this is beautifully done . Pacing is spot on and very clear . Well filmed too , many thanks

[@mooodygraphy]

Thanks Teo for getting me into Film photography. Had a canon 6D, just bought a Canon FT QL that I can't wait to test :)

[@teocrawford]

Ohh sweet, I'm happy for you but sorry for your wallet haha :,D Have fun! :)

[@mirakatlan3170]

This video is just incredible

[@ukwuomau]

This was so helpful, thank you!

[@jessicalebsanft8154]

Thank you! This is been so helpful

[@whereisthesauce7424]

i found two cameras in my dads stuff an slr and a point and shoot with a few rolls of unopened film this video was very helpful thank you for making this

[@orudomisu594]

I just started film photography or must I say photography itself that this video found me like a "glove in a hand" as great Scottie Pippen said 〜

[@skinnywinny]

By far the best video, I wish I found this sooner!

[@sketchysketchin3361]

This is a great comprehensive intro video, thank you!

[@learnlikebamboo]

What an insanely good video! Wow, man! Thank you so much for this clear and objective explanation, really helped me get started

[@teocrawford]

Aww thank you, so happy to read this! :))

[@eudaimaniacs8611]

Thanks dude, I got a minolta XG 1 at a thrift shop for 3,30 Euro and I've been trying to fix and later shoot some film with it. Your video was very helpful.

[@hihelloihavenousername7565]

This video was so helpful thank you!!

[@darrengodssonfielding]

My dad is sending me his Pentax K1000se. He also got it in the eighties, he even has an unused roll of film. Hahaha that’s so weird and yet not really that I got inspired to ask my dad if he still has his camera because of your videos and it’s exactly the same as your dads which you now have. Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

[@101wonderment]

I love your video and the way you present. Very clear and soothing voice 🙏 thanks for this amazing guide

[@Dagwood1776]

This video was on point for me. I have an old 1960s Nikon from my Grandparents. It hasn’t been used for decades. I hope it still works. 🤞🏻📸🎞️

[@user-ct6wy1qs6j]

Thank you! What an excellent explanation; so clear and easy to understand. I just found all of my father's old cameras and I am excited to try at least one of them out. Now I know so much more about them. I am looking forward to all of your other videos.

[@yaboy_mole]

this video is awesome and very well done. i know a little bit about cameras (really not that much), i have two 35mm slr's that i love, i just wanna know as much as i can about them so im always watching videos on them. thank you for this video!

[@PMS1950]

Having spent over 30 years as a professional photographer during the analogue days and getting so much enjoyment and creative fulfilment during these pre digital days, I'm always intrigued at how this old tech form of imaging has been gathering interest from many of today's hobbyists and career snappers. Although, like many of my contemporaries the move over to digital from analogue wasn't an overnight decision, it has, in terms of acceptance and appreciation, taken a while to decide whether the speed and technological pros of digital imaging is so much better than the, at times, labour intensive chemical process. Personally I've tended to stay with, particularly as I'm now fairly ancient, the easier and more immediate digital tech, but it's always pleasing to be reminded that the marvellous and pioneering years of photography is still creating interest and appreciation from those photographers, fascinated by this ancient, light inspired magic.

[@purpledeer926]

Such a great introduction!

[@teocrawford]

Ahh great, thank you!🤗

[@TheAleqzi]

Such a great video. I came looking for some information but got more than I was hoping for! Thank you very much

[@emiliaburgos5404]

So glad I came across your channel. This is so helpful :) also love your editing 🤍

[@teocrawford]

Aww thank you!🥺🙏🏼

[@SwedishBeatclub]

This video is a masterpiece

[@manugeee]

Really a great video. I am thinking about making one on the same topic. But yours covers it pretty well. Explanation and also your animations are great. 😃👍

[@AmericanConstellation]

Some of my most vibrant, color photos have been taken by my Canon AE-1. I've got so many lenses and filters for the camera. One of them is a huge telescopic lens that's insane. I bought the whole kit from a guy at work in the early 90's. He wanted to go digital. I paid him $200.00 for the entire kit. I love this camera. The photos that I have taken with it are so rich and clear. I believe the value of these cameras and lenses are going up in value. Film cameras are coming back like vinyl records have come back. Younger people like to switch gears and have realized the quality, creativity and fun of having an SLR camera.

[@user-bc9fx9lq9e]

Thank you for this!

[@ParadiseVids]

Fantastic video! 🎞️

[@lucaottoboni7334]

I just started film photography and this video is what i need. Thank you for creating this video😀. Luca.

[@bloodyeyesocket8754]

Me too! I’m 14 and have no idea what camera to get I’ve spent 2 days trying to figure out a camera I should use