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Film Brands and Types

film brands and types - downtechinglondon

The last 10 years has seen some films disappear as manufacturers trim ranges. This writer particularly mourns the loss of Fujifilm Neopan 400 Black and White film!

The good news is that, many types and formats still continue. In fact, there has been recent examples of new initiatives.

Colour film is still well supported by Fujifilm. Perhaps this is partly due to continued strong Japanese market interest in film.

Even Kodak hasn’t given up, with niche parts the original company saved under new ownerships. Apparently, Hollywood did not want to lose film for movie making, hence Kodak still film remained commercial and survived. Kodak (Alaris) are said to be due to reintroduce Ektachrome slide, so the journey continues.

Ilford continue to prosper and support black and white film. They nearly folded a few years ago but were bold enough to totally relook at their operation including price rises to survive. It turned out that the market didn’t want to lose them and under new investment ownership, this relatively modest company can see a strong future including a new factory.

Another example of film product turnaround concerns Ferrania. In an excellent book, The Revenge of Analog by David Sax 2016, Sax describes how enthusiasts Nicola Baldini and Marco Pagni took on sections of closed and abandoned factories and equipment to reignite a film brand. A high risk and extremely difficult task due to the toxic and specialist nature of film production.

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Film Stockists

film stockists - downtechinglondon

Rolls of Film can still be found on the high street. Larger Boots stores have a handful including the odd medium format roll. The new Jessops stores have some limited rolls although you have to ask, as they may not be displayed. Snappy Snaps usually have some on display, although again selection is limited.

Generally, film availability on the high street is currently potluck although it can get you out of an unexpected situation.

London Film stockist with fuller ranges

Mr Cad

Pimlico		website
The Photographers Gallery Bookshop

Nr Oxford Circus		website
Wex Photo Video

Whitechapel		website
Also, brands e.g. Ilford and Fujifilm offer mail order via their websiteswebsite
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Second hand film camera models

second hand film camera - downtechinglondon

There are many low cost second hand cameras for sale. Many even function!

There is however, a limited number of models with remain sought after and thus hold their resale values.

They tend to be ex Pro or semi Pro models with excellent build quality and can still deliver outstanding results. The best examples have been previously owned by non-Pros eg the cameras are not heavily worn due to constant daily use. The cameras are also predominately mechanical, as electrical component repair or replacements are often rare or non-existent.

some examples

Nikon FM3A, Nikon FM2NAmongst the best of a long line of Nikon film cameras. Timeless designs which function superbly and also look hip on the shoulder.
Note, when considering lenses, don’t overlook the often under appreciated (and competitively priced) fast 50mm fixed lenses. These where often included in camera bundles and thus were made in high quantities – hence value and availability. There are typically however of exceptional optical quality.
Leica M6, M2, M3, M4 The ultimate build quality and iconic designs of these cameras means that your purchase is a secure investment. Be careful to purchase from a good source to avoid initial servicing. Don’t be put off by the earlier models (M2,M3,M4) which do not have a light meter – they have the potential to max your creativity and enjoyment.
Rollei 35An ultra compact 35mm capable of SLR quality images. In the past pros often used them as kit bag backups. German Sonnar examples are deemed the best, with their f2.8 lens. Battery replacements for the Rollei 35SE are increasingly difficult to obtain (try smallbattery.company.org) although the camera fully functions (ex exposure meter) without its’ battery.
RolleifexA light and compact iconic medium format camera. It is becoming much cherished and sought after.
RolleicordThe non-pro version of the Rolleiflex which is priced approx 30% of its’ pro brother. This can still deliver excellent images, although the shutter and aperture camera settings are a little fiddly to use.
Mamiya 711Outstanding outdoor medium format camera. Now becoming difficult to find. Guess owners are hanging on to them!
Hasselblad 500 seriesThe iconic glamour king. More studio than outdoor, as the operating process can be challenging. The experience and image rewards can however be remarkable from this most beautiful kit. Ensure that the film back light seal is in good order. These can be replaced.
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New film camera models

new film camera models - downtechinglondon
Lomography
Lomography stands alone as an analogue only new camera manufacturer. Founded on creative, rather than technical image excellence, the cameras are affordable and inspirational to use. The camera range includes the Holga medium format website
Leica CameraLeica Camera continues to offer the Leica M7 and Leica MP. Additionally, Leica recently launched a brand new film camera, the Leica M-A, which is purely mechanical (no exposure meter). A real purist camera. website
NikonNikon continues to offer the Nikon F6 website
Occasionally, other brands re-offer a film camera model. Recent examples include the Olympus Trip 35, co-branded Paul Smith and some Fujifilm GF670s (Medium Format) reported found in a USA company warehouse.

 

 

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Where to see and buy film cameras

downtechinglondon highlights businesses which proactively stock and support film photography. These businesses typically also stock the latest high-end digital equipment, but they remain appreciative of analogue.

Aperture
A store with a true passion for film. Find quality camera brands, plus a film lab and repair services.website
Aperture Camera MuseumThe sister store to Aperture with a photo café, museum and a Hasselblad kiosk. A little shine to the brand managed by the knowledgeable Wardwebsite
Mr CadA treasure trove of second hand film camera equipment. Particularly good for hard to find medium and large format kit and accessories. They are more than willing to part exchangewebsite
Richard Caplan
A beautiful store in one of the most interesting London locations. Richard and his team can give you a deluxe experience.
Len Lyons (ex owner of R.G. Lewis, Holborn) is also on hand some days. Hundreds of years experience under one roof!		website
Ffordes Photographic

Scotland		Although in deepest Scotland, Ffordes excel in mail order including part exchange. Their second hand stock is always extensive and the camera condition grading’s are renowned not to disappointwebsite
Film's not Dead

Charlie Abbiss and Tori Khambhaita, 1st and last weekend of month stall at The Backyard Market, off Brick Lane.
This stall hasn’t been visited yet by downtechinglondon, but if you are in the area, check them out.
website
Grays of Wesminster

Exclusively for new and second hand Pro/Semi Pro Nikon, Grays is the most in-depth and knowledgeable UK stockist of Nikon kit. Grays is so revered, that it regularly sells to collectors and users in Japan!website
High Street Radio

This is unashamedly an old school traditional camera store. Selling mainly second hand analogue kit, the store counter is manned (check days on website) by Reg, who has decades of knowledge. If you are after an obscure accessory, Reg maybe your only source! website
Leica Store

Although Leica is now a digital camera brand leader, they haven’t abandoned their iconic film camera roots and continue to offer new film cameras. Opposite the store, there is a new café and any film photographer is made very welcome irrespective of his/her camera brand. website
The Photographers Gallery

New Lomography film cameras are available downstairs in the bookshop. Upstairs there is a lovely café where there is every chance you could rub shoulders with a film photographer from Japan, Germany or USA. website
Photographics Fair

Westminster 20 May 2018

Only for one day each year, this second hand fair features stalls selling rare film camera collectables as well as desirable film kit to use. Rare chance to see so much film camera kit in one place.

The 2107 fair was very well supported. It is run by The Photographic Collectors Club of Great Britain. They have worldwide members and it is well worth spending some time on their above website. The club also runs UK regional events throughout the year.		website
Red Dot



Exclusively new and second hand Leica; Red Dot is an in-depth and knowledgeable stockist of Leica film kit. Ivor and his team love to welcome visitors to their store.
website

 

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About downtechinglondon film photography

Helps you find film photography products and services, ideas on camera models and films and with time, much more.
With updates, new discoveries and news for film photography, downtechinglondon,  a useful new resource for London film photography.

Some sections are currently more comprehensive than others. As the site develops, please contact if we are missing information or news.
At this point, instant film photography is not covered, but it will be included soon.

some reasons why you may wish to shoot film;
• image is king, but you may prefer the process of using film.
• you may love the design and build of film cameras.
• the sensory use of materials.
• the longevity of negatives.
• the story and ownership of a contact sheet.
• the lack of need of postproduction.
• the chance to shoot medium format at entry-level cost.
• the challenge of film photography.
• it slows you down.
• its cool.

Digital v Film photography – Film is not better or worse than Digital, it is just different.

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10 combined reasons why these products are outperforming your iPhone, Dyson or Nespresso

19th Century Products - downtechinglondon

Meet the 19th Century products I still use today

  1. Their beauty increases as they age.
  2. Their design is timeless not fashionable.
  3. Their function still has value.
  4. Their technology is not redundant.
  5. They are not reliant on unobtainable supplies.
  6. Their worth ensures that any repair is economically worthwhile.
  7. They can be repaired.
  8. Their worth is greater than the mere commodity value of their constituents.
  9. They are admired by different communities.
  10. In use, they offer sensory experiences of greater depth than newer equivalents

downtechinglondon.com dedicated to downteching: the smart use of low tech products or processes in a high tech environment.

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You may have written your last bank cheque

downteching cheque book

Cheques may soon disappear in the UK and we may live to regret this move.

Cheques are an example of what I call downteching: the smart use of low tech products or processes in a high tech environment.
ie we no longer need cheques but they can have occasional advantages and we should be careful not to lose them. This is not about being nostalgic, I am suggesting it is about being smart.

Cheques use has been falling dramatically, with now less than a million a day being written.
Banks profits are squeezed, meaning there is cost pressure to abolish cheque books and the cheque clearing system.
A UK regulatory body requires banks to maintain the system, however the banks are not encouraging cheque use, leading to a continued decline.
At some point, the banks will claim minimal and uneconomic demand and the end will come.
Once the cheque clearing infrastructure goes, the system would be dead even if individual banks wish to continue.
Denmark is the latest country to abolish cheques, with Belgium and Finland starting the trend in the 90s. The UK and US remain the only countries where a sizeable minority continue with cheques.

Cheques do not have any exclusive advantages over other forms of funds transfers. However their slower, more considered form of transaction format, combined with the fact that they are outside the hackable web should mean they deserve their place in the future.

In a 2 Feb 2017 The Times article by Ian King

“Cheques are way out of date and it’s time they were written off”
King supports the banks – “net interest margins have been crushed.
UK Regulators could help by offering to abolish cheques”.
King gives the recent history ie that in 2009 the Payments Council proposed to abolish cheques by Oct 2018. The proposal was however dropped following protests.
He notes that cheques cost banks around £1 each fully costed and that a new Image Clearing system has been mooted but this would be an uneconomic investment for small number of users (although, March 2016 – Cheque & Credit Clearing Company now states that by the end of 2018 cheques will take one working day to clear)
“The Payments Council is now abolished and replaced by Payments UK, but this has no regulatory powers. The power now lies with the Payment Systems Regulator (arm of the FCA)”

My bank (Lloyds) no longer provides new cheque books automatically. My local branch stated that “they are trying to phase them out”

Do you have specific reasons to save cheques?
Is your bank trying to influence you to stop using cheques?
Please share your thoughts.
Lets keep a watch on the banks and lobby the Payment Systems Regulator as needed.

downtechinglondon.com dedicated to downteching: the smart use of low tech products or processes in a high tech environment.