Nikon F3 | Minolta SRT MCII | Pentax SP1000
N I K O N F 3
The big secret sauce to how I had the extraordinary opportunity to use these three cameras is that my girlfriend (cough* 20+ years ago) took a college photography class and either bought herself the camera, for a fraction of what they are worth now, or it was gifted to her. This Nikon F3 was a gift from her big brother, who now generously encourages my own photography journey with the same camera so many years later (I'm not crying, you are). I'll be honest, I did not start off on this journey with some cool easy to use automatic point and shoot. I launched in with this baddie. I had no idea how to do anything. I watched lots of YouTube on how to open the thing - let alone how to set the iso, aperture and shutter speeds, and how they all related (which I didn't fully figure out for another year). But - it is hearty, all metal, here to stay, has a mind of its own, and wants to make you look good. We were meant to be, it's my favorite (don't tell the others). And, I would start here again. I would encourage anyone getting into film to start strong, go for it. I learned manual settings on my digital cameras over the years prior, so I had a little idea, like teeny. But, I've learned an incredible amount with this camera. For the first year I guessed my way through, until I started picking up patterns, remembering how to set for certain light etc. Some shots I still can't believe the way they came out, and some - not even the camera could make up for my user error. The Nikon F3 is FUN, a timeless workhorse, a little spicy and truly out to make you the best you can be.
M I N O L T A S R T M C I I
This Minolta SRT MC II is cuuuuute. It's lightweight, a little bit clinky, and all mechanical - only needs batteries for the light meter, which I'm convinced doesn't really work anyway.
Everything with this cutie is easy to use, dials are simple, and it's small. Perfect for quick trips, unassuming snaps and picking up new film friends. I swear I get more comments, stops and conversations with this little one than any of the others. Not sure if it's because the shutter release is extra or it's a classic design, but it never fails to invite attention. At first it caught me off guard because I had no language yet to talk about shooting, but now, it's more fun to connect with people who are stoked.
Let me tell you - the film community, people that truly enjoy taking photos on film, they are amazing. You want them to come up to you, they are super stoked you're taking pictures, not matter how much you know, it's such a cool feeling. Absolutely recommend this camera - so easy to take everywhere, quick to load and snap away, and it makes learning manual uncomplicated.
P E N T A X S P 1 0 0 0
The in between - the curve ball of the three. The one with special needs - it has a threaded lens mount. When I first picked up this camera it had a prime 135mm lens attached (at the time I didn't even know what prime lens meant). No zoom. For over a year I used it with this lens, learning how to adapt to the limitation, or using it to find a more creative expression. Honestly, the prime lens taught me so much! And at 135mm, I had to be far, always further than I initially expected.
But this was GREAT! I captured things I would never have seen otherwise. This one is heavy too, another work horse, but dial friendly, and likes to be challenged. The only camera I've used at night - and aside from my amateur lighting knowledge, it took on the challenge with grace, softened my choices, and gave me really clear vision of what to expect. This camera also loves a funky stock, it's the only camera I have that can produce a great image on any random stock - the camera I've made the fewest mistakes with, by far.
I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to play with these cameras over this last year and a half. I'm still playing, but with more purpose than before. It's less experimenting with how to do use them, than it is with the new confidence in my choices and expressing my creativity through intentional images.
Thanks for joining me on this journey with my 3 most used film cameras!
I hope I inspired you to take up film photography. It's challenging, but wildly rewarding.
And, I can't say enough how much I love this community.
Should I do another one of these for my point and shoot cameras? Let me know all your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below. And, come visit me on my IG Film Page: @apotropaicfilm
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