Re-Starting Film photography guide

This blog served as a personal sharing for those who may be interested to go back to the basic photography and like to try the handling of a film manual camera.

Vintage SLR Olympus OM-1N above the modern but fast outdated Fuji Xpro1

There are lots of sites showing why film photography is not dead and is coming back due to their uniqueness etc. The look of the film is a very sought after thing nowadays as most digital cameras have some form of film simulation or you can get software to make your digital file "looked" more like film.  Why not get the real thing then?

I have done online shopping thru Ebay, B&H and KEH for the available 1960s-1980s film SLR. The models I have narrowed down are the Olympus Om-1, Minolta ST101 and Nikon Fm2. Noted that all these SLRs are mechanically built, meaning that if there is no batteries, the shutter and aperture still can work. The focusing is by manual and the focus screen is so easy to see, The batteries are just for basic metering.

I used to have the electronic film SLR like the Minolta 500si, 800si etc. These cameras are the modern SLR and without batteries it can't work. The later DSLR evolved from these modern SLR until the recent Olympus OM-D and FujiFilm X designed their new digital cam based on the 1960s-1980s  vintage SLR or Rangefinder.

I see that the vintage SLR is a more worthwhile buy due to their precise,all metal built and the feel/handling of the camera have a timeless feel. They can work anywhere and if the meter breaks down, I can estimate the exposure by the sunny 16 rule or use my Iphone app "Pocket Light Meter" to get the correct exposure.

After buying a good & clean condition OM-1N with 50mm f1.8 from a reputable ebay seller, I sent in the camera to a local shop (P&G photography) for a check and spent another $45 to replace the light seals. For old vintage camera, the light seal "melting" is a common problem. The old mercury batteries for the OM-1 has a replacement type and can be easily purchase from ebay or the local shops.


As 35mm films in Singapore is not so common in "convenient" store nowadays, I get my film from shops in Peninsular area or online B&H.

As for development of film, I recently found a mail-in service where I just order the development plus scanning online and mail the roll of film to the developer. After 3 days, the package will be mail back to me.

For Singapore, negative film development C41 is still can be found easily but for positive slides E6 development, currently from what I know there is only one left in Singapore.

With a process setup, I can now focus on enjoying the fun & patience of film photography again.

Great shape Old OM-1N

Looking great for a 30 year old SLR. Beautifully made and classic feel.

Different real film simulation.