Photographs taken with an analog camera have a unique atmosphere, unusual colors and original style. How to prepare for taking this type of photos?

The way of saving photos 

Analog photography is unique precisely because of this aspect. In digital cameras, the image is saved using a matrix, which creates an electronic record on the memory card, in high quality, and any defects in the photo can be processed independently in a special computer program.

In the case of photos taken with an analog camera, such a possibility does not exist. An analog camera uses so-called light-sensitive material, i.e. film, film or negative. The nomenclature depends on the specific type of camera. Usually, due to the limited number of pictures taken with an analog camera, one picture at a time is taken, and the final result can be viewed only after the entire film has been developed. Thanks to this way of saving photos, the final result is mysterious, atmospheric and more original. 

Maintenance of the camera 

Good quality of photos taken with an analog camera depends not only on the light and technical settings, but also on the level of cleanliness of the equipment. Every speck of dust or dirt can affect the quality of developed photos, especially if the film chamber is dirty, thus damaging the material. Analog cameras are very sensitive to external conditions, so care should be taken to clean them regularly. The key elements that require maintenance are the lens and the chamber that holds the film. These can be cleaned with a dry microfiber cloth or with a special photo cleaning kit purchased from a photo studio.

Inserting the film

An important aspect of analog photography is the correct removal and insertion of new film. The film compartment is usually located on the back of the camera, where a special film roll is located when the flap is opened. The negative is gently wound onto the beginning of the roll, without unrolling it all the way. For mechanical cameras, winding the entire film will happen automatically.

After applying the beginning of the roll to the appropriate place, close the flip cover and click the button to take pictures. If the film has been wound correctly, it will rewind in its entirety automatically. After this step, the flap with the film inside must remain absolutely closed until the entire negative is used and the film rewinds automatically again. In the case of older models, rewinding of the entire film is done manually, using a special lever. Any contact of the film with light before this moment leads to its overexposure, thus ruining the photos.

Winding a new film should be done in a dark room. If you do not know how to perform this process yourself, it is advisable to ask for assistance from the staff at the photo store, which has a special darkening room for this activity. The assistance of a specialist will help keep the film intact and prevent overexposure of any of the photos.