Film Friday: The best gifts for film photographers in 2022

I wouldn't mention this if the price difference wasn't so huge, but I paid $600 for my M6 when working for Leitz. It was my sample, but new when I got it. I think they were around $1100 retail which is probably $2500 today. Other than being made in Canada, not much difference except the price, it seems. Some serious inflation going on.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

Samuel Dilworth

How about a timeshare in a roll of film?

Dec 2, 2022permalink

Nova Strict

I'd gift them a subscription to a photography website that does not repost articles from 2 years ago and is not trying so hard to be the gizmodo of photography.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

Muskokaphotog

It should be remembered that DPreview is an Amazon product. The objective is to promote and sell.

Dec 5, 2022permalink

PLShutterbug

I think the most-appreciated gift for most film fans will be a prepaid debit card with a whopping great balance, given the price of film these days.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

Tungsten Nordstein

Best gift for film photographers. Two tons of film and small fridge. As no one can afford the damned film any more.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

52K

Nevermind the film cost, no-one can afford to run the extra fridge now either. We're doomed... lol

11 months agopermalink

blåland

Those who suggest a digital camera as a joke probably doesn't know that they are great for scanning film with high quality.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

ZilverHaylide

As someone who used a Nikon Coolscan 9000 long ago, and once upon a time had hoped that some high-quality scanners would come to market at a lower price -- only to be disappointed when both Nikon and Minolta exited the market, and no high-quality, reasonable-cost replacement came to be -- I'm well aware that a high-pixel-count camera with a good macro lens is now the best way and best value for high-quality film digitization.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

Muskokaphotog

Hey, I have an 8000 and still use it. So many films to scan, I'll never get through them. I've kept an older MacBook Pro just for it. I think there are better/easier methods though. Also depends on the required quality. Drum scan?

Dec 5, 2022permalink

Leonp

I just want the FM3a, but only because it's so pretty.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

Daniel Bliss

May I make some suggestions? Replacement back for a Nikon F100. Latch repair for broken back for a Nikon F100. Firmware upgrade (or if necessary a chip upgrade) for F6 to be able to handle E lenses. Of course the trouble with my wish list is it requires a modicum of support from Nikon or someone Nikon-adjacent with some tech and tooling experience! It's just that it would be wonderful to be able to put more of Nikon's current glass and AF performance in front of film.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

Overrank

There is a third party replacement latch kit for the F100 (haven’t used it, don’t have a F100). You can find it of Photrio

Dec 2, 2022permalink

User4286416121

A calendar.
/s

Have to admit, the sous vide is a great idea.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

ProfHankD

Sous vide? You don't want chemicals that hot! I think a $10 aquarium heater is a better choice. Of course, just having a large volume water bath was always good enough for me to hold +/-0.5C -- without a heater.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

jaberg

Why would a sous vide machine heat your chemicals excessively? My basic "starter" machine will keep water at temps ranging from 32-197°f +/- 0.2 (0-92°C)

Dec 3, 2022permalink

ProfHankD

jaberg: Most processing is at 68-80F, which is NOT a portion of the range sous vide units are tuned for and I'd be very surprised if it held temp very even in that range, while it is pretty much the normal range for fishtank heaters. Basically, it's like trying to light a candle with a flamethrower: your heat source is overkill.

Dec 3, 2022permalink

Talk about eclectic.

Amazon links?

$45 for 12 120 exposures color. I'm out.

Dec 2, 2022*permalink

@Gesture: You're getting five rolls of 120 film, so you'd get 60 shots (assuming 6x6), not 12.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

Thanks.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

I'm a bit surprised that at least one 35mm film camera (of some sort, SLR or range finder or whatever) didn't make the list (perhaps for the beginners or amateurs who maybe are just starting out).

Dec 2, 2022*permalink

@sirhawkeye: The Leica M6 made it...

It's not exactly affordable, but it is a 35mm rangefinder.

Dec 2, 2022*permalink

Yes true, forgot about that one. Although as you said, not exactly affordable. How about one more slide... maybe an "affordable" 35mm film camera... I think many on here have a hard enough time justifying a new $5000 digital camera.

Dec 2, 2022*permalink

One of those Soviet/Russian RFs or even 35 SLR.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

theBitterFig

Used old cameras can be wicked hit-or-miss. I'm disappointed to find out after having some developing that my K1000 has a shutter issue, where some frames are half blacked out. Last winter, got a Konica Auto S2 rangefinder, and it died before the first roll of film was finished. I have others that work fine.

To me, it'd be hard to suggest as a gift. They're the kinds of things I'd only ever buy for myself, since I know the risks.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

I think at least when it comes to shutters, its the same risk you get when buying a digital camera (the only difference being you can check the shutter count on a digital camera, but that doesn't necessarily mean the shutter won't fail tomorrow).

I feel that with most things used, if you know what to look for, you can find some good deals on gently used stuff. If you're new to film photography, perhaps have someone who is experienced help you locate and inspect cameras you're looking to buy.

Dec 3, 2022permalink

theBitterFig

All totally fair. I have some used cameras I completely love. Mostly, though, it's just the "gift" aspect that I'd hesitate on---particularly if I'm a 3rd party recommending it to a stranger to give to someone they care about. Film or useful accessories seem much safer, I guess.

I probably wouldn't buy someone a used digital camera as a gift, either. If I can't be personally certain that a camera works, or if it would be covered under warranty, I probably wouldn't get it for someone else. If I'm handing it to someone else to enjoy, I want to be as sure as I can that it's good and not a headache.

At least, not unless they specifically asked for a film SLR, or so forth.

Dec 4, 2022permalink

MyReality

DPR could have chosen one of my affordable film cameras: Canon AE-1 Program, Canon Elan 7ne, Olympus OM-1, Leica Minilux, Contax T2 and others, but I am not selling them.

Dec 4, 2022permalink

@MyReality Yes that was what I was hoping for (and getting at) with my original comment. After all, they only have 8 items. I'm sure there's another 1 or 2 they could have put in, one being an affordable camera option (to balance out the high-priced Leica they listed).

Dec 4, 2022permalink

lds2k

I worked in NYC in the 1969s as a "darkroom man" and a photo assistant on trips. That means I carried around the 9 cases thru airport. The 8x10 Deardoff case was very very heavy. As I look back these 8x10 cameras were a work of art themselves. A long way from Deardoff to iPhone.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

NickZ2016

If you need to keep chemicals at a constant temperature. B/W isn't a big issue. Colour processes OTOH require precision.

Picnic cooler. Larger the better. It'll hold more chemicals but more importantly it'll hold more water. The large amount of water won't temperature drift that easily.

Fish tank heater. It won't be labeled accurately. At least not likely. Invest in a half decent thermometer and a bit of time. You'll quickly figure out what setting you need.

Need to speed up the process use hot tap water in the cooler.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

jaberg

A sous vide machine (or two) can regulate the water temp. accurately. I don’t develop film, but I do cook turkeys in a Yeti ‘“cooler”.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

@Nick: I specify the difference between B&W and color in the text of that slide. Fish tank heaters aren't nearly as powerful as sous vide machines and don't have nearly as big of a range to work with. They also don't circulate the water like sous vide machines do.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

NickZ2016

The one in the photo looks small. How many watts? There isn't a lid on the pot. That means it'll cool. The pot isn't insulate. That means it'll cool. You'll end up with cool spots .

When you say accurately how accurate? You need a fraction of a degree here. At least for the developer . A turkey a couple of degrees one way or the other no big deal. C41 a tenth of a degree and you start having to adjust times.

The big cooler full of water will keep itself at the right temperature for the 3.15 minutes needed. Memory maybe be going but I think it was 3 minutes and 15 seconds.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

NickZ2016

There are some really big heaters. Glancing at Amazon I see 500 and even 800 watt ones. I remember bigger ones.

You don't need a range you need to hit the right temperature.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

@Nick: Most sous vide machines start at 1000W. For comparison, fish tank heaters usually top out at 800W and at that point you're in sous vide pricing and usually don't have the temperature control. The pot doesn't need to be insulated, because the sous vide machine circulates the water around, meaning there won't be any cold spots. As for accuracy, most sous vide machines will give you down to .1ºF control, which is as precise as any thermometer is going to get you and as precise as any film development will require.

Dec 2, 2022*permalink

jaberg

An insulated container isn't critical, and won't improve accuracy, but it does mean less work for the heating element over time.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

Cerridwen

Yes, please someone gift me a new M6 lol
must be nice ;)

Dec 2, 2022permalink

MediumFormatLover

So, you reposted the article from 2021?

Dec 2, 2022permalink

@Medium: It's been updated with all new products, with the exception of the Analogue Wonderland subscription, which I think is worth the mention again. No different than updating our buying guides, as we do multiple times each year.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

MediumFormatLover

Probably best to start fresh then as this is showing comments from 2021

Dec 2, 2022permalink

rodriguezPhoto

The LomoGraflok looks interesting. I wish it was for 2 1/4 × 3 1/4 Speed Graphics. I`ve got some Instax Mini film to experiment with mine by loading it into the standard sheet film holders. Just haven't a chance to try it yet. This would be much simpler.

Nov 26, 2021permalink

Pretty funny...a gift for the film shooter that allows them to use their digicam to digitize their slides and negs.

Someday they may own a device that allows them to skip all that.

Nov 24, 2021permalink

Been there, done that, starting in 1968. NOT going back. Just a huge PITA.

Nov 24, 2021permalink

It's cool when you have a choice. Back when I was shooting film, there was no choice. But hey, if someone wants that hassle, have at it. Just be sure to ventilate your darkroom. ;-)

Nov 24, 2021permalink

D-W

I just like using vintage equipment.

It's the same as someone driving a '60s muscle car instead of your average new car. The old one is less reliable, less safe, less practical and handles worse, but it sure is a lot of fun if you're into it.

Nov 25, 2021permalink

Tom_A

An affordable, compact technical camera with an APS or 35mm sensor at the back would be so cool. A compact amateur variant of the Linhof 679, if you will.

Nov 24, 2021permalink

Overrank

Unfortunately you can’t get fresh APS film now. Any you can buy is at least 12 years past the use buy date, so APS probably wouldn’t be the best choice. Maybe half-frame ?

Dec 5, 2022permalink

FujifilmXT3

Seeing that 4x5 makes me cringe, Been there done that. Now it's the ultimate masochism
.

Nov 24, 2021permalink

Tom_A

It is lovely for studio work

Nov 24, 2021permalink

MyReality

Looking at my 6x7's from my Mamiya 7 on a light table makes me forget all about digital. I let my pro lab do the heavy lifting.

Nov 25, 2021permalink

tom43

For some it is masochism, for others a kind of „art“ producing fabulous results. Nothing is more relaxing for me than working with my LF camera in nature.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

Bill Ferris

Anybody who's actually shot film knows the best gift for someone who shoots with a film camera...is a DSLR :o)

Nov 24, 2021*permalink

Ulrik Christiansen

You usually post much more intelligent comments in the fuji forum Bill. You know, people enjoy different things here in life - shouldn't be too hard to understand, if you want to.

Nov 24, 2021permalink

Bill Ferris

Did you notice the smiley face?

Nov 24, 2021permalink

Bill Ferris

Nice. One roll or two? ;o)

Nov 24, 2021permalink

Nah....MILC.

;-)

Nov 24, 2021permalink

Ulrik Christiansen

@Bill. Thanks - yes, and fair enough. I'd be surprised if you really meant that :)

Nov 24, 2021permalink

MyReality

Anyone who has actually shot a DSLR knows the best gift for someone who shoots with a DSLR is NOT a Mirrorless.

Nov 25, 2021permalink

Tom Holly

All that stuff is pure gimmickry.

Say “hey man. You still shoot film? Cool. I remember I used to use Kodak gold100. Is that still around? What’s your favorite type of film to use these days?”

Buy them that

Nov 24, 2021*permalink

http://www.jollinger.com/photo/meters/meters/gossen_pilot.html

H&W Control Film.

Nov 24, 2021permalink

Photoman

The best gift is...expired film! Got myself a Ricoh GR1s. Not that's a gift.

Nov 24, 2021permalink

Cheapo Marx

"21cm x 18cm by 11.7cm"

What's that in Murikan?

Nov 23, 2021permalink

stateit

1 quart x 16 thou x 24 guage

Nov 23, 2021permalink

Cheapo Marx

Zactamundo!

Nov 23, 2021permalink

LJ - Eljot

0.000130488 mile x 0.0497097 link [li.] x 28.346457 x barleycorn

Nov 24, 2021permalink

KCook

For a gift size price I like the old Gossen Pilot lightmeter. Too bad they stopped production.

Kelly

Nov 23, 2021permalink

Pixl-later looks good for $25.

Nov 23, 2021permalink

aenoether

Works good too 🙂

Nov 24, 2021permalink

Stujomo

Tetenal tablets look interesting. I remember the Konica ecojet system use tablets too.

Nov 23, 2021permalink

stateit

Props to Gannon in his copy for that section.
"... nearly became insolvent..."
"... a solid product lineup..."

Nov 23, 2021permalink

Kerensky97

I don't mind getting a bundle of films to try out. I like variety. But those subscription boxes are always more expensive than just parting out the individual items through a normal store. They throw in a couple stickers or pins to justify it but I don't need stickers or pins.
Also I'd like to get films that I have the chemicals for. All you're sending me is a future promise to spend $60 more dollars in development and waiting a month for the turnaround.

Nov 23, 2021permalink

ZeroOne01

Best gift for them is a Digital Camera.

Nov 23, 2021permalink

Vincent O'Sullivan

Ach, you beat me to it. :)

Nov 23, 2021permalink

D-W

That's like saying the best thing to give someone with a vintage MGA is a Mazda Miata. We know the Miata is technically better, that's not why we have the MGA.

Nov 25, 2021*permalink

ZeroOne01

@D-W
It was a joke.

Nov 25, 2021permalink

In the unlikely event they don't already own a digital camera.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

Greg Ohio

Lots of novelty items. I'd rather have core items like a quality lens, a film scanner, a light table, or film of the type I actually use (conventional Iford films).

Nov 23, 2021permalink

tom43

Agree. But: There is no good scanner option. If this field wants to survive, they have to care about new high-quality scanners. There is a huge demand, but no satisfying products today.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

Greg Ohio

Epson V600. Plustek 8100.

Dec 2, 2022permalink

None of the above. tom43 is correct. The Coolscans were the last optically decent consumer scanners. You can use an Epson on medium format or larger, and it's suprisingly decent for that. But scanning 35mm slides on a flat bed, unless it's a Scitex, you're not gonna get anything really good. Useable, maybe. I keep a Coolscan on my desk and scan a few slides at a time. It's tedious but the results are sharp and there's even some shadow detail.

Dec 2, 2022permalink