Available now in the shop: color changing mugs!
The design appears when you pour in hot liquid. I'm pretty sure there's a great joke in here somewhere about film and developer.
Get yours here:
***This list is still growing and constantly evolving, so bookmark it and keep checking back.
Gift giving seems to be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it feels good to give a loved one something they need, want, and appreciate. On the other hand, one can potentially give a gift that the recipient simply doesn’t like. I’m here to help you, the gift giver, with a guide that looks into what photographers, and more specifically, photographers who shoot with film, might be hoping to get as a gift.
To begin my research, I did an informal poll of several active Facebook groups that deal with film photography. I started by asking the groups what they want in a gift. The items listed here are simply the most popular answers, along with a price range and a description of the gift. I’ve sorted the items from least to most expensive, in hopes to help those of us on a budget. All prices are in USD. Let’s get started!
Price range: $4.00 to $15.00 (per roll)
Here’s the biggest no-brainer on the list, and one of the least expensive, too: Film! While there are many, many different types of film, let’s take a look at the most popular variations that you can’t go wrong with.
For those who shoot high volume, general scenes, and don’t mind the “cheap” stuff: Kodak Gold 200, Kodak Ultramax 400, or Fujifilm Superia 400.
For those who shoot a lot outdoor scenes in bright light: Kodak Ektar 100, Fujichrome Provia 100F
For those who shoot people/portraits: Kodak Portra, Fujifilm PRO400H.
A very exciting addition to this list is the re-introduction of Kodak's popular Ektachrome slide film, which, in it's first run earlier this year sold out very quickly, so proceed with caution and check stock levels with your retailer.
For those who shoot Black & White: Kodak Tri-X or T-Max, Ilford HP5 or Delta, and a newcomer onto the scene from Japan Camera Hunter: JCH StreetPan 400, which has recently been made available in 120 medium format.
And also, another newcomer in the film world, Kosmo Foto Mono, a black & white film available here.
For night and long exposure photography: Fujifilm Neopan Acros or Provia 100F
Other unique films:
CineStill 800Tungsten is a unique film for still photographers. This 800 speed tungsten balanced color negative film is prepared from the same motion picture film stock used by top cinematographers around the world. This film is designed for difficult low light tungsten situations and may be used in many different lighting situations to achieve a variety of looks. Get it here.
Sunstroke and Moonstruck films by dubblefilm feature effects and tonalities you don't see in other films. Perfect for the artist who loves to experiment and stand out!
Looking for even more film? Our pal EMULSIVE has created a list of every single film in production as of this writing! Check that out here!
For those in the UK, it's well worth it to check out dedicated film retailers such as Analogue Wonderland, a store stocking nearly 200 (and counting) films and accessories!
TIP: Film comes in different formats/sizes. The most common ones are 35mm and 120 (known as medium format); find out which size you need to get before buying!
Price starts at $9.00
Simple and handy, these film cases hold rolls of film in a compact space. Available in 10- and 5-space versions, these inexpensive cases will be useful to most any film photographer. He even has a version filled with a “Surprise” — a case filled with various types of surprise film.
Click here to buy Japan Camera Hunter Film Cases
Price range: $2 to $38
Okay, full disclosure: I design, create, these patches over at Shoot Film Co. The film photography community has really taken to the message and they have been super popular with film shooters that want to adorn their jackets, hats, and bags with the message that film is alive and well. The stickers are made from durable vinyl outdoor usage like cars, and the patches are custom embroidered and ship from the USA.
Click here to shop Shoot Film Co.
Price: $10
Fun to use, readily available and easily processed, Ilford offers single use cameras loaded with 27 exposures of their HP5 or XP2 film.
Click here to buy Ilford Single Use cameras
Price: $18
Know a child or teenager interested in STEM and Art? Or want an unusual gift for a Photographer? With this kit you can make-your-own unique sunprint 'photograph' using the magical power of the sun and build-your-own pinhole viewer to look through and see the world upside down! (guide age 7+ to adult). Get the Analogue Adventurer Kit here.
Price: $9.99
The PhotoMemo Photographer’s film photographer’s notebook gives the film photographer a versatile, easy to use, and inexpensive way to keep organized notes and technical data for your film exposures.
Each two-page spread is designed as a “roll journal,” which has space to notate data such as camera/lens choice, film type, and more. It also offers ample area for free notes, sketches, lists, and anything else.
Price range: $13 to $40
Domke camera straps and bags have long been the standard bearer for photojournalists. Unpretentious, well built and inexpensive. They just work.
Click here to buy Domke Straps.
Price: About $17
If you’ve noticed your film-shooting loved one is always buying, taking apart, tinkering with, and fixing old cameras, then this is the perfect inexpensive gift. Precision screwdrivers are a necessity for taking apart cameras and the many other things that need repairing and tinkering around the house. Many sets can be had for only a few dollars, but those are usually of low quality and break or wear down quickly. This set is high quality, yet still very economical, and sure to last much longer than cheaper sets.
Consider this a personal recommendation: I’ve been using my set for years now!
Click here to buy the precision screwdriver set
Price range: $14.99 and up — the bigger the book, the more expensive it gets.
Using Blurb, you can create, publish, and sell your own collection of works in a book. Few things are as satisfying for a photographer as seeing their work printed. This is a fun way to be able to get pictures from a negative to a printed page. They offer options for direct sales, sales through Amazon, and even eBook sales.
Solarcan is a unique camera designed to produce extreme time exposures that capture the Sun's path through the sky over many months. Inventor Sam Cornwell lauched this product using Kickstarter and exceeded his funding goal by more than 10 times! Truly a unique gift item for scientists and artists alike!
To a photographer, (especially a film photographer), there is nothing quite like a printed photo. Seeing photos by the masters in books is one of the most satisfying and engrossing ways a photographer can spend their time. They can enjoy, learn, and get lost in the images. Here are some suggestions that come the most highly recommended by film photographers:
Let's Explore Magazine - $22
She Shoots Film - $20
The Film Photography Handbook — $26
Magnum Contact Sheets — $54
Fan Ho: A Hong Kong Memoir - $75
Vivian Maier: Street Photographer — $27
500 Cameras — $22
Instant: The Story of Polaroid — $15
The Polaroid Book — $12
Price: $20
These versatile and protective wraps can be used for lenses, cameras, tools, or anything else that needs protection. Come in a variety of sizes different colors for quick visual identification and organization. They are made from a padded velcro-compatible knit with a non-scratch nylon backing.
Click here to buy Domke Protective Wraps.
Price: $20
These lens pouches are inexpensive and help protect the multiple lenses one might have. The belt loops and clips will help you to attach the pouches anywhere you want. They can be purchased individually in different sizes, or an an economical 4-pack for only $20.
Click here to buy Neoprene Lens Pouches
Starting at $24.00
A well-known and respected resource for all things film, EMULSIVE not only features artists, reviews, and education, but also offers a full line of sleek merchandise, from framed art prints, to totebags and t-shirts with and ever-expanding line-up of designs.
Easily the most recognizable name in instant cameras and film, we've watched Polaroid make a glorious return at Polaroid Originals. As a brand we love their story, and they've brought back some modern iterations of classic cameras and film.
They have kindly offered us a coupon code for 10% off your entire order, valid in their US, UK, and EU shops!
https://us.polaroidoriginals.com/
https://uk.polaroidoriginals.com/
https://eu.polaroidoriginals.com
Use code "ShootFilmCo10" at checkout to get your discount.
ONA is a purveyor of fine bags and accessories. Designed for and inspired by creative professionals, each ONA product is handcrafted using premium materials. Founded in 2010 and based in New York City, they take great pride in crafting timeless designs that protect your essentials while complementing your style.
They have kindly offered us a 10% discount, good through December 15h, 2018!
Use code "BCONA10" at checkout to get your discount.
If you’ve got a darkroom nut on your hands that likes to develop at home, home development supplies are always handy, and always needed. Freestyle Photographic has the entire range of supplies needed to stock a darkroom, or to get a novice started on developing their own film. There are lots of pieces involved, but Freestyle Photographic Supplies has created a guide to all the essential equipment needed for a darkroom in the handy list below. All the tools and chemicals can get confusing, so a gift certificate might be in order. Freestyle Photographic offers certificates that you can order by phone.
Shop home development supplies from Freestyle Photographic
Along the lines of home development comes one of this past year's most exciting developments: CineStill's TCS-1000 Temperature Control System for developing color film, which you can buy directly from CineStill here.
Price range: $130 and up
You’ve probably noticed that your film-shooting loved one has claimed a good portion of real estate in the refrigerator for something other than food — precious, precious film. That’s right, film expires — it must be refrigerated, or even better, frozen to keep the emulsion from losing sensitivity and causing colors shifts. If you find yourself running out of space for food because of a freezer or refrigerator full of film, this is the gift you’re looking for. These are not specialized refrigerators — they’re the same kind you put your sodas and beer in when you were in college, but one you can dedicate solely for the storage of film!
Click here to shop for personal refrigerators
Price: $99
Many old film cameras don’t have a light meter. Remedy that for your film shooter using a small, relatively inexpensive light meter that attaches to a smartphone. Companies like Sekonic have made standalone handheld light meters for years, but for those who like to travel light, the Lumu is a great solution since the smartphone will be pulling double duty as a light meter and most everybody will be carrying a phone anyway. TIP: make sure the smartphone being used is compatible with the Lumu!
Click here to buy a Lumu Light Meter
Starting at $140
ONDU are creators making premium, hand crafted photographic products that are meant to last a lifetime. Their pinhole cameras launched with a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2013 and they have since grown enough to move into a workshop equipped specifically for camera production. They even offer engraving and customization for a truly one-of-a-kind gift.
Starting at $275
Brooklyn Film Camera are former employees and camera technicians of The Impossible Project, and they expertly repair and refurbish Polaroid cameras. If you're looking for a classic Polaroid from a trusted source that you can rely on, Brooklyn Film Camera is that source.
Shop Brooklyn Film Camera here.
Starting at $375
35MMC.com is a well-respected blog dedicated to 35mm compact cameras, rangefinders, and lenses. Extensive write ups on gear new and old fill out the site, but they recently started offering exciting new M-mount lenses from 7Artisans and Voigtlander.
Check out the 35MMC Shop here.
Price range: $2,600 and up
We’re getting up there in price range, and this item is definitely a luxury, though likely to last a lifetime. Considered one of the finest rangefinders ever, and what many believe is Leica’s finest iteration of their M line of film rangefinders. Operates mechanically and still fires without batteries. While you can find bargains on auction sites such as Ebay for a price at the lower end of the spectrum, I suggest sourcing yours from Bellamy at JapanCameraHunter.com because he can find you a clean, working model that he can guarantee amongst a vast used market. You don’t always know what you’re getting into with an Ebay auction unless the seller is very knowledgeable and reputable, so working with a reputable dealer like Japan Camera Hunter is highly recommended for extra piece of mind. It might take him some time to source the perfect combo, so contact him early!
Click here to get in touch with Japan Camera Hunter
Very few things are as important to a film photographer as the final print. Many photographers don’t consider a photo finished until it’s printed. Thus, a print from a favorite photographer is sure to warm the heart and bring years of joy. If you already know who some favorite photographers are, then finding out if prints are available are an internet search away. You might also ask in casual conversation who some favorites are if you don’t already know.
Learning from those with more experience, and learning alongside other like-minded people can be a very motivating and fulfilling experience for any artist. Photography classes and workshops are a great way to quickly advance one’s knowledge and ability in a fun and challenging way. There are literally hundreds of workshops held all over the world, so you’ll have to do the legwork on finding something suitable.
This could be as good for you as it is for the recipient of the gift! Taking a trip to a new destination with the focus being on photography can help to rejuvenate a photographer with a change of scenery. Is there a place you’ve both dreamed of going? Then this can be a gift for both you! Just be prepared to stop more often when the photographer sees a beautiful scene and needs to get the tripod set up.
My name is Henry Giddens. I live in Austin TX, and I love shooting film. My passion is skateboarding, that's where the majority of my photos come from. The best people in my live, and the coolest places I've been are because of skateboarding. I capture these people and places and all the activities that come along with film photography.
What attracts you to photographing with film? The suspense! Shooting multiple rolls not knowing if they will come out like you really want. And then you get the rolls back, and you see photos you don't even remember shooting. It's always a beautiful surprise.
What type of gear/film do you tend to gravitate to as of this writing? Minolta 7x, Canon telmax point and shoot
Tell us about the work you're submitting. These photos are some that I totally forgot I shot, that came out better than expected. I like to think that there is no "right" way to shoot a photo. Your camera is your canvas and as an artist you can do and use it however the hell you want to.
Help me out with some research by taking this two-question survey that should take you less than 30 seconds, please!
