Shooting with an antique 35mm camera is fun and easy to do. You can use almost any 35mm film camera without undergoing special training or purchasing equipment. Check the camera to make sure it is working properly, replace the battery, and clean it well before using it. Fill it with a roll of film of your choice, then make camera settings to suit the film and portrait you want to take. After that, play back the film, point the camera, and take the photo!
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Method 1 of 3: Checking the Camera
Step 1. Make sure all levers and buttons are working properly
Whether you just bought a 35mm camera or found an old one somewhere, you need to check that all the parts are working. Turn all the knobs, pull all the levers, and turn the lens rings to see all working properly.
- Do not force the knob or lever. Test slowly to see if everything is up and running.
- Check that the moving parts appear to be working before you spend time and money using this camera.
Step 2. Replace the battery if the camera won't turn on
If what you have is an old camera that won't turn on, it's likely that the battery is dead. Look for the battery compartment either on the front of the camera, on either side of the lens, or on the bottom of the camera. Use a small screwdriver to open the compartment and replace the old battery with a new battery of the same type.
- If you can't find the battery compartment, try searching the internet for the manufacturer and type of camera.
- Use the old battery as a reference to find a replacement.
Tip:
If you see a salty, greenish-textured residue in the battery compartment, it is a sign of corrosion. Wet a cotton swab with alcohol and wipe off any dirt before replacing the battery.
Step 3. Press the shutter button halfway to see if the meter is working
The light meter on the 35mm camera measures the light when shooting and tells which settings to use for the photo. Look for the viewfinder on the camera and press the shutter button on the top right side of the camera. You will see the indicator appear in the viewfinder.
Each camera manufacturer and type has indicators that look different. Some can look like needles or glowing lights that move and change in the direction you are shooting with the camera
Step 4. Point the beam at the lens and look for signs of damage or weathering
Lines inside the lens indicate lens fungus, which is difficult to remove and will affect the result of the photo. Older glass lenses can turn yellow over time, which will eventually change the color of the photo. Also look for cracks or damage to the lens.
If you notice dust on the lens, this usually won't affect the quality of the photo
Step 5. Clean the camera to improve its functionality and photo quality
If your camera looks like it's working fine, but it's dirty and needs cleaning, take some time to do this before you start shooting with it. Remove any dust on the surface and use a camera cleaning solution to wipe it off. Use a cotton swab to clean the lens and viewfinder.
Remove the lens to remove dust and wipe it using a lens cleaning solution
Method 2 of 3: Inserting a Film Roll
Step 1. Select the film stock
The roll of film that is inserted into a 35 mm camera is called film stock. Since 35mm cameras use a roll of film to take pictures, you can choose from film stock in a variety of colors and styles to enhance the look of your photos.
- Think of film stock as a filter effect that can be applied to digital photos.
- For example, you can choose film stock with a sepia tone, in a variety of color options, or even black and white film.
Step 2. Choose a low ISO for shooting in bright light or a high ISO for low light
ISO indicates how sensitive a film is to light. A low ISO requires more light to produce the same level of exposure as film with a higher ISO.
- Find the ISO size on the roll of film stock.
- If you plan to shoot outdoors, choose a lower ISO, such as 100. If you are shooting indoors or in the evening, choose a higher ISO such as 600.
- Films with higher ISOs also produce a louder sound, which means photos will look rougher after washing.
Step 3. Raise the rewind knob on the camera to open the back of the camera
The rewind knob on most 35mm cameras is located in the upper left corner of the camera and looks like a round button with a curved handle. Bend the small handle and lift the knob. The back of the camera will open.
Step 4. Place the film roll on the rewind location and press the button
Remove the film roll from its packaging and container and insert the top into the rewind location, or the gap under the rewind button. Then tuck the bottom of the film roll into it and press the rewind button to secure the film roll position.
- On some 35mm cameras, the roll of film being loaded may be accompanied by a clicking or jerking sound.
- The top of the film strip should point toward the coil on the right side of the camera when it is inserted.
Step 5. Insert the bottom of the film strip into the coil
Pull the bottom of the film strip and release the roll so that it touches the film coil on the right side of the camera. Thread the bottom of the strip into the spool as far as you can while keeping the strip tight.
It is more difficult to attach the film if the strip hangs along the back of the camera
Tip:
Squeeze the bottom of the strip of film to make it easier to insert it into the coil.
Step 6. Press the shutter-release button and raise the film using the lever
After inserting the bottom of the film strip into the film coil, release the shutter button on the top right of the camera by pressing it. Then, press the film-play lever to the right to rotate the film around the coil.
Raise the film until the strip is tight. Loose strips of film can get caught and build up on the coils
Step 7. Close the back of the camera
After the strip of film wraps around the coil, the film is inserted and the camera is ready for use. Cover the back of the camera securely so that no light enters and the film is well sealed.
- Some 35mm cameras opt for a lever or switch that re-locks the back of the camera.
- It may take a little effort to cover the back of the camera.
Method 3 of 3: Shooting with a 35mm Camera
Step 1. Turn the dial on the top left of the camera to equalize the ISO of the film
After loading the film into the camera, you need to adjust the camera to match the ISO size of your film. Locate the gauge section on the top left side of the camera.
- For example, if you are using ISO 100 film, rotate the dial until the arrow points to 100.
- The ISO dial can be located on the center or right side of the camera. Look for the crown with the numbers.
Step 2. Set the camera mode dial to aperture priority mode for convenience reasons
By setting the camera to aperture priority mode, the camera will use the built-in light meter to select the best shutter speed. Shutter speed refers to how long it takes the shutter to close and take a photo. Look for the crown on the top right side of the camera and change it to the aperture priority setting.
- On most 35mm cameras, aperture priority mode has an “A” or “Av” mark on the crown.
- If you don't know the aperture priority mode on the crown, look up your camera manufacturer and type online to find out.
- The aperture priority mode is a great choice for beginner photographers, portrait styles, or for snapping shots without making adjustments.
Step 3. Select the aperture by turning the crown on the camera lens
Aperture refers to the size of the lens opening. The more open the lens, the more light enters the lens. It also affects the depth of the photo. Turn the dial on the camera lens to the aperture setting you want.
- Aperture is measured in increments known as “f stops.”
- Choose a low f stop, such as f 4, for low light or shallow depth as in portraits or close-ups.
- Choose a high f stop, such as f 11, to produce photos with great depth and lots of detail such as landscapes or landscape photos.
Step 4. Rotate the film by pressing the lever on the top right side of the camera
To prepare the camera for shooting, you need to play the film and turn on the shutter. To do this, locate the lever on the top right side of the camera, press it, then allow it to return to its original position. Now, the camera is ready to shoot.
- Make sure the lever is fully extended before you allow it to play the film properly.
- Get in the habit of playing the movie after each shot so you can just point the camera and shoot when you want to take photos later.
Step 5. Look through the viewfinder to adjust your shot
When you are ready to shoot, place the viewfinder right in front of your eyes. What you see is what the lens will capture, so be sure to aim for what you want to shoot.
Capture the entire image visible through the viewfinder rather than focusing on only the subject in the center of the screen
Step 6. Press the shutter button on the top right side to shoot
After aligning the image on the camera, use your index finger to press the shutter button. A click will be heard when the shutter closes and the image is captured.
