Digital imaging technology has advanced constantly. Yet many photographers still favor film cameras. In fact, film cameras are gaining popularity again. Even some young people are abandoning smart phones and digital cameras. Some people buy old-fashioned film cameras instead. So, what kind of camera is a film camera? What are its characteristics and charm?

Film cameras are unlike digital photography. Film cameras use film to shoot. Its operation is rather complicated. You must be very selective about the images you take. The film is limited. The film camera exposes the film to light to capture the image. Through the chemical reaction between silver halide and light, the scene in front of the lens is copied onto the film. Finally, develop the film in a dark room. Turn them into actual photos. The actual operation is more complicated than this. But this is the fun of photographers.

What are the types of film cameras?

1. SLR Camera

SLR Camera is similar to a digital SLR camera. It has the same internal mirror mechanism. The SLR camera can change the lens. It gives the photographer more freedom to control the shooting.

2. Double Lens Reflective Film Camera

It is equipped with double objective lenses with the same focal length. Double lens reflection can continuously display the scene you are trying to shoot on the viewfinder. They will not "black out" when exposed like SLRs. Thanks to these independent lenses. The photographer can view the scene while shooting. This is helpful for shooting that requires faster shutter speed.

3. Ranging Camera

The most prominent feature of ranging cameras is triangulation. It calculates the distance so as to focus accurately. It uses a mechanism similar to SLR. This mechanism involves a compact rotating mirror and two windows for focusing. Rather than viewing the scene to be captured.

4. Folding Camera

A remarkable feature of folding camera is its bellows. The bellows are between the lens and the camera body. This part can change the image focus and the in-camera effect. It can fix distortion in some cases. Users can achieve different effects by adjusting the angle and position of the lens at the edge of the bellows and the back of the negative.

5. Real-time Camera

Real-time camera is one of the most popular film cameras. It can print images on autoradiographic film in real time. It can obtain images immediately.

Film cameras have higher dynamic range. This enables it to better capture the details of white and black. Film cameras have excellent color saturation and accuracy. The resolution of film cameras is usually higher than that of most digital cameras. However, it has its shortcomings. Film cameras are usually heavier. Film storage takes up a lot of physical space. This leads to a relatively large volume of film cameras. In addition, purchasing and developing film is a continuous cost.