5 Tips for Buying Your First (Used) Film Camera

Looking to get started in film photography and hunting for your first camera in the used marketplace? Photographer Casey Cavanaugh made this helpful 9-minute guide containing 5 tips to ensure you find a good one.

Here’s a rundown of the 5 tips (watch the video for an in-depth look at each one):

#1. Check Shutter Speeds: Test the 1-second shutter speed to see if age has affected the shutter speeds of the camera.

#2. Check Light Seals: Look around the edges of the door for intact light-tight material. A flashlight can be used to check shutter curtains on certain cameras.

#3. Check the Lens: See if the lens has any fungus or haze. These can be caused by improper storage.

#4. Check Focus: Check focus as best you can based on known distances and whether the system has any obvious flaws in the camera.

#5. Bring Battery and Flashlight: Test the camera’s electrical functions using a fresh battery. A flashlight can be used to check for light leaks and lens flaws.

You can find more of Cavanaugh’s videos by subscribing to his YouTube channel.