Don’t get one of the new cheapies from Urban Outfitters.
Look for something that is all automatic if you’re not that experienced with cameras in general.
I think Etsy is a decent option, easier to find things than eBay.
Have you checked the price of 35mm film and developing? Make sure you actually can afford the hobby before buying a camera!
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if you're not looking for anything specific, there are a million great little automatic film cameras on ebay for <$100 that would be perfect for travel and should all take perfectly fine photos. just look for "automatic point and shoot."
if you want a little more control look for something like a Canon EOS Elan--very capable and easily found for about a hundred bucks (and sometimes much less). a lot of stuff from the end of the film era is worthless nowadays but was the height of technology back then
May 12, 2024
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start with your budget and then look up sample photos from the ones that fit it. then honestly just pick one that's the right size, has comfortable buttons, whatever. you really just wanna find something you like and that encourages you to shoot! modern cameras are so good it will be a long time before you run into some image quality ceiling.
also BUY USED! even if it's not an old camera. new is almost never worth it
Oct 19, 2024
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Pick up a cheap Minolta SLR - they can be found on Ebay for fairly cheap most of the time and will likely come with a lens. I'd recommend grabbing some 400 or 800 ISO/ASA film (Kentmere and Tri-X come to mind) - they'll be fairly forgiving if you don't get the exposure/aperture settings quite in tune. Personally, I'd go with 400, it'll be less grainy, but will still handle most lighting situations well.
I'd recommend grabbing a fully mechanical camera to avoid electronic parts failing.
Mar 28, 2025
Top Recs from @bee1000
The occupation persists, the oppression persists, the torture persists.
The occupiers are psychotic and their work is never finished.
People who’ve paid attention won’t be surprised by this photo from Gaza.
Jan 22, 2025
Feb 10, 2025
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I’m 50, I say because that makes me unusual in this context. I paid [redacted] for a ticket to the Eras Tour after listening to tswift for 3 weeks, and it was worth it. In second grade my teacher gave kids birthday spankings over her knee, and in sixth grade my teacher told my mom I hadn’t blossomed yet. I’m a good friend, mostly to people on the internet. I’m good at conversing with strangers. I’m usually the oldest person at the show but don’t feel like it. I’m good at being helpful. I’m sarcastic and funny and make myself laugh. I’m a good graphic designer and a conscientious driver. I’m a good photographer and I can successfully follow recipes. I don’t use my Peloton enough. I did a lot of caregiving for my mom for several years, and we enjoyed spending time together even if it was mostly in waiting rooms and my car. The fastest I ever ran a mile was eight minutes and six seconds. I drove the same car for 20 years and then replaced it with another one. I enjoy tipping, giving money to people on the street and Disneyland. I am a fan of baseball, Formula 1 racing and the Criterion Channel. I solve about 80% of New York Times crosswords. I take Prozac and Wellbutrin, and take Trazodone to sleep through the night. I wish I had a glassed in solarium so I could sleep in it on rainy nights. I would like to have a pet cat and a garage. I could happily live eating only cereal and fruit. I overshare on the internet and undershare elsewhere. ✌️💛
Feb 28, 2025