Beginner Help! What Film?

vtrjames

vtrjames

Suspended / Banned
Messages
521
Name
James
Edit My Images
Yes
Evening all!

I'm a complete novice to film barring using disposable cameras when I was a child. Today, I picked up a little haul off Facebook Marketplace that contained a Kodak Retinette, Topcon RM300, assortment of lenses, filters and a flash for the princely sum of 10 quid. Anyway, whilst sat here in my excitement, I came to realise I have no where to begin with choosing film. Is it safe to assume I can run any film through them?

James
 
vtrjames said:
Evening all!

I'm a complete novice to film barring using disposable cameras when I was a child. Today, I picked up a little haul off Facebook Marketplace that contained a Kodak Retinette, Topcon RM300, assortment of lenses, filters and a flash for the princely sum of 10 quid. Anyway, whilst sat here in my excitement, I came to realise I have no where to begin with choosing film. Is it safe to assume I can run any film through them?

James
Click to expand...
Yes you can run any 35mm film through them. I would go for Kentmere in 100 or 400 (my 2nd choice is Fomapan which also comes in 200) - all black & white film. It's cheap enough (at a fiver+ish for a 24 exp roll plus p&p) to test out the cameras to see if they work. There is no retail "cheap" colour (C41) film around these days.

Good luck, have fun trying them. If you get to the point of developing the films feel free to seek advice on that.
 
Depending on the lab fees bear in mind that processing B&W is typically more expensive than C41 colour. Kentmere and Foma are both great options but a Kodak Gold or Ultramax might end up cheaper overall. Pick your plan and do your sums!

Self processing (once you have the kit) is hands down cheaper for B&W.
 
Don't be scared to start thinking about developing, you don't need a lot to get started and it's not difficult to do the basics.

There are plenty here that develop at home and will put you together a little shopping list. There is something really special about going through the process and lifting negatives out at the end.
 
Shugpug said:
Depending on the lab fees bear in mind that processing B&W is typically more expensive than C41 colour. Kentmere and Foma are both great options but a Kodak Gold or Ultramax might end up cheaper overall. Pick your plan and do your sums!

Self processing (once you have the kit) is hands down cheaper for B&W.
Click to expand...
Not to forget that Ilford XP2 is a C41 film that gets you the cheaper dev and scan (specially at Filmdev) but produces black and white negatives. It's also extreeeeeeemely flexible!
 
Thanks both. It certainly seems like film can be quite the rabbit hole. I've started looking for scanners... But first of all, I need to find out if the cameras work.

James
 
vtrjames said:
Thanks both. It certainly seems like film can be quite the rabbit hole. I've started looking for scanners... But first of all, I need to find out if the cameras work.

James
Click to expand...

Horse and cart. And all that. :D
 
I've got a Topcon RM300, same as a Cosina CT1 style camera. Might be the best starting point.
I'd suggest Kodak Ultamax for colour or Ilford XP2 for black and white (much easier to get developed correctly!)
I did make a video on the Retinette II if it's any help to you
View: https://youtu.be/3XxZzuR3laI
 
Last edited:
Mostly Vintage Cameras said:
I've got a Topcon RM300, same as a Cosina CT1 style camera. Might be the best starting point.
I'd suggest Kodak Ultamax for colour or Ilford XP2 for black and white (much easier to get developed correctly!)
I did make a video on the Retinette II if it's any help to you
View: https://youtu.be/3XxZzuR3laI
Click to expand...
Thanks for that. That's really useful.

James
 
LeeRatters said:
I used XP2 to test my Bessa Folder recently.
Click to expand...


I used to use Kodak Gold to make sure a new/fresh camera functioned then a roll of Fuji Sensia to see how accurate the system was.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top