I recently purchased a Yashica Electro 35 GSN - an antique camera - and I've never actually shot using film before.

Perhaps those who have used film for photography can recommend what kind of film I should use when I want to do shooting for both outdoors and indoors? And what kind of film I should look for when I want to shoot in black and white?

Since the Yashica Electro 35 GSN is a aperture-priority camera, I only need set the aperture and the camera figures out the shutter speed on its own.
I really can't wait for it to arrive, but before it does, I hope that someone here can explain to me how to work and use a film camera to the best of its ability.

Also, are there any shops in Singapore selling antique cameras like the Yashica? Because I think I'm addicted to them and hope to buy more. Oh, and of course because I really want to try to get the auxiliary wideangle and telephoto lenses for my new baby. ;)

This is a photo of the camera I purchased.

It's cool, how much did u buy ?
Looks similar with mine. It's already become a cat toy ;)

Quite pricey, actually.. because of the shipping.

I paid $84 for the thing + shipping.

I still have to spend a bit more for the batteries, spring and film. :(

I'm actually attempting to venture into film photography as it involves less processing and focusing more on how skillful a person really is.

The new Yashica and the Holga GCFN I am borrowing from a friend of mine will allow me to embark on a new journey of creativity and open my eyes even more to the world of photography. :D

I'm very confused about all the various types of film available on the market though. Especially with all the 'cross-processing'(whatever that is) involved with using slides and film on the Holga. I have no idea whatsoever where to process this kind of film. I've read that this can be done at fotohub, somewhere along Beach Road.

Does anyone know where I can get and process 120 and 135 film and slides at a relatively cheap price?

Still need more help with film from the "old-schoolers" on the forum.. :D

Hi Isaac,

Wow you got lots on questions on film, that is really good! Let me break down your questions here:

1) what kind of film I should use when I want to do shooting for both outdoors and indoors?
2) what kind of film I should look for when I want to shoot in black and white?
3) someone here can explain to me how to work and use a film camera to the best of its ability?
4) are there any shops in Singapore selling antique cameras like the Yashica?
5) attempting to venture into film photography as it involves less processing and focusing more on how skillful a person really is.
6) The new Yashica and the Holga GCFN I am borrowing from a friend of mine will allow me to embark on a new journey of creativity and open my eyes even more to the world of photography.
7) I'm very confused about all the various types of film available on the market
with all the 'cross-processing'(whatever that is) involved with using slides and film on the Holga. I have no idea whatsoever where to process this kind of film.
8) Does anyone know where I can get and process 120 and 135 film and slides at a relatively cheap price?

Actually, this thread should be closed as I've figured out how to use a film camera and all its affiliations now..

Thanks anyway. :)

Lets see, i'm no old-schooler here, just sharing my little knowledge.

1) what kind of film I should use when I want to do shooting for both outdoors and indoors?

For outdoor, that's easy, use daylight films, daylight films are the normal films found in all processing labs, Konica, Fujifilm and Kodak are most common. I shall not tell you their special characteristics, finding out is more rewarding :) For indoor, if the lighting is tungsten, use tungsten film, if florescent, use florescent film.
To use film in both indoor and outdoors you need a filter to correct the color, use an 80A filter to correct daylight film in tungsten lighting. The opposite is using tungsten film in outdoors. To correct, use an 85A filter. FL-W filter is used to correct daylight film for florescent lighting.

2) what kind of film I should look for when I want to shoot in black and white?

There is b&w films and C41 process b&w films. Load them into your camera in similar manner, shoot in your usual style, their difference is in their emulsion(try find out on the layers in a film emulsion). Difference is seen in it's processing and result. For b&w films, the processing is by hand. For C41 process b&w films, send the roll to a processing lab for developing. (C41 process is the same method to process negative films) Which film to use? try both first and you will know.

3) someone here can explain to me how to work and use a film camera to the best of its ability?

This is your challenge, you gotta talk to your camera. Form an intimate relationship with your camera, when the bond is there, that's the best of its ability :)

4) are there any shops in Singapore selling antique cameras like the Yashica?

Easy answer is at peninsular plaza, peninsular hotel and the Adelphi, all found near cityhall mrt. But i have never bought a camera from these shops because of it's price tag. All my old cameras are from ebay, cash converter, garage sale - ebay, cash converter, garage sale. I'm a student that explains the time to invest in patiently searching and a tight budget.

Ah i see, saw your reply a little late, stop here :)

Isaac,

You can leave this thread open as it is an interesting topic with regards to Film Cameras and the rest of the members who've used film before or are interested in film photography can continue to exchange useful notes in here :)

Word of advice - Film photography doesn't come cheap so plan carefully before you start shooting each time. I started out photography with film using Nikon FM2 and Minolta X-700.

Actully i'v also have a so called "lao gu tong" kinda camera... Took this photo swiftly...

Nice and cool cam...and hoh, you really realyy look like JJ Lin Jun JIe leh :lol: :lol: :lol:

That's true.

I plan to bring my DSLR along with me in order to get the correct exposure levels before snapping each photo on film. Perhaps this will help me save some money instead of having to buy thousands of rolls of film just because I get horribly under and overexposed shots. ;)

Hahaha you tell me a lot of times already la da jie.. ;)

But the difference is that I cannot sing and he cannot take photos(I think). :P

u cannot sing??? we shall see ya :lol:

Yes, you look more similar with your elder "Brother" now :lol:

And I believe you also can dance :D

Aiyo.. now I scared to join future outings already.. later everybody force me to sing Karaoke with Jerry! :P

And Jeff - I can't dance for crap; that's why I don't ever step into clubs. :lol:
Oh and there's a new outing event for this coming Friday, be sure to check it out yeah? ;)

One fine day we shall meet at k box... :lol: :lol: :lol: