There are so many reasons to love shooting with film. It encourages you to slow down, be more intentional with your images, and embrace an aesthetic that digital simply can't replicate. Shooting on film is also more versatile than you might think — along with producing grainy, vibrantly coloured images, it can create photos with a moody, nostalgic feel. Here's how to make your photos look vintage with the help of film.
#1 Reach for a film camera
The first step is to invest in a film camera. There are a few options available, falling into three main categories:
Point-and-shoot cameras are the best film cameras for beginners who want to explore the moody side of film without a major commitment. You can buy a reusable or disposable camera — both are budget-friendly and easy to use. With most, you simply load your film, find your scene, and fire. Thanks to their direct flash and simpler lenses, these cameras naturally mimic older technologies, producing lens flares, vignetting, and shadows — all hallmarks of vintage film photography.
Film SLRs and medium-format film cameras come right from the era you're trying to recreate. Kitted out with manual controls, they give you full creative control over your settings. The best 35mm film cameras are also sturdier than point-and-shoots and compatible with a wide range of lenses and accessories. If purchasing second-hand, always go through a reputable seller that offers some form of warranty.
Instant cameras are back in full force and can create vintage-style images in moments. Some newer models also include modern functions for added versatility. When researching instant cameras, pay attention to photo size, as different brands produce images of different dimensions.
#2 Choose your film carefully
Once you've picked out a film camera, you'll need to select a roll of film. The first question to ask yourself is whether you want to shoot in black and white or colour. Black and white naturally has a moody, vintage feel, but colour film can also recreate the charm of a bygone era — sometimes referred to as the "snapshot aesthetic."
Next, consider film speed. For the moodiest effect, reach for an ISO 800 film or higher. This produces a grittier grain that's perfect for vintage photos. Just be aware that higher-speed films are best suited to darker conditions — shooting outdoors in bright light risks overexposing your shots, especially if your camera has limited manual controls.
#3 Think about processing your film at home
This isn't for everyone, but processing your film at home is a genuinely rewarding way to experience the hands-on charm of film photography. We sell film processing kits that include the chemicals and materials you need, along with step-by-step instructions. As you become more familiar with the process, you can start experimenting — adjusting contrast, grain, or agitation time during development to achieve different results.
#4 Scan your film for digital editing
You can set up a darkroom and use an enlarger to transform your negatives into photographic prints — but an easier and more versatile approach is to digitise your photos using a film scanner. Once digital, you can edit them to boost their vintage appeal even further.
Here are some editing ideas to achieve a moody, vintage look:
- Decrease the saturation. Bright, vibrant colours skew modern. Turning down the saturation is a simple way to "age" your photo.
- Add vignetting. Darkening the edges of your image replicates the vignetting that older film lenses were known for producing.
- Dial up the noise. Most digital photographers work hard to eliminate noise, but for retro-inspired images, adding grain can replicate the look of film. Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom both have sliders to control the amount of noise in an image.
- Consider light leaks and flares. These effects are the result of the quirks and imperfections of film photography. Used sparingly, they add intrigue and authenticity to your images — but be careful not to overdo it.
Take a trip back in time with a film camera
The vintage, nostalgic appeal of film hasn't gone anywhere. To try your hand at this timeless style of photography, head to your local Ted's Cameras store or browse our range of film cameras online. Members of ClubTed enjoy free shipping on all Australian orders over $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best film camera for beginners?
A point-and-shoot film camera is the ideal starting point for beginners. They're affordable, easy to use, and produce images with the natural imperfections — grain, vignetting, and lens flare — that give film its distinctive character. Popular options include the Canon Sure Shot series and various Olympus Stylus models. If you want more creative control from the start, an entry-level 35mm SLR like the Canon AE-1 is a classic choice.
What film should I use for vintage-looking photos?
For a moody, vintage aesthetic, reach for a high-speed film — ISO 800 or above. Kodak UltraMax 800 and Ilford HP5 Plus (in black and white) are popular choices that produce a pronounced grain structure well-suited to the vintage look. For colour film with a more muted, nostalgic palette, Kodak ColorPlus 200 and Fujifilm Superia 400 are worth exploring.
Can I process film at home?
Yes — and it's a rewarding experience. Black and white film is the easiest to process at home, requiring a relatively simple set of chemicals and equipment. Colour film (C-41 process) is also achievable at home with the right kit, though it requires more precise temperature control. Ted's stocks film processing kits to get you started.
How do I digitise my film photos?
The most common methods are using a dedicated film scanner, a flatbed scanner with a film scanning attachment, or a technique called "DSLR scanning" where you photograph your negatives with a digital camera and macro lens. Dedicated film scanners generally produce the best results for quality and convenience. Once digitised, you can edit your scans in Lightroom, Photoshop, or any other photo editing software.
What's the difference between 35mm and medium format film?
35mm film is the most common and accessible format, used in point-and-shoot cameras and SLRs. Medium format film is physically larger, which means more detail, smoother grain, and a distinctive look that's highly prized in portrait and fine art photography. Medium format cameras are generally larger, heavier, and more expensive, but the image quality is exceptional. Ted's stocks both formats — speak to our team in-store for a recommendation based on your needs.