Question 1

Is film dead?

Accepted Answer

No. Film sales have been growing for ten consecutive years. Kodak has reintroduced discontinued films. Ilford is at capacity. New labs are opening. The question was more interesting in 2008 when it looked like the answer might be yes. It isn't.

Question 2

Which camera should I start with?

Accepted Answer

A Nikon FM2 or a Pentax K1000 if you want an SLR. A Canonet QL17 GIII if you want a compact rangefinder. A Yashica Mat 124G if you want medium format without spending a lot of money. All of these are reliable, well-supported, and have good lenses. Don't start with a Leica. Buy a Leica after you know you're serious about film.

Question 3

How do I store film?

Accepted Answer

In the refrigerator, in the original packaging or in a sealed container with silica gel. Take it out an hour before loading to let it come to temperature. In Florida especially, the heat will degrade film quickly if you leave it at room temperature. Exposed film should be processed as soon as possible -- within a week, ideally within a few days in summer.

Question 4

How do I find a CLA technician?

Accepted Answer

Ask in the film photography communities -- Rangefinderforum, Photrio, the Film Photography Project forum. Word of mouth is the most reliable way to find a good technician. For Leica work specifically, DAG Camera Repair in Wisconsin and Youxin Ye in Massachusetts are well-regarded. In Florida, ask in the communities for current recommendations. See my full guide on where to get cameras repaired.

Question 5

What is a CLA?

Accepted Answer

Clean, lubricate, and adjust. The standard service procedure for a mechanical camera. The technician disassembles the camera, cleans the mechanisms, replaces dried or contaminated lubricant, adjusts the shutter speeds and other calibrations, and reassembles the camera. Most cameras bought used need a CLA before they're reliable. See my journal post on what a CLA actually involves.

Question 6

How do I know if my camera needs a CLA?

Accepted Answer

Test the shutter speeds with a tester or a smartphone app. If the speeds are more than 30% off from the marked speed, the camera needs a CLA. Check the light seals -- if the foam is sticky, crumbling, or missing, replace them. Check the rangefinder alignment if it's a rangefinder camera. If you're getting light leaks or out-of-focus images, something needs attention.

Question 7

What film should I use in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Kodak Portra 400 for color. Ilford HP5 for black and white. Both have good latitude that handles the high-contrast Florida light. For night shooting, Cinestill 800T. For bright sun, Kodak Gold 200 is underrated. See my film stock comparison for more detail.

Question 8

Is the Leica M3 really the best camera ever made?

Accepted Answer

It's the best camera I've used. The viewfinder is the best optical viewfinder ever put in a 35mm camera. The shutter is quiet and precise. The build quality is extraordinary. It was made between 1954 and 1966 and the ones that have been properly maintained are still accurate and reliable. Whether it's the best camera ever made depends on what you're doing with it. For street photography and available light work with 50mm and longer lenses, I haven't found anything better.

Question 9

Can I develop my own film at home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Black and white film is straightforward to develop at home. You need a developing tank, a changing bag, a thermometer, and three chemicals. Color negative film (C-41) requires more precise temperature control but is also possible at home. Color slide film (E-6) is more difficult. Start with black and white. See my darkroom notes for more detail.

Question 10

What's the difference between the Leica M3 and M6?

Accepted Answer

The M3 has a 0.91x viewfinder with framelines for 50mm, 90mm, and 135mm. No built-in meter. Made from 1954 to 1966. The M6 has a 0.72x viewfinder (or 0.85x in the M6 TTL) with framelines for 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, 90mm, and 135mm. Built-in TTL meter. Made from 1984 to 1998. The M3 is better if you shoot 50mm and longer. The M6 is better if you shoot 35mm and wider.

Question 11

Where do you buy cameras?

Accepted Answer

eBay, Japan Camera Hunter, KEH Camera, and local estate sales and camera shows. Japan Camera Hunter ships from Japan and the cameras are generally well-described and accurately graded. KEH is reliable for American market cameras. eBay requires more caution -- read the description carefully and ask questions. Estate sales in Florida occasionally turn up good cameras at low prices.

Question 12

How long does a CLA last?

Accepted Answer

Ten to fifteen years with normal use, assuming the camera is stored properly. In Florida, the humidity can accelerate foam deterioration, so I check the light seals annually on cameras I use regularly. The mechanical parts of a well-maintained camera can last indefinitely.

Questions.