Like many people, I switched to digital photography some years ago. I believe that digital photography is a very useful and convenient means of shooting and storing high quality pictures. However, I never parted with one 35mm camera; a Yashica Electro 35CC rangefinder, and found myself still using this from time to time. Then, when walking past a secondhand camera shop, I spied a bargain Canon T90, with Canon 50mm prime lens, and I just had to have it. The rest, as they say, is history, and my love of 35mm photography was rekindled. Despite being a lover of purely mechanical cameras (Pentax K1000, Spotmatic, Praktica, Early Yashica, Zenit etc.) I had always had an eye for the T90, but alas could never afford one. I was not disappointed, and first impressions were that of an amazing camera.
I did wonder what the situation regarding film purchase and developing would be, but was pleased to find that 35mm is alive and kicking, with film and processing being much cheaper (comparatively) than when I was initially using it in the 70s/80s. I find good Kodak/Agfa in UK "Pound" shops, and Fuji in Asda stores for very reasonable prices. I buy XP2 and other high quality films online, often from Ebay and Amazon where there are many bargains to be grabbed. There is also much interest in Lomography which has done much to keep 35mm (and other formats) alive. For processing, I use Max Spielmann stores who I find to be very reasonably priced, and a very quick service (same day, often 20 mins.) I understand that the larger Asda stores offer a very good service, and of course there are still several companies online. I don't have many prints made these days, but get the negatives scanned to disc at the highest resolution, which is a cheap option. I copy the discs to my PC and keep the CD as a backup. I still have some traditional wet darkroom equipment, but find the PC and suitable software very convenient. I use Gimp and Picasa software, both of which are free downloads, and very effective. The Internet has made photography so accessible these days, with many forums and websites offering an abundance of information. I highly recommend realphotographers.com where many photographers discuss and share their work and ideas. There is much interest in film photography as well as digital photography. They are a very knowledgeable and encouraging group of people. Older 35mm cameras are so cheap now that one can get into 35mm photography with a decent camera for very little money, or sometimes for free. My best Ebay bargain was a beautiful Canon T70 with genuine Canon FD 35-70 lens for about £10. There are many cameras on Ebay that require attention, and some bargains can be had. I have got several quality cameras this way.
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