“Digital is free and film is expensive.” Or, at least that is what a lot of folks say. There is a bit more to that statement than meets the eye. Digital cameras, when compared to film cameras in the same market bracket, are much more expensive than their analog counterparts.

The main parts of the camera that are involved in the process are the camera body, the camera shutter, the camera lens, the ​lens aperture, and the camera’s image sensor. The camera’s LCD screen is for previewing and then viewing the captured image. The camera body is a light proof box.

When a film camera takes a picture, the camera lens briefly exposes the film strip to an image that’s being magnified through the lens. Once captured, that latent image can be developed into a negative, which can, in turn, be projected onto light-sensitive photo paper to create a photograph.

The sensor: The most obvious difference between film and digital is the sensor used to take the photo. With film cameras a film sensitive to light is placed behind the lens. With digital cameras a fixed electronic sensor (sometimes known as CCD) is situated behind the lens.

Film is more forgiving of minor focusing issues and exposure problems. Film captures photos at higher resolution than most digital cameras. Film photographers with a limited number of exposures available on a roll of film must think more about their images before shooting them.

Digital cameras give much better results than 35mm print film unless you are custom printing your own film because the colors from digital are not subject to the whims of the lab doing the printing. Digital cameras give me much better and more accurate colors than I’ve ever gotten with print film.

Since they’re not widely used anymore, many of them often end up in thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales, and online shops at very affordable prices. If you’re patient enough, you can end up with some of the best, top-of-the-line film cameras for no more than a few hundred dollars (or even much less).

about 9 months

Ed_Ingold. If the camera does not have a rewind crank, the film count is obtained from the sprocket which turns as the film is pulled past. If you have a count, you have film and it is advancing. Cameras with rewind knobs will cause the knob to turn (or some part of the knob, e.g., Leica) as the film is advanced.

Old films can be developed but the chance for decent negatives is slim. If it was color film the colors will not be all that good but it could be printed, either digitally or chemically. Color films developed in B&W chemistry gives a better chance for salvaging some images.

Yes, storing them in the fridge is a good idea. The cool temperature slows the degradation of the film. Additional benefit is gained from the stable temperature. Leave it in the canister until it has had chance to warm up to room temperature and it won’t end up covered in condensation.

For consistent results, process the film, paper, or display material promptly after exposure. You can keep exposed, unprocessed film in a refrigerator for a few days when necessary. Put the film in a sealed container, and allow the unopened container to reach room temperature before removing the film for processing.