📷 1. The Camera: 35mm, Medium Format or Point & Shoot?

Your journey starts with the film camera itself. There are several types to choose from:

• 35mm SLRs: The most common type, with full manual control and interchangeable lenses. My recommendation is to go for a newer model of cameras, such as the Canon EOS 1 or 3 (I personally own the Canon EOS 600) This is because with the newer film cameras you can still use New EF Glass as well as have TTL (Through The Lens metering) which will give you a much better indication of the lighting conditions.  
  

• Point & Shoot: Perfect for casual photographers or street shooters. Lightweight, compact, and easy to use. Models like the Olympus Mju II or Yashica T4 are cult favourites. In my opinion, having a point-and-shoot is a must. I would recommend that you start with an SLR first to learn how different film handles and its capabilities in different lighting scenarios. But for people on the go like me it is often a hassle to take up my bulky SLR as well as the lenses and the filters and so on. So having a point-and-shoot where it can fit in your pocket and produce really good shots is a must for those who travel a lot. 
  

🎞️ 2. Film Stock: Know Your Aesthetic

Film is your medium, and choosing the right stock can define the look of your photos. Some options:

• Black & White (e.g. Ilford HP5, Kodak Tri-X): Great for learning exposure and developing at home.
  
  
• Colour Negative (C-41) (e.g. Kodak Gold, Portra 400): Widely available, some are forgiving with exposure.
  
  
• Colour Slide (E-6) (e.g. Fuji Velvia): High contrast and vivid colours, but trickier to expose and develop.
  
  

Each film stock has its own character, so experiment and find your favourite.  

Still feel lost about what film you should get? check out my blog about all film types, sizes and best functions as well as my top 3 films of each category: A Guide to Photographic Film Types

Where to buy: I personally buy all my film from Fotoimpex.

🔍 3. Light Meter (Optional, but Handy)

Older film cameras often don’t have built-in meters, or if they have they can be unreliable. A handheld light meter helps you get accurate exposures. Apps like Lux Light Meter can work too, but an analogue or digital meter gives you more consistency.

🎒 4. Camera Bag & Accessories

Keep your kit protected, especially since most analogue cameras aren’t weather sealed like your digital ones. With the bags you will also need some accessories 

• Camera bag or case: padded and water-resistant are the best as analogue cameras then to be vulnerable to water.
  
  
• Extra batteries: some cameras (especially electronic ones) need specific battery types which are becoming rarer and rarer. It is important to keep a spare battery even if the current one is brand new, that way if it dies you’ll still be able to shoot.
  
  
• Lens cloth/blower: dust and fingerprints are your enemies, no matter if it's digital or analogue. Having a lens cloth at the minimum is crucial for anyone.
  
  

Notebook & pen: film doesn’t record metadata. Write down settings if you want to learn from your shots.

🖼️ 6. Scanner or Enlarger

If you're scanning film at home, consider a dedicated film scanner like the Epson V600 or the Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE for a full darkroom experience. An enlarger lets you print your negatives directly onto photographic paper which is when you really see the true image you’ve captured. It’s absolutely pure magic.