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Film Camera Zen: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Film Camera
- GenresPhotography
192 pages, Hardcover
Published November 12, 2024
3 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 17, 2025
This is a fun, dangerous book. It was wonderful to reconnect with some old friends (my favorite Minolta X-700 is called the Dad Camera) as well as drool over some cameras I am not quite rich enough to buy. That is not the dangerous part. The risk is that I will rediscover some almost within-my-reach cameras for which I might reach, even though I rarely use film anymore these days. It is a risk I will apparently have to take. Bellamy Hunt's love for cameras is apparent, and his knowledgeable, humorous style of writing made this a nice diversion from whatever fantasy or western I might have picked up instead.
Note: Why on earth did I have to fill in a Recaptcha?
Note: Why on earth did I have to fill in a Recaptcha?
May 28, 2024
Film Camera Zen
Bellamy Hunt
I have been an avid film photographer and film camera collector from before the first digital camera came out. While digital has taken over photography in general, film has survived in a certain niche market, and has seen somewhat of a resurgence with Gen Z onward. For me, film photography, processing and printing is Zen. Which is why I totally agree with the book’s title.
As to the book itself, it is 192 pages, half of which are equipment photos, with a good representation of film cameras, mostly 35mm, with some medium format representatives, arranged alphabetically. There is one luscious photo on the left hand page to satisfy the gear fetishist, and a short blurb on the right hand page with a very cursory description of the camera model.
At the end of the book, there is a page or two on film choices (including the author’s own brand). Brief general information on film processing and scanning. Finally a “tour” of the author’s online business selling used film cameras and accessories, including, as mentioned, his own Japan Camera Hunter (JCH) film.
My thoughts:
While I do appreciate every effort to keep the film camera hobby (for it is just that, a hobby, in this day and age), the information contained is very brief and superficial. I do not see that there is any specific information in this book that cannot be gleaned online, from certain comprehensive film camera dedicated websites and fora that have been around for years, with free access to the reader. And since most film camera buying is, out of necessity, conducted over the internet, the person who will be considering this book likely already knows more than what is contained in it.
Also, since the author has his own website selling used camera equipment, one cannot avoid feeling that this catalog is a marketing tool for the author. As such, it might be more apt to just attach a downloadable pdf attached to his website/store?
My appreciation to NetGalley and to the author/publisher for providing an ARC for review. This is an original, unbiased, independent review.
Bellamy Hunt
I have been an avid film photographer and film camera collector from before the first digital camera came out. While digital has taken over photography in general, film has survived in a certain niche market, and has seen somewhat of a resurgence with Gen Z onward. For me, film photography, processing and printing is Zen. Which is why I totally agree with the book’s title.
As to the book itself, it is 192 pages, half of which are equipment photos, with a good representation of film cameras, mostly 35mm, with some medium format representatives, arranged alphabetically. There is one luscious photo on the left hand page to satisfy the gear fetishist, and a short blurb on the right hand page with a very cursory description of the camera model.
At the end of the book, there is a page or two on film choices (including the author’s own brand). Brief general information on film processing and scanning. Finally a “tour” of the author’s online business selling used film cameras and accessories, including, as mentioned, his own Japan Camera Hunter (JCH) film.
My thoughts:
While I do appreciate every effort to keep the film camera hobby (for it is just that, a hobby, in this day and age), the information contained is very brief and superficial. I do not see that there is any specific information in this book that cannot be gleaned online, from certain comprehensive film camera dedicated websites and fora that have been around for years, with free access to the reader. And since most film camera buying is, out of necessity, conducted over the internet, the person who will be considering this book likely already knows more than what is contained in it.
Also, since the author has his own website selling used camera equipment, one cannot avoid feeling that this catalog is a marketing tool for the author. As such, it might be more apt to just attach a downloadable pdf attached to his website/store?
My appreciation to NetGalley and to the author/publisher for providing an ARC for review. This is an original, unbiased, independent review.
August 19, 2024
Lately film cameras have been making a comeback and Film Camera Zen is an informative resource with beautiful photos accompanying the descriptions of both new and retro cameras and from the easy to find and affordable to those unattainable holy grail cameras. I myself have been looking into getting back into the hobby and it can be pretty daunting choosing a camera to shoot with. This guide gives the history along with the pros and cons of each camera as well as user and camera skill level which is just perfect. Once you’re done reading the author also has a YouTube channel you can also plunge into as well.
This would make a nice coffee table book or gift for a camera enthusiast. Also a great jumping off point to start your search for a film camera to suit your needs.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This would make a nice coffee table book or gift for a camera enthusiast. Also a great jumping off point to start your search for a film camera to suit your needs.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 1, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I think I had higher hopes for this book at the start of reading it. It reads more like a Buzzfeed 'listicle'. While the photos of the cameras and some of the information were interesting to take in, most of my time spent reading was wondering when I would get to the end of the book. 2🌟
I think I had higher hopes for this book at the start of reading it. It reads more like a Buzzfeed 'listicle'. While the photos of the cameras and some of the information were interesting to take in, most of my time spent reading was wondering when I would get to the end of the book. 2🌟
June 27, 2024
What an interesting and educational read! The author, Bellamy Hunt (aka Japan Camera Hunter, JCH) has scoured the planet seeking out hundreds of makes and models of cameras and given them a test run. In this book, he showcases many of his favorites, providing insightful technical feedback and fun historical facts for each.
Whether your a professional photographer, a budding shutterbug or a discerning gadget gearhead, if you love cameras, you'll love this book!
Whether your a professional photographer, a budding shutterbug or a discerning gadget gearhead, if you love cameras, you'll love this book!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews