✦ 35mm Film Cameras
I’ve been shooting 35mm film since college. It’s one of my favorite ways to capture parties, trips, and little life moments - without always having my phone out. This weekend we were camping in Big Bear and my friend Christina asked me what film camera I’d recommend. She wanted something affordable, fun, and easy to use. We started talking about the basics, and it reminded me how many people are curious about film but feel intimidated by it. So I put together this little guide, based on what I’d actually buy today. Dedicated to Christina, and anyone else who’s not sure where to start.
To be clear, this is a guide for fun and easy photo taking when you’re out with family and friends. If you want a deep dive into fancy, expensive cameras, this isn’t it. I have multiple film cameras I shoot with, but the one I take everywhere and use just for fun is the Konica Big Mini Zoom. It’s 100 percent automatic, so no need to adjust settings, you just point and shoot. I also have a manual Canon AE-1 with a lot of settings and customization options, but that’s not what I bring when I’m out and about.
Things to look out for
Make sure the listing says “TESTED.” Either in the title or in the eBay description. A lot of people sell high-end cameras cheap for parts. Don’t get caught buying one that doesn’t work.
Flash. I’ve found that flash is really helpful when shooting automatic film. It makes sure your photos are bright enough to actually turn out. If it doesn’t have a flash, it’s probably a cheaper camera.
Find manuals online: https://www.manua.ls
Olympus Stylus
Cost: $80-150
Camera 1 | Camera 2 | Camera 3
This was the first 35mm camera I ever had. Riley bought it for me in college. I loved it and used it until it broke. A true workhorse and a classic choice for digital point and shoot film. It has a great zoom lens, though it looks a little funny when it extends because it goes out so far. It's easy to load and carry with you.
Some photos I took this weekend in Big Bear with this camera!
✦ Film Haus
If you need a good place to develop film, Film Haus is my local favorite here in Oceanside. They’re a small wife and husband team working out of an office space downtown. Every time I drop off film, it’s a 24-hour turnaround and the owners are SO friendly.
Last week they hosted their monthly photo walk, a gathering they organize for the local photo community to walk around, shoot photos, and talk about cameras, equipment, and everything in between.
Developing a standard roll of 35mm is only $10, which is more affordable than some of the spots I used to go to, and the quality is always great. You can also buy film here at a good price. They have a 24-hour drop-off box and send your digital files via WeTransfer, so the whole process is really easy.
✦ Grandma’s Chocolate Cake
Last weekend was our friend Brad and Matteo’s birthday party and they specifically requested a chocolate cake. I made my grandma’s recipe, a family favorite. I don’t usually go for chocolate cake, but this one is surprisingly light and not too rich. Her secret ingredient is sour cream which sounds odd but makes the cake super fluffy and delicious. I paired it with a chocolate buttercream to keep it fully chocolate like they wanted.
INGREDIENTS
– ½ lb (1 cup) butter, softened
– 2 cups sugar
– 2 eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 8 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 2 cups sour cream
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1–2 teaspoons vanilla extract
PREP
– Preheat oven to 350°F.
– Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9x13 pan
– Let butter sit out until softened.
– Optional: Dissolve baking soda in a spoonful of warm water for smoother mixing.
COOK / ASSEMBLE
Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream.
Stir in the dissolved baking soda and vanilla.
Pour batter evenly into prepared pan(s).
Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
FINISHING TOUCHES
– Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
– Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.
– Dust with powdered sugar or top with your favorite buttercream.
SERVING
Delicious on its own or great with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
A little off-topic for this newsletter, but I really enjoyed a podcast episode I stumbled on this week. It’s from The Nature Of, a podcast by Atmos that explores the intersection of climate and culture.
The guest is Janine Benyus, a biologist and author who helped popularize the idea of biomimicry - basically, drawing inspiration from nature’s systems to guide how we design our life. The episode explores what it means to live with nature and learn from it. They talk about everything from wind turbines modeled after fish to designing buildings and cities that actually give back to the environment. Their conversation gave me some fresh design inspiration, so I thought I’d share in case it sparks something for you too.
Episode: Janine Benyus on Biomimicry and Designing With Life’s Intelligence
Podcast: The Nature Of by Atmos
Listen here!
