There are still many Die-Hard analog photographers, and with good reason – there are many avenues in which they excel compared to their digital cousins. Although film cameras don’t outsell digital, there is a large enough community that still favors it.
Speaking from the perspective of both an analog and digital photographer, the latter is much easier - on a computer, processes can be automated in a flash. A digital camera can be a simple-point-and-click, whereas you can’t really get by with an analog version without some knowledge of how they work.
Time Flies by Andreas Bauer
https://100asa.com/photo/99640/time-flies?from=prime&st=11900
5. A Cheaper Option
If you’re not picky, you can find a film SLR for about $50. A new, entry level DSLR from within the last five years will set you back $250 minimum. Then you’ll need batteries and memory cards at the least. To work with digital images, you need a computer or smart phone.
With analog photography, you need film, and they have never been more expensive. On top, you’ll also spend money on scanning and printing costs, but overall, they work out cheaper initially.
The House at the Lake by Hans Guenther
https://100asa.com/photo/99767/the-house-at-the-lake?from=prime&st=7800&_sm_nck=1
4. Way More Hands On
All aspects of analog photography are hands on. First loading your film into the camera, setting the correct dials for Shutter Speed, ASA and Aperture. After shooting the film and unloading it, you can choose to process the film yourself, leading you to scan in and archive your images, or print by hand in a darkroom.
There are many creative things you can do with analog or film photography, such as Cyanotype, Daguerréotypes and even Cafenol photography.
Under the Rain by Claudio Moretti
https://100asa.com/photo/100015/under-the-rain?from=prime&st=7900
3. Doesn’t Need Replacing
Although most analog 35mm cameras that you find will be used, worn or tired looking, they will still outlast their cousins. Fixing these workhorses is also cheaper and easier, where many enthusiasts do it themselves.
Digital cameras come with a limit of shutter clicks. An entry-level DSLR will give you around 150,000 Shutter Actuations - a guideline of how many shots you can take before you need to replace the shutter, or like most, buy a new camera. Film cameras have been around for decades, and will continue, never becoming obsolete. They might need shutter curtain replacing at some point, however.
Sorry, I'm Late by Susanne Granholm Carter
https://100asa.com/photo/99991/sorry-im-late?from=prime&st=2400
2. Batteries = Not Needed
A digital camera requires batteries, and they eat them up. Depending on what you are going to do with your DSLR or mirrorless system, you can’t go far from a charging port.
Most analog cameras (except for the more modern ones) don’t need batteries – they work on human power! Some systems use batteries for electronic light meters, but you can still use them for long periods of time, in the middle of nowhere.
Exit by Maxim Makunin
https://100asa.com/photo/99259/exit?from=prime&st=13800
1. Analog Resolution Still Beats Digital Resolution
Yes its true! Analog cameras come in 3 main groups; Small Format (35mm), Medium Format (6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7), Large Format (4x5, 8x10). Except for 35mm analog photography, each other format repeatedly provides higher resolution than their digital counterparts. 35mm doesn’t win every single time in film vs digital testing.
On top of this, film has much more dynamic range than images captured on a sensor. You could very well buy a large format analog camera with a digital back, if you can afford the huge price tag. However the film version would knock it in the dust.