Taking photos the old-school way...with film

By Paul Adams
Translated by Sho Huang

Since the advent of smartphones with high-quality cameras embedded in them, digital photography has exploded. The selfie-stick is everywhere, "duck face" is in the Oxford English Dictionary, and it is estimated that over 10% of all the photos ever taken were snapped in the last 12 months alone.

However, there exists a hardcore of analogue enthusiasts who are turning their back on megapixels and going back to old-fashioned film.

The lure of film differs for every photographer: Some praise the "warmer" feel of the images captured; others find joy in the imperfections of out-of-date stock; still others, myself included, revel in being forced to carefully compose every single shot. There's also the simple look and feel of an older, mechanical camera and a whole forgotten world of outdated technology waiting to be discovered (or rediscovered).

So where to equip yourself with a new old camera? One of the best bets is the famous flea market near Taiyuan Station on DongGuang Road. For many analogue enthusiasts, half the fun of the hobby is the search for new equipment and this provides a great excuse for a treasure hunt. Although there are no guarantees, it's usually possible to dig up some perfectly-working older model for a knockdown price.

However, if you fancy less legwork and some quirky, modern gear, then try the Lomography store at No. 27, ZhongXing 3rd Lane, close to People's Park. Lomo sells a wide range of unique film cameras, centered around the LCA+, a rediscovered relic from Soviet-era Russia which has now gathered a cult following. The emphasis here is firmly on fun, with a wide range of designs for several models, unique ideas like the Spinner and a varied selecion of films. They will also develop your completed films for you at extremely low prices.

As you get snapping with your new toy, Taichung offers plenty of great locations to practice in, plus many camera stores that can supply new film, develop your shots and print large-scale images. And if you want to spend some time with like-minded hobbyists, try film-friendly cafes such as Moment (5, Alley 117, Lane 1, MeiCun Road), where you'll find plenty to chat about among the antique cameras and beautiful prints.