Hidden Gem + Tips on sourcing for film cameras 📸

With Singapore’s insanely capitalised film camera market, the best time to source for secondhand film cameras is when you’re travelling. Bangkok happens to be one of my ABSOLUTE fav countries in the world to snag myself a ‘new’ point and shoot. 📸✨

Having bought film cameras from Bangkok, Seoul, Hong Kong and the UK, the cameras I’ve gotten from Bangkok has never failed me (with a Min lifespan of 1.2-1.5years). Honestly it’s the country with the most value for money, with popular brands and models being in the mix and oftentimes, available at under $100.

I’ve snagged myself the Olympus AF-10 Twin Film Camera, which comes with 2 focal lengths 35mm & 70mm.

Tips on picking out secondhand film camera:

1. From past experiences, it is SUPER IMPORTANT to test out the winder of the camera. Asked for a tester roll to load the camera up to see if the frames are winding in the right direction. Also remember to check the flash of your camera and stiffness of your shutter button.

2. Do some research before visiting the store on the type of brands (Olympus, Canon, Minolta, Yashica, Pentax) and models you like (think about features such as the zoom function/ fixed focal length/ date stamp/weight/ panorama function) and don’t be afraid to ask for advice and help from the store assistants!

3. Don’t be afraid to haggle over the price! Oftentimes, the store owners get their goods in bulk for a really cheap rate. If price reduction is not an option ask for freebies to be thrown into the mix! I often ask for a free packet of batteries, a camera pouch or film roll to get a good deal out of it. 😛 However, as much as bargaining is in the picture, please be reasonable too. 😅

4. Since the cameras have probably been here for a longer period of time than you, it’s normal to have some aesthetic wears and tears to them! Don’t expect the cameras to last forever and weigh out what seems like a good deal to you!

📍UNIT Film Cameras, Lido Connect, Hall 2, Rama I Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330

⏰ Opening hours: Tues-Sun, 11-8pm

💸 Damaged done: 2000 baht/ $80 sgd (inclusive of a free pack of batteries)

#filmphotography #filmisnotdead #lemon8bangkok #photography