I just returned from a month-long trip to Japan, spending most of my time in Hokkaido, the country’s northernmost island. I loved every minute of it!
I started experimenting with film photography a couple years ago, so I’m still super new at it, but it’s been an incredible way to document my travels.
What film camera’s I use: Contax T3 (expensive but worth every penny in my mind) and my Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele.
The Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele is the cheapest film camera I own and honestly, it takes really good photos. I have tried a number of “cheap” under $100 point and shoot film cameras and they have all broke on me, except this one. I bought mine on amazon which worked out well for me. You can also check out eBay.
Every other film camera I own I bought off eBay and have never had a bad experience. Most of the sellers offer free returns which is 100% necessary because you never know if it is actually going to work like it is supposed to or not. Ebay sellers rely on reviews heavily which will work in your favor as a buyer. They can’t risk pissing off a customer and risking a bad review.
Make sure to read the reviews before buying.
My go-to film stocks for this trip were —Portra 400, Portra 800, Cinestill 800t for nighttime photography, Ektar 100 and Kodak Gold 200.
Here’s some of my favorite film pics I took on the trip.
I’m obsessed with snow. One of the biggest reasons I was so drawn to Sapporo was because it’s known as one of the snowiest cities in the world. But, of course, luck wasn’t exactly on my side—I only got a day or two of snow while I was there.
The way my trip worked out, I ended up staying in Sapporo at the beginning and end of my trip. The first time, over New Year’s, we actually did get some snow, which was amazing. But when I came back for almost a full week in mid-January? It rained the entire time. The temperature hovered just above freezing, so all I got was slush instead of that perfect, fluffy snow I was hoping for.
If you’re interested in reading more about Sapporo you can check out the best things I recommend doing while there here.
Susukino District at night with Cinestill 800T film stock. This was my first time shooting film at night so I had no clue how these photos were going to turn out. I’m happy with them.
Both of the above images were taken from the Second Floor of Cocono Susukino Shopping Center. You get amazing views of the city from up there. Film stock – Cinestill 800T.
Nijo Market is a cool place to take film photos. I unfortunately had loaded my camera with Kodak Gold 200 and there was very little light inside. But they turned out really good considering.
Ramen Alley is a vibe at night.
My point and shoot film camera recommendations –
I have experimented with a lot of point and shoot film cameras since starting. I like traveling with a couple so I can shoot multiple film stocks at one location. Also, it’s always nice to have a backup incase one breaks.
Contax T3 – This is by far the most expensive film camera I own and in my opinion, it is worth every penny. It has quite literally never taken a bad photo. Even in harsh conditions it never misses focus. I paid $1,800 for it a couple years ago and never regretted it. Check out current prices on Ebay.
Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele – The cheapest film camera I own and honestly, it takes really good photos. I have tried a number of “cheap” under $100 point and shoot film cameras and they have all broke on me, except this one.
Contax TVS – Okay, so this one is a little more bulky than the others but the photo quality is on par with the Contax T2 and costs less than half the price. Definitely worth checking out. I recommend checking out Ebay if you are interested in giving it a try.