My Top 10 Cheap Film Photography Accessories
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- Опубліковано 28 лип 2024
- Check out my new 'Medium Format Film Photography Course' on Skillshare (FREE with this link): skl.sh/3r7KLta
For this video, I wanted to share my top ten (plus a bonus) cheap accessories for film photography that I consider an essential part of my kit. I’d also love to know if there’s a specific tool or accessory that didn’t cost you much money, but that you get a ton of value from, so leave a comment below.
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►*DISCLAIMER*
Some of the links below are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. The money I earn helps me make this type of content consistently.
►GEAR MENTIONED:
Gepe 20” Cable Release: bhpho.to/3sIXYXW
Rope Camera Strap: amzn.to/2WlKs0z
Lens Spanner Wrench: amzn.to/3sL66Hr
Lens Rubber Stopper Set: amzn.to/3jhVk8J
1” Black Gaffer Tape: bhpho.to/2Wpd8W9
4x5 Film Holder Pouches: amzn.to/3sIXilz
F64 Film Holder: amzn.to/3yh9bjy
Film Changing Bag: amzn.to/3gPwTxR
Photolux Light Pad: bit.ly/3Bawpd7
Peak Loupe 5x: bhpho.to/3zhqimS
Matin Film Cutter: ebay.us/L4U5c9
Kim Wipes (Model 34155): ebay.to/3kplbLe
ROR Fluid: bhpho.to/3knbDjL
My '35mm Film Photography Course' on Skillshare (FREE with this link): skl.sh/2JrGhFs
My 'Medium Format Film Photography Course' on Skillshare (FREE with this link): skl.sh/3r7KLta
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Videos on this channel are filmed using the Fuji X-H2s: bhpho.to/3UEjFVs
►FILM PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR (*these are affiliate links):
My go-to medium format camera: ebay.us/GaK9Kp
My favourite 35mm film camera: ebay.us/82WyVI
My favourite 35mm film lens: ebay.us/u0V817
My favourite medium format travel camera: ebay.us/FVcfWk
My go-to light meter: ebay.us/QIFXF0
My favourite film stock: ebay.us/orbudp
My favourite 645 medium format film camera: ebay.us/ydY4HK
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You had me at 'cheap'.
I like your style. 🤝
nahh this isn't boring at all. every experience such as the release cable bending up, wipes leaving residuals, light pads being too expensive, repairing old lenses, and color coding pouches is definitely smth everyone runs into as long as they shoot film for some amount of time. EXTREMELY helpful vid!
I would also add the "cleaning kit" like air blower and dust brush
For me, cleaning wipes, cleaning fluid, gaff tape and a white sharpie are probably my most used accessories to date! The gaff tape and white sharpie are perfect for remembering what film is in what camera, and if the meter acts weird and I need to compensate!
White sharpie is a great idea. I'll have to add that. I'm always forgetting what I have loaded in the cam.
The backlightable film cutter and Kimtech gloop is a great shout.
Gaffer tape tip: Wrap a bunch around a tripod leg (thanks Ben Horne for that idea!)
Nice. Great idea. Thanks Ben. 🙂
Best low cost accessory for me, has been, all y 'all's videos. they've kept me sane, inspired, informed, and entertained, during these weird times. Can't thank you guys enough. Stay safe. Peace
😁 Cheers, William. 🙏
When you mentioned the streaks with Zeiss wipes that really struck a chord with me. I use them for both my camera lens and glasses and just hate when they leave any streaks. Excited to try the ROR and Kim Wipes.
Haha, yeah, they're the worst! I'm sure you'll love the ROR and Kimwipes.
It’s crazy that such a renowned brand such of Zeiss would sell something such low quality.
The Zeiss wipes work if you wipe with them to remove any marks, fully unwrap the wipe, wait 30 seconds for the wipe to dry and then remove any streaks. Use them this way on both my fiancée's specs and my lenses and it's a non-issue.
I use Zeiss wipes in the field because they are prepacked and will there for not be contaminated with dirt compared to bottle lids and squeezing liquid onto a wipe. After using a wet wipe I am using a dry wipe (lintfree Pec Pad) too.
If you are into re-useable lens microfibre cloths, I can very much recommend 'Leica's Optiktuch/Lens cleaner'. It can be washed twice then I would not recommend it for a further use.
It takes of any finger prints instantly without any streaks. A lot of microfibre cloths have a silicone residue on it and do not really clean.
My #1 cheap accessory is a little spirit level that you can put in the hot shoe of any camera. It's a great help when e.g. shooting handheld with an old 6x9 folder. Or when using a compact / pocket tripod that is not equipped with a spirit level.
2nd hand film cutters can be found extremely cheap online ( < 5 Euros).
Thank you so much for this video, Kyle. The film cutter alone was worth the watch.
Cheers, Will. The film cutter is awesome.
"Gaff tape doesn't leave any residue" I'd argue with that statement :D If you leave it there for weeks or if it gets hot the glue just melts and can leave a lot of residue, you can lift most of it or sometimes all of it with fresh gaff tape
Just received my Matin Film cutter; best bit of kit i've purchased recently. Excellent design and quality, makes cutting up film a real joy and takes away the uncertainty. I especially like the option to place on my light table for real accuracy for the final chop!!!
That film cutter looks like something I need 😸
One thing I find an essential is film holder cases! I think they're great cause it's easy to keep organized and a little less messy than just throwing a whole bunch of rolls in your bag
Yep, that's one thing I need to grab still.
I hadn’t known about the Matin cutter, so I’ll be buying that. And +1M for the ROR and Kimwipes - absolutely essential.
What a great set of accessories. Some of which I would have never thought of adding to my kit. Thanks Kyle!
Cheers! Glad it provided some ideas.
Some great ideas; I kept pausing the video to look for these items. My addition: I keep a pair of thin shooting gloves and a mini first aid kit (bandaids, sterile wipes, and ibuprofen) in my camera bag too.
Cheers, Jim. And also both great additions.
Every time I watch you I learn, thank you! Keep covering the actual important things!
Oh might pick up a film cutter, never thought about that. Nice list! Ones I've enjoyed too on the cheaper end are an L-Bracket and a camera wrap to protect them in my backpack
I'd like to add one item, and it's useful for any photographer with smaller camera (like FF DSLR and smaller)
It's a beanie hat (I believe those are called 'touke' in Canada). And I use those as a camera or lens pouches when I throw them in my regular backpack along with all kinds of stuff.
Sure, it's no peli case level of protection but helps with stuff rolling around.
Good idea, Alexander. 🙂
Nice set of accessories. Thanks for saving. Another thing I always take with me, is a black 35mm canister. I have had films break, and once I get the film out, I put the film in it and it is light tight.
Very useful video. As usual. Your channel is one of my favorites. We have here, in France, some professionnal photographers on UA-cam with whom I feel like a children taking lessons. They profess, they perorate, very heavy. Nothing like that with you, I'm always happy to see a new video, I "devour" it. Thanks again.
Cheers, Thierry! Thanks for watching. Glad you’ve been enjoying it all. 🙂
Rope style camera strap is a great little diy project too. There's tons of tutorials for paracord straps.
Great idea. Would definitely be a cool diy project.
I love this list and am adding a few things to buy. Thank you! Like you as much as I prefer using my changing tent, the bag has come in handy
Glad it gave ya a couple ideas, Tyler!
I canabalized a trigger for my canon 630 to make a cable to work with my more modern interverlamator trigger. Very happy with it :D
I love the film cutter!
the film cutter, I need that, so tired of clipping a corner of a negative haha
Leatherman Wave. The essential tool for almost any situation. Have used it from the Amazon to the Falklands whilst working, perfect for small fixes, repairs and just getting you out of sticky situations. Just make sure you check it when flying! Great work Kyle as always!
Yes! Love my Leatherman. And good tip about checking it. Made the mistake trying to bring it through security once!
The bonus tip was actually one of the most valuable, I think. KIM wipes I already knew (and have), but this fluid could be of interest; I do mix my own, and it works well, but sometimes such fluids contain some ingredients that make it work better. And the PEAK loupe - exactly what I need! (I have an expensive Schneider loupe, but it has a much wider diameter and is therefor less suited for my 4x5.)
Cheers, Christian. The ROR fluid is great and I'm sure you'll enjoy the Peak loupe.
the Fieldwork Co. brass shutter release is gorgeous!
Just checked it out. Very nice looking.
Great video!!
Gaffers tape has been an essential accessory of mine for years but after recently joining the film world, you’ve made some great suggestions! Thanks for doing this video.
Glad it helped!
All excellent accessories! I picked up a lens spanner for mounting and dismounting LF lenses from boards and keeping the retaining ring tight. For my 4x5 holders, I found an old camera bag that was designed for a single camera and lens, removed the interior 'walls' and bam, great to hold up to six holders!
Ah, yes. Forgot to mention that as well. Very handy for 4x5 lenses. 🙂
35mm film retriever are also nice to have if you want to change the film mid-roll.
There are a few things on that list that I use, and a few that have just gone in my shopping list. Thanks Kyle. Great video.
Cheers, Matt. Glad you found a few things of interest.
a film retriever is also a must have!! super useful if you wanna switch film midroll and also under 20€ :)
Great video, thanks. I love that you're brave enough to tackle lens tear down. That's why I just subscribed!
Cheers, Joe!
Thanks, nice knowledges
The last one is my favourite
I already have the neoprene pouches for 4x5 film holders, but apart from that there a lot of things I could make use of.
Taping up a Holga was the most perfect example of gaffer tape use.
Haha, yep, felt it was fitting!
All essential items!! I have most of these..... BUT......You really got my attention at the film cutter!!
It’s a good one!
I find the 5x loupe is better for getting into corners of the ground glass than the 10x
I got a wireless shutter release. Complete game changer. Especially for wildlife photography.
Great video man. I don't see enough of these for Photography.
Glad you enjoyed this one, Andy.
Great video as always man! I definitely need a lens spanner wrench for all the vintage lenses I own
It's definitely a handy tool.
Awesome video. Going to start searching Amazon now. 😊
If you're in the UK many used camera shops have 'cable release bins'. You can pick up cable releases for less than £5, they're second hand but they're usually well made. I have a handful that I've been using with my intrepid for a number of years now.
Oh, nice. Yeah that would be great to stumble upon. I’ll have to keep an eye out next time I’m around a shop.
The lens spanner wrench is also good for removing LF lenses from the lens board. That’s what I got mine for.
Indeed. Use it all the time for that as well.
Great video as always Kyle! I'm definitely eyeing those 4x5 holder pouches. They seem way less bulkier than the $17 ones for sale in the US
Yeah, they’re honestly great for the price. Nice and not bulky as well!
I wrap some gaffers tape around my backpack, tripod and straps. Comes in handy more than you think.
It's the best. I like the idea of wrapping it around a leg.
Kyle, I had that exact same Hika film changing bag. After about 2.5 years of regular and gentle use, the zipper pull decided to completely fall apart. Lucky for me, I also have a more spacious film changing tent. Never had any light leaks with the Hika bag, but definitely needs to be used gently.
Good to know. I'll keep an eye on that moving forward! Thanks for the heads up.
The neoprene film holders also hold the roll film backs.
My addition would have to be paracord for making my own camera wrist straps. A bit of time to figure out what knots and style to use by watching videos here on UA-cam and about an hour to actually create the wrist strap, was all it took for me to create a camera wrist strap exactly to my size and of my own design, cheaper than anything I can buy in a store.
Oh, and a travel umbrella - just in case, though that is mostly for situations involving a tripod.
Very cool. Yeah a handmade one would be a very nice add.
The F64 holder bag is 👌
Thanks for another great video.
Glad you enjoyed.
Out with BANG! on lens wipes!
I've been curious about rope straps - I buy Fujifilm straps on eBay for about $7. Great straps, don't take up much space in a bag and have a decent shoulder segment.
Thanks for the Stoppers! I did not know how they were called. Much appreciated.
Cheers, John!
Very informative!!! Subscribing now ❤
The spanner wrench is a must have for anybody shooting large format - fixing lenses to various lensboards is - rather than an entry tool for diy lens hacking.
Indeed, forgot to mention that. A must for 4x5 lenses.
instead of simple 5x magnifier you can use soviet "L-5 for viewing the photo film negatives". this thing allows you to see whole frame, has better optics and special film locker.
I've gotten cheap cable releases on eBay for like 3$ and I got like 5 of them, and they work better than the ones I got on Amazon for 5x more
Continuously wrap loads of the gaffs tape around an old store card, takes up no space but holds a lot. 👍
Oh, great idea. I’ll have to do that.
For my 35mm cameras i use a thin (maybe a mm and a half?) cloth strap, i never really got used to the rope style and feel the flat ones fold more compact.
Also my tip on working with a lens wrench would be to spin the lens, not the wrench. Makes it much harder to slip and scratch/deform the lens parts.
Yep, definitely a good move spinning the lens!
First? Thanks for the awesome content. Hopefully some podcast goodness coming soon too.
New episode soon! 🙌
Thanks a million for the ROR fluid bonus tip! I use a piece of glass to hold my negs flat when scanning and every glass cleaner I’ve tried leaves streaks (that I always find in Lightroom after scanning 😆😆😆) I’m really looking forward to streak free neg scans! 😎👍🏻
Cheers, Zack! ROR is where it's at.
I have a quick follow up with the ROR Fluid: I just finished scanning 10 rolls with CLEAN, STREAK FREE, SMUDGE-LESS glass! 🤩🤩🤩There was one piece of glass in particular that I could NEVER get 100% clean, and it currently looks brand new (even after scanning 10 rolls!) Thanks again for the tip Kyle! 😎👍🏻
Amazing! It’s the best. Glad it’s working for ya!
Really nice list. I would add a hot shoe bubble level.
Ah, yes. Good add!
With that lens spanner I destroyed a lens because it would not open. The inner aluminium thread and the engraved top lens retainer ring seized up. Luckily it was not a lens of great value. However, I should add that I used it on my Zeiss lenses without problem together with rubber 'doorstopper'
I think the film cutter is the most important gadget. I cut my image using scissors before.😢
None of this is boring. I love how thorough and detail-oriented this list is. Needed all of this!
The f64 bags are great, I have two. Only wish they made them in 5x7 and 8x10.
Nice. Yeah, looking forward to receiving mine and seeing what it's like.
my rope camera strap was a bit more expensive, maybe more than double .. but it was handmade and the quality is unmatchable
Haha so I guess I’m not the only one who has that issue with the zeiss wipes and I bought so many that it’ll take me years and years before I can buy another kind
I’m also the proud owner of a massive 500 count box of the Zeiss wipes, which I’ve used about five of. 😂
i was about to order those in huge amounts as well - so glad i watched this first haha
My parents found two of those old Agfa rolls from the thumbnail - I have one loaded roght now. What a coincidence! 😯
Oh, nice! Yeah I have two as well. Still need to shoot em!
A warning about the Amazon light pads. On some of them it doesn't show up in their online images but they'll have a grid pattern that shows up when you turn them on so you don't get a pure white. I've bought 2 different ones and they both had it.
Thanks for the heads up. The one I'm using is fine, but that would be a let down for sure.
I mean, great accessories, but look at the shirt on the guy! 🙌
😁🙌
$20 Costco LED flashlight with focusable projector beam. Your best friend when doing night shots in the Mojave. Add a cheap set of gel filters with a high tech rubber band to hold it all in place and you’re ready to get weird in the desert 🌵
Sounds like a great setup, Tim. 🙂
11:03 "...but they're like adjustible colour temperature from 8 to 10 thousand which seems very cool" - ah, I see what you've done there :)
I liked it so much i bought the company.
It sounds ludicrously obvious, but as my eyesight isn't what it once was (I'm 62 and wear glasses), I find the use of a rubber eye-cup for the viewfinder very helpful.
Some things here I might need to pick up! Did you move to the UK by the way?
I did!
Will this cable release universally attach to all cameras? I've got a k1000
Should be no issues with your K1000
Surprised you didn't mention it but an L bracket is an absolute godsend if you use a tripod in any capacity. Just gives you way more flexibility not having to use the notch thing on most ball head mounts. Also not very expensive.
For sure. Good add, but it all depends which camera you own and what brand you buy. I have a Kirk for my Pentax 67 and it definitely wasn’t cheap.
what are alternatives to ROR? all are out of stock in our region
Sorry, been using the ROR fluid for so long that I don't have any other recommendations.
What do you recommend for cleaning 35mm negitavies
Sorry Dylan, not something I've ever really done before.
is there a good alternative for those kimtech wipes? hard to get here in Austria...
Hmmmm, not too sure. Maybe someone else can chime in. These are all that I've been using for a very long time.
Kimtech wipes? Ack! Abrasive and leaves paper residue on lenses!
I've never had any issues.
Would you be willing to do a video on repairing and cleaning lenses ? Like just showing what we can do ourselves at home
Honestly, I only do very minor repairs on cheaper lenses. So I wouldn't want to make a video trying to teach anything. Not really my area of expertise.
@@KyleMcDougall I figured, but that could be something exactly showing what we can do without specific skills, but I get why you don't want to.
Anyway, thanks for your videos, they are really helpful and inspiring !
Cheers, Tristan.
A Rocket Blower for mine...
Another one I would recommend getting is a rocket blower for getting dust off
Yes, one of the most used tools as well.
Vaguely related to the repair aspects, I have a filter that is stuck on the front of one of my Super Takumar lenses (it came like this when I bought it online), if I try to remove it it just unscrews the front element of the lens, would you have any advice what to do other than A leave it or B buy a new lens
Hmmmm, yeah that's a tough one. Other then very carefully trying to make a cut in the ring with a hacksaw, I'm not sure what else you could do.
@@KyleMcDougall thankfully it's only a skylight filter so it's no issue, I'd just rather it not be on there forever 😂
Tell us more about the pinhole camera on your right 😆. I am shocked you didn’t mention a rocket blower.
😁 Yes, rocket blower indeed!
My favorite is when film is in stock and on "sale" but that's just me
Did you buy a Stenopeika??
Currently testing one out. 🙂
I've rebuilt entire cameras with the shitty amazon spanner wrench. Extracting every bit of value out of a cheaper item requires a bit of finesse, and I've used mine for jobs both easy and very difficult.
Film squeegee, about 12 bucks from Amazon
Cheap might be a stretch but a set of used or new Hewes reels for 120 and 35mm are miles better than the plastic Patterson reels. Anyone investing in developing film at home long term should get the steel reels, they wont regret it!
What’s the difference?
OMG, this 100%. Yes, they're pricey, but I can tell you they're so worth it. You'll only have to buy them once! They're so much easier to spool in a darkbag than the cheap ones, even though many of those are made in Japan. I will NEVER use anything other than the Hewes reels, and that's for 35mm AND 120. Both are fabulous.
I cant afford for you to make another video like this, Kyle, please...
Sorry! 😁
Someone’s teasing us with that the stamp on that wooden box 😜 Hint at a future video.
Have you heard any rumors of ROR stripping off lens coatings etc?
Never heard that. And haven't experienced any issues over the years.
@@KyleMcDougall good to know
F64 is a company from my country
kim wipes for life
🙌 When ya know, ya know!