A few weeks back, I purchased my first fully mechanical film SLR camera on impulse – the Yashica FX-3 Super 2000. Compared to other SLR’s the Yashica is a more affordable option since its body is made out of plastic and only has the basics when it comes to functionality. Though basic is all I need. The camera also came with a Yashica 50mm f2 ML, which from what I’ve read online is a pretty good lens. After having it CLA’d (cleaned, lubed, and adjusted), it’s now time to test this new baby.
Like you should when buying a film camera that is a few decades old, the first thing you should do is shoot a test roll to see if everything is working as it should. But with the rising price of film, a test roll is something of a luxury. So this began my hunt for an affordable alternative. I’ve shot expired films before with good results, but even those are expensive now. Luckily I was able to come across a B&W film called Kentmere Pan 400 which cost less-than-half of most available films today, it’s even cheaper than an expired film. It also has a longer shelf life compared to colored films.
Honestly, I’m not knowledgeable about different film stocks nor experienced with how they should look or what to expect. I’m more attracted to film photography because it slows me down and the excitement and mystery it gives me when I have my film developed. So for now, I’m happy with whatever affordable film I can get to. But all that still remains to be seen as I dwell deeper into film photography as I intend to do so this year. Anyway, here are some photos I got from the Yashica and Kentmere:
Needless to say, everything turned out great as the camera performed well, and the photos I got from the Kentmere Pan 400 were lovely. Well, except for the fact that I accidentally opened the back of my camera and exposed some of the frames. Ahh yes, the beauty of film photography. 🙂 I’m excited to continue shooting with this combo and have more intentionality with my photos as I now know that the camera operates as it should. Hopefully, it serves me for many decades to come.
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Again, thank you for reading my blog, I’ll probably write a more in depth review of the camera so stay tuned for that. Also, I’ll put some links below if you’re interested in where I got the film and where I have them developed. Chao!
Where I get my films developed:
Kentemere 400:
- Lazada
- Shopee
King 
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