Film Camera Zen

A Guide to Finding the Perfect Film Camera

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Pub Date Nov 12 2024 | Archive Date Nov 12 2024
Chronicle Books | Chronicle Chroma

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Description

The must-have guide for any camera collector, avid film photographer, or novice creative seeking advice on what camera to choose and how to get started purchasing and collecting.

Film Camera Zen is a carefully curated guidebook by Bellamy Hunt, the founder of Japan Camera Hunter and sought-after expert in all types of analog cameras and their histories. From European brands such as Leica and Hasselblad to Japanese makers Nikon, Canon, Pentax, and Minolta, Hunt provides all the technical knowledge needed to enable the best purchase, including:

  • Technical capabilities
  • Focus options
  • Compatible lenses
  • Accessories 

Like vinyl records and vintage watches, film cameras have captured the imagination of a new generation who are rediscovering them as collectibles and as an alternative to camera phones. The beauty of the cameras themselves, acquiring the skill to use them, and the photographic results offer a uniquely rewarding experience in the digital age. Film Camera Zen is the perfect guide for getting started and enjoying the process of learning, acquiring, and mastering the classic analog camera.

The must-have guide for any camera collector, avid film photographer, or novice creative seeking advice on what camera to choose and how to get started purchasing and collecting.

Film Camera Zen is a...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781797232300
PRICE $29.95 (USD)
PAGES 208

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Average rating from 14 members


Featured Reviews

Film Camera Zen is a beautiful book full of interesting information. If you have ever owned a film camera, use a film camera or are just wanting to learn about the cameras out there, this book will have something to interest you. The photography is fabulous (obviously!) and even though some of the information is technical camera talk it is well written and interesting.

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Picked this book from NetGalley because I’ve been a photographer (primarily film) for 20 years and I was interested in hearing what someone similar would have to say. I really enjoyed the author’s take on all this great gear! How fun to see some of my own cameras in the pages of this book. If you’re interested in learning about some great vintage and classic photography gear, this is definitely your starting point. I love the great high level overviews!

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I am a professional videographer but want a film camera for my photograph hobby. I am used to using Sony cameras and Canon lenses, but I love the opinion to look at all different types of cameras (even ones I have never heard of). I love the picture of each camera provided, but I would have liked to see more photos taken by the camera itself, like scenics. I like the description but I do wish it was a little more condensed. Still, a great guide to film cameras.

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What an interesting and educational read! The author, Bellamy Hunt (aka Japan Camera Hunter, JCH) has scoured the planet seeking out hundreds of makes and models of cameras and given them a test run. In this book, he showcases many of his favorites, providing insightful technical feedback and fun historical facts for each.

Whether your a professional photographer, a budding shutterbug or a discerning gadget gearhead, if you love cameras, you'll love this book!

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Nice description of different models of film cameras. Good reference guide with lovely pictures. If I needed a film camera I feel this guide would be valuable.

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I love cameras. I'm always on the hunt for the next best camera for my aesthetic. And they all are different. Film Camera Zen is a compendium of cameras that are not just visually stunning product pics but detailed information about the camera. It's a great guide for photographers searching for a vintage or contemporary camera to add to their collection. From the novice to expert, this book will be a great table book to share with others.

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Lately film cameras have been making a comeback and Film Camera Zen is an informative resource with beautiful photos accompanying descriptions of both new and retro cameras. From the easy to find and affordable to those unattainable holy grail cameras. I myself have been looking into getting back into the hobby and it can be pretty daunting choosing a camera to shoot with. This guide gives the history along with the pros and cons of each camera as well as user and camera skill level which is just perfect. Once you’re done reading the author also has a YouTube channel you can plunge into as well.

This would make a nice coffee table book or gift for a camera enthusiast. Also a great jumping off point to start your search for a film camera to suit your needs.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Chronicle Books. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Must have for any camera collector, especially film camera collectors! I have a regular canon but have always wanted a film camera so this was an interesting read! Not something I need a whole book for but I'd love to browse this to figure out which film camera I will want to buy when the time comes!

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This is a great book for photography lovers. It goes over different brands of cameras and tells a bit about each. I loved reading about all the cameras, some lenses associated with them and the history. Towards the end it goes over films and development of films and future of film cameras. This will also be a good book for people that collect cameras as well. Thanks Net Galley!

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Good introduction into the film camera world for those who have spent more time in the digital world. Each entry is precise and informative, yet simple enough for any newcomer in the field to not feel overwhelmed.

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