ATLANTA – America is overcome with a sense of nostalgia as we fall in love all over again with film cameras.
In this digital age where your smartphone often doubles as your camera, it would seem that film has gone the way of the dinosaur. Most companies have stopped producing the old film cameras that your parents and grandparents once used.
And yet, KEH Camera in Atlanta with the largest collection of film equipment in the world has seen a 60% jump in film camera sales over the last year with its digital and lens business growing as well.
“Film photography is seeing a huge resurgence,” says Danielle Parra of KEH.
Why?
Millennials have developed a taste for nostalgic treats like vinyl records and old gaming systems. They appreciate that film cameras demand a level of focus and patience that digital cameras don’t require.
“It’s more authentic to the experience,” says photographer Luca Eandi. “It makes you a better photographer because you have to rely on the fundamentals.”
With digital cameras, you see the final result instantly. There’s a growing appreciation for the element of surprise that comes with waiting for film to develop.
“There really is that aspect of crafting a piece of art,” says Parra. “It’s unique. It’s as unique as an individual fingerprint when you take that photo.”
KEH sells used film cameras that have been restored and inspected. Your purchase comes with a warranty.
While there are only a handful of new film cameras on the market, there are still places selling and developing film.
Film cameras aren’t about to retake the market. Digital is holding firm to that spot. But a sense of nostalgia is fueling a resurgence.
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