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n an era in which instant photographs are highly sought after amid the soaring popularity of photo-sharing applications such as Instagram, many photography enthusiasts have turned to vintage analog cameras to express themselves artistically.

Even though digital cameras offer simplicity and a wide array of features, for users of analog cameras, nothing beats the beauty of photographs captured using more traditional methods. Elsa, 24, is among those who favor analog photography. After buying a Fujifilm analog camera in Japan in January 2017, she quickly decided to make the switch after looking at the high-quality images it produced.

“The pictures I took using an analog camera are more retro and classic,” she said.

As fans of analog cameras are increasing in numbers, finding such a device is not an issue. However, it is a different story with roll films, which are rare.

Elsa said roll films were usually sold online, but they could be found in several stores and bazaars.

Another analog camera enthusiast, Rani, 22, said capturing an image with an analog camera resulted in a more “artsy” photograph, as if there was a special filter on it.

“The image seems more soft and vintage-looking. It feels like there is a nostalgic element to the picture,” she said.

According to photography enthusiast Cintya, images captured through an analog camera were usually dimmer than the actual object.

While digital cameras produce cleaner and sharper images with user-friendly features, capturing an image through an analog camera is more challenging because one roll of film is limited to certain frames. Thus, choosing the right angle before clicking the shutter button is essential to avoid wasting frames.

“Capturing images through an analog camera needs preparation, such as selecting the right angle,” said Elsa.

Meanwhile, the long-process of developing film from an analog camera is another step users need to go through.

However, Andreas, a full-time wedding photographer who prefers using analog cameras when working, said he found it fascinating to wait for a photo to develop.

Since digital and analog cameras have different features, it all comes down to the needs and preferences of the user, said Andy, a member of a photography community based in Jakarta.

“Nowadays, the trend is changing to analog, but it all depends on the needs of the user. There are users who use analog cameras for hobbies, but there are also digital camera users who only use it for selfies,” he said.

In the end, the shifting trends of different eras mattered not, because each individual knew what they preferred best, he said. (sfr)