Can You Use 35MM Film in a 38MM Camera?

ByJaved Ahmad Updated on
can you use 35mm film in a 38mm camera

With the film revolution, film photographers want to try new things and to switch things up a bit to better their results. Well, a common question among many is whether it is possible to use 35mm film in a 38mm camera. 

Theoretically, you can use any type of film in a film camera. The main limitation is the ISO setting. This means that as long as your 38mm camera has the right ISO speed, then you can use the 35mm film. Ideally, 35mm films were designed to be used with the 35mm cameras. But with the new technology, you can use the same film in your 38mm camera. 

This article explains whether it is possible to use a 35mm film on a 38mm camera. 

What is 35MM Film?

For starters, it would be best to clarify what the 35mm film entails. The 35mm film is the most popular format as far as films are concerned. It often comes in a convenient light-tight metal canister that holds the strips of photographic film.

These strips come 1.6m in length and feature sprocket holes on the long edges. Each of the rolls of 35mm film can take between 24 to 36 exposures and more if you are lucky. 

Luckily, these 35mm films are not limited in terms of film types. You can choose from black and white, slide, reversal, and color negative film varieties. The trick comes in when you are deciding which 35mm to choose. 

Can you use 35mm film in a 38mm camera? 

Yes, you can use the 35mm film in a 38mm camera. Theoretically, the 35mm and 38mm have a noticeable difference, but not significant. The 35mm refers to the focal length of the fixed length on the camera.

Ideally, the 35mm film was designed to be used on 35mm cameras. However, nowadays it is possible to use different films as long as they guarantee compatibility. This is not always the case as some of the cameras may require a certain ISO speed to create a proper exposure. 

The 35mm films will fit into a wide range of cameras—the main consideration will be whether it has the necessary ISO settings. Some of the older cameras may have some limitations since they were made in an era before such fast films were introduced.

This means that you may not go up to very high ISOs. Therefore, it is important that you check your 38mm camera’s capabilities before you can go ahead to choose the right 35mm film. 

Is 35mm film better than digital?

Many can agree that shooting with 35mm film offers so many benefits and the experience is completely different from shooting digitally. The 35mm film allows you to slow down the entire shooting process so you can take your time.

Its limitations in terms of the number of shots you can take can be a blessing in disguise—in that, you are encouraged to think about the subject and composition, unlike with digital cameras.

You can also count on the science and precision of film photography, allowing you to go to different avenues from experimenting with chemistry and darkroom printing. In other words, film photography will help you hone your photography skills. You also get to learn the manual settings on your camera.

How to choose the right 35mm film?

35mm film in a 38mm camera

If you are checked the compatibility of a 35mm film with your 38mm camera, you may now be wondering which is the right 35mm film. Well, there is no straight answer to this question. The right 35mm film will depend on various aspects.

For instance, the subject you are shooting, whether you are shooting in color or black and white, or the lighting and weather conditions. 

For instance, if it is a matter of the subject you are shooting, it will depend on whether you are shooting portraits, landscapes, or street photography. The subject matter represents a part of the overall aesthetic that you are aiming for.

For portraits, for example, you need to look for fine detail, a good presentation of the mid-tones, and an accurate rendition of skin tones. 

FAQs

What is the best roll of film for a beginner film photographer? 

The general rule is that the best films for beginners are usually the cheapest rolls. What happens often is that things get messed up at the early stages of film photography. So, it can be said that it is better to lose a $5 Kodak Gold roll than the $15 Portra 400 roll. Not to undermine the Kodak Gold as it is known to have nice saturation and wonderfully captures skin tones. It is particularly ideal for sunrise and sunset shots as it gives the warm yellow glow that makes everything look beautiful. Therefore, it is a win-win if you ask me. 

What is the different between 35mm and 120mm film? 

The differences majorly lie on the economy of film usage and development costs. The 35mm roll offers more shots compared to the 120mm film. Many of them come with 24 or 36 exposures compared to the sub-20 frames on a roll of 120mm. You will not need to keep buying rolls when shooting 35mm. 

Conclusion 

Many film photographers wonder whether using different films really matters. And in particular, whether you can use a 35mm film on a 38mm camera. Well, there is a lot that can be done but with some limitations. If that was the question you had, hopefully, the article gives you the answer you were looking for. 

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