How it started …
“We” is just me, Ben. I’m an amateur film photographer that got a bad case of the G.A.S upon rediscovering film photography in late 2019, just before the UK Covid lockdowns. Over the next couple years I tinkered with any 35mm cameras I could find in charity shops and from family and friends, often getting them working again and using them for a time, then putting them in a box. I ended up with quite a lot of 35mm camera kit, some home-brew test equipment and tools, and other related paraphernalia. I still routinely check Charity Shops for camera gear and use it for a bit, but the “putting them in a box” when I’m done with them bit stopped in 2023, and filmcameras.uk was born!
How it’s going …
As I write this, late November 2024, I think it’s going pretty well. Plenty of charity shop finds have been tested, cleaned and in some cases repaired, and made their way around the UK – and in a couple of cases further afield. Over the last year and a bit I’ve also been approached by some users who are looking to re-home/sell collections, and bought the odd auction.
What’s next …
This week a company in Ireland has asked if I want to take on some ‘new’ stock, mainly accessories, and I’ve said yes. So it looks like 2025 will see some stock expansion 🙂
I’ve also decided to wrap-up the ’35mm Tees’ clothing “brand” (hah), and bring it all in-house under Film Cameras UK. All existing Tee and Hoodie designs have been added here, and the ’35mm Tees’ name will slowly die out.
A little rant, and a promise …
[The following was written on day 1, but it still holds true in Nov 2024 so I’m leaving it here!] Film Photography equipment prices in the 2020s are getting silly now. Film prices have gone up, because… *points at everything*… reasons. There’s not a lot we consumers can do about wars, factories closing, and materials costs. But Film cameras prices have gone up, MASSIVELY, too, and that seems to be less to do with supply and demand, and more to do with fashion and deliberate price gouging. For example, I absolutely and resolutely refuse to pay £280 for a Pentax ME with 50mm/1.2 and neither – I believe – should you. Hey I LOVE Pentax gear, but come on!
For that reason, one main aim of this site (here comes the promise) is to sell cameras and accessories for what they are worth at the time, never making a massive profit, and with completely honest and straightforward descriptions of what’s being sold. If you think I’m not living up to this moralistic idealism, please let me know.
Other business …
I have film photos and chat accounts on Bluesky (@pixelated135), Foto App, Instagram (@pixelated135) and Mastodon (@pixelated135).