How to Shoot Film On A Budget: Money-Saving Tips for Analogue Lovers

Once you experiment with film photography, it's hard to ever look back on digital, but it's certainly not a hobby that's known for being inexpensive.

Between film rolls, developing costs, and camera maintenance, the costs add up quickly.

Whether you're just starting out or are keen to shoot more film rolls this year without worrying about the cost, this guide is for you as we share some of the best money saving tips for shooting on film, and to a budget.

How to Shoot Film On A Budget: Money-Saving Tips for Analogue Lovers

1.Choose Budget-Friendly Film Stocks

Not all films are created equal, and some are much pricier than others.

If you’re looking to save money, there are plenty of budget friendly options that still produce great results.

Black and white film is generally the cheapest way to shoot film, with some stocks from as little as £5.50! Films with a lower ISO such as 200 are generally cheaper than ISO 400 and beyond.

Here are 10 of our favourite film stocks under £10 to help you get started.

• Kodak ColorPlus 200 – A solid, budget-friendly colour film with warm tones.

• Ilford HP5 Plus 400 – A classic black-and-white film with great versatility.

• Fomapan 100 – A lesser-known but affordable and reliable black-and-white option.

• Kodak Gold 200 - Produces superior sharpness with warm tones.

• Kentmere 100 - One of the most budget friendly B&W films at only £5.50 a roll, that's around just 15p per frame!

• Ilford Delta 100 - Sporting medium speed & exceptionally fine grain.

• Washi Z 400 - near-infra-red film stock.

• Kentmere 400 - Budget, medium speed B&W film.

• Fomapan 200 - Sharp, fast, fine grain black and white film.

If you love shooting on colour film or those with a higher ISO and need to cut costs, consider bulk-buying or purchasing film during sale periods.

Shot on Fujifilm 200

2. Buy Film in Bulk or Expired Film

Purchasing film in bulk can save you a lot of money. Look out for our multi-roll bundles and multi quantity order discounts.

Expired film is another excellent way to save. Many expired films still produce beautiful results, sometimes with unique colour shifts and grain.

Just be mindful of storage conditions—films stored in a cool, dry place will have aged better than those kept in warm, humid places.

Expired film can be picked up in a number of ways, first ask your relatives to see if they have any lying around that have been in storage for years, there's nothing better than free acquired film!

Facebook Marketplace, eBay and second hand stores are all excellent ways to track down expired film too.

3. Use a Reusable Camera Instead of Disposable Cameras

Disposable cameras can be fun, but they add up in cost since you need to buy a new one each time.

Instead, invest in an affordable point-and-shoot or a secondhand compact camera. Options like the Kodak M35 or Kodak M38 give you the same ease of use as disposables but with the ability to reload film, again, and again.

If you're looking for a more advanced 35mm camera, head to Facebook Marketplace or second hand stores to find an affordable, vintage camera. Just make sure it works as camera repair costs can quickly add up!

4. Shoot Sparingly & Be Intentional

One of the biggest adjustments when switching from digital to film is learning to shoot intentionally.

Each frame costs money, so make every shot count. Breaking down the cost per frame is a great way to change your mentality on shooting with film.

Take your time composing your image, double-check your settings, and avoid wasting film on test shots.

5. Join Film Photography Communities

Engaging with film photography groups on platforms like Reddit, Facebook, or Instagram can lead to useful tips, film swaps, and even opportunities to buy affordable gear.

Many photographers are happy to share their knowledge and help others save money while still enjoying the art of film.

We've also hosted three photo walks now, two where walkers have received a FREE mystery film and processing which has been a great way for photographers to try films they might not normally reach for.

Our last photo walk in Cardiff was £10 a ticket where walkers received TWO films and free processing. If you're based in the UK, keep an eye out for future walks on our social channels.

6.Affordable Film Processing

Finding a reliable and affordable lab for film processing can make a big difference in cost. FilmProcessing.co.uk offers competitive pricing for developing and scanning, helping you get high-quality results without overspending.

Whether you shoot 35mm, 120, or disposable cameras, our prices start from as little as £4 and we provide a professional service with fast turnaround times.

Film photography doesn’t have to drain your bank account. By choosing affordable film stocks, buying secondhand gear, and shooting intentionally, you can continue capturing stunning images without breaking the bank.

Embrace the process, experiment with different techniques, and enjoy the beauty of film photography—even on a budget.

Do you have any budget-friendly film photography tips? Drop them in the comments below!