High pixel smart phone cameras and super advanced digital cameras gradually make people give up using film camera. The typical features of the modern world are fast-paced and convenient.  However, film cameras do not share these traits. Should our age give up this “antique”? Is it the right time for us to put film cameras onto museum shelves?

Yang Liu opened his film camera store—Spring Camera in 2012, which is located in Dongnian lane, Dongcheng District Beijing.

 

 

Q1. In this information and digital time, why did you choose to open a film camera store?

A: I am a shutterbug. I think it is cool to make a living by doing things I like. I am a realistic person, so I chose to open a film camera store just because compared to digital cameras, film cameras quite valuable, and in other words, they are a form of investment.

Q2. What are the advantages and glamour of using a film camera compared to using other kinds of cameras?

A: The quality and colour of the pictures from film cameras are really special, speaking in a more abstract way, it contains something of a familiarity.  I guess this feeling contributes to the childhood memory of film cameras. When I was a child, my parents always took photos of me with a film camera. Also, an easily forgotten advantage of film camera is that it can slow down the tempo of life. The process of shooting and printing are time-consuming, so we have more time to think more before pressing the shutter.

 

 

Q3. Nowadays, many people put an emphasis on sharing pictures instead of just taking and keeping them, do you think this is bad news for film cameras?

A: In terms of sharing speed, film cameras even digital cameras are not as quick as smartphones.  But there are still some people who are willing to spend a lot time on studying focus techniques and photometry. Therefore, I still believe film camera will have a market.

Q4: Do you prefer to use photo-sharing apps? (Such as Instagram)

A: I seldom use Instagram, because it is a little bit difficult for me to edit every picture into the shape of a foursquare. I love using weibo (Chinese version of Twitter), and post some pictures taken by my film camera. After all, social media is a good platform for me to propagate film cameras.

Q5. Could you please predict the future of film cameras?

A: To be honest, film cameras will be used by fewer and fewer people. I guess, one day, it may become collectable such as the sewing machine and the Walkman rather than a practical tool to take photos. We should face the reality.