A Beginners Guide to Analog Photography in Berlin

Tired of the digital monotony and seeking a more fulfilling photographic experience? Dive into the world of analog photography in Berlin, where the timeless charm of film awaits you.

This guide will help you understand the appeal of analog photography. Each time you click the shutter, you capture a moment in time. We will look at why more people are using analog photography, its unique visual qualities, and the genuine connection it provides to the art of photography.

In an age dominated by digital photography and instant gratification, it might seem surprising that analog photography is experiencing a revival. But when you think about it, everything starts making some sense. Film photography’s intentional process, tangible results, and distinctive aesthetic qualities offer a refreshing alternative to the digital world.

I grew up with film cameras. I remember carrying one around in the early 2000s before I bought my first digital camera. But for several years, I completely ignored this film photography world. It felt to me like it was too complicated and slow. But nowadays, I want some of these characteristics in my pictures. I blame it on how everything looks the same: over-edited, over-produced and, often, just bland. And I know I’m not alone in this.

I started getting into film photography again in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. I remember reading something about a photographer friend sharing a picture of him carrying some disposable film cameras. Because it felt to him like a trip back in time, whenever he got those films developed, he would go back to the days those pictures were taken, and I loved the idea, especially in the situation I was in at the time with lockdowns and being stuck at home.

I decided to join the world of film photography through disposable cameras in the summer of 2020. After a few trials, I realized I wanted more control over the images and bought different plastic cameras. These were insufficient, so I finally caved in and got a proper SLR. That led me to a medium-format camera.

Nowadays, I have more cameras than I should say in an article like this, but these last few years have led to a learning path for which I’m genuinely grateful. Even though I have been taking pictures for several years, I only understood the craft when I started exploring analog photography in Berlin.

I don’t know how to explain it, but some people feel the same about the topic.

But now it’s my time to influence you and share that you should choose film for your daily photography needs.

Why Choose Analog and Film Photography?

In general, analog photography encourages a slower, more thoughtful approach since you must meter light and consider more than what you’d need to do in a digital camera. Also, with a limited number of exposures on a roll of film, each shot becomes more precious, forcing you to consider composition, lighting, and subject matter more carefully.

One of my favorite elements of film photography is its unique aesthetic. Film possesses a distinct grain, texture, and depth that’s difficult to replicate with digital sensors. You can experiment with different film types and get some really positive surprises. Also, the film’s imperfections often enhance the artistic quality of the image, creating a timeless and nostalgic feel.

For some people, the tangible results of film photography are a plus. Still, I don’t often print my pictures, other than some zines I make occasionally. However, holding a physical photograph in your hand provides a tangible connection to the moment captured. It’s a piece of art you can touch, feel, and display in your home. You can print your pictures in every lab where your film is developed and in most DMs and Rossmanns around Berlin.

Finally, something I enjoy about film is the possibility to unplug and reconnect with what you like to do. There are no apps on my cameras, and there are not many different settings to fidget around with, taking my focus away from the pictures I want to make.

Analog photography allows you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the essence of photography. It’s an almost meditative process that can be both relaxing and rewarding.

Getting Started with Analog Photography in Berlin

Berlin, known for its vibrant art scene and cultural diversity, is also a haven for analog enthusiasts. We’ll guide you through the best places to acquire vintage cameras, purchase film, and develop your precious rolls. You’ll also learn about the fascinating cultural experiences, such as photography museums and workshops, that enrich Berlin’s analog scene.

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a curious beginner, this guide will equip you with everything you need to embark on an unforgettable analog photography journey in Berlin. Embrace the slower pace, the tactile experience, and the unique beauty of analog photography.

Below, you can find my beginner guide to analog photography in Berlin to help you get started:

Where to Buy Cameras

First, to start film photography, you must get a camera. One problem is that there aren’t many options for new film cameras out there, especially if you want some control over exposure and lenses. Because of that, you will have to go hunting for vintage cameras. Below are some of my favorite places to go.

• Foto Braune in Neukölln is a well-established camera store with a wide selection of new and used analog cameras, lenses, and accessories. I bought lenses for my Canon F-1 there and have advised many friends to go there when looking for something new. They can also help you out with support once your camera breaks or malfunctions.
• Fotoimpex can be another good option for film cameras, especially the cheaper plastic ones that are more affordable. Their shop on Weinmeisterstrasse can be a good place to visit if you are looking for a first camera, but they also have an online shop filled with great stuff.
• Click & Surr is another incredible place to check for cameras since it has many options for showing in every possible category. But be aware that going there without a plan can be overwhelming, so check its website before heading to Mitte.
• Safelight Berlin in Prenzlauer Berg can also be excellent for cameras. They often have gorgeous second-hand point-and-shoot cameras, and I frequently daydream about getting one. Before going there, check their website and see what is available.
• Foto Meyer in Schöneberg is another good option. It offers many new and used cameras, workshops, and rentals. Personally, I have never bought a camera there. Still, I have bought lenses there before, and they have a lot of different and interesting things there.
• Besides shops, you can also visit some antique shops and flea markets. But don’t forget that these cameras might not be in the best shape. Berlin’s flea markets, such as Mauerpark and Boxhagener Platz, can be great places to hunt for vintage cameras at bargain prices. You might also stumble upon some gems in antique shops around the city.

Besides these shops in Berlin, you could check what Lomography.com has on their online shop since they are one of the few places still creating something new in film photography.

Besides that, I often research Kamerastore.com in Finland and Foto Köberl in Austria for cameras since they have many different options and deliver to Berlin without any problems. Don’t forget to check eBay for vintage cameras. I bought a few cameras there, and I can say that you might get lucky if you do your research correctly.

Also, I started researching photography shops every time I went to a different city, and I found some great ones. If you are in Amsterdam, try Foto den Boer. If you find yourself in Copenhagen, One Of Many Cameras is the way to go. And if you are in London, go to Mr. CAD Photographic because they have everything you need!

Where to Buy Film

Now that you got your camera, you need to buy some film and put it all to use. Below are some places I go to buy film in Berlin and some online shops I go to when I need something more specific.

• Fotoimpex is my go-to place to buy film in Berlin. Its shelves are filled with different types of film from various companies, and every time I go there, I leave with something new in my bag.
• Another great place to buy film is Safelight Berlin, especially if you are interested in Kodak Cine film. They spool their own film, which allows them to have cheaper film. And I can’t complain.
• Foto Braune is also suitable for film since it offers various film stocks, from classic black-and-white to color film.
• And I can forget to mention Rossmann & DM Drogeriemarkt since these drugstores offer a decent selection of commonly used color film rolls at affordable prices. They are my go-to place for more standard film rolls like Kodak Gold and Kentmere.

In addition to these places to buy films in Berlin, I often go online to check something different and look for bargains. Macodirect.de is where I go most since they offer many options and quick delivery.

The films that Lomography.com offers are excellent, with some experimental ones that can be good. Dubble has some wonderful options if you’re looking for more experimental films. They also sell cameras and accessories. I got some of my first analog gear there!

If you want to experiment further, try the film soup that Hanalogital makes and sells on Etsy. I have tried some of these before, and they look insane.

Where to Develop Film Berlin

Once you start looking for places to develop films in Berlin, you will start seeing many. I tried a few different ones and had some mixed experiences with many. So, below are the ones that I keep coming back to.

There are many different places in Berlin where you can develop your film, and these are the ones that better match my expectations and price point.

But, if you want to explore other labs, here are some that you might find helpful: Foto Kotti in Kreuzberg, FotoImpex in Mitte, Aperture Film Lab in Charlottenburg, Film Speed Lab in Prenzlauer Berg, Foto Objektiv on Gneisenaustraße, Foto Schilling in Charlottenburg, Photo Fehling in Kreuzberg and Dasein Film Lab.

If you don’t live close to any of those places, you can always try Rossmann & DM Drogeriemarkt for film development since they have this option. I have never tried it myself, but I have read positive online reviews on the topic.

If you want to try something more experimental, try self-developing at home. In the summer of 2024, I started doing it for black-and-white film, and it can be extremely fun—but also a little challenging. Some shops selling beginner’s kits online could work for you.

Cultural Experiences focuses on Photography in Berlin

When I think of a photography-focused place in Berlin, the first location that comes to mind is C/O Berlin in Charlottenburg. This exhibition house for photography and visual media is a non-profit foundation that showcases works by renowned artists, promotes emerging talent, and invites visitors to explore our visual culture.

They also work as a community hub, and C/O Berlin organizes artist talks, panel discussions, film screenings, and guided tours, providing opportunities for direct engagement with the exhibition program and current debates in visual media. I have been there many times and am always curious to see their next exhibition.

Camera Work is an art gallery founded in 1997 in Berlin. Since then, it has become one of the leading galleries for photographic art worldwide. With its historically significant name, the gallery has consistently followed the philosophy of showcasing not only renowned classic photographers such as Diane Arbus, Helmut Newton, Irving Penn, and Man Ray but also contemporary artists. This approach aims to reinforce photography’s status as an independent visual art genre and provide a platform for new artistic perspectives.

f³ – Freiraum für Fotografie showcases exhibitions by international photographers and photo artists in the heart of Berlin, specifically in Kreuzberg. The team behind the project is creating a photography space near Oranienplatz that invites visitors to engage with contemporary issues related to the medium. The program features prominent figures from the history of photography and contemporary photographers from Berlin and worldwide.

The Berlinische Galerie – the State Museum for Modern Art, Photography, and Architecture – is one of the youngest museums in the German capital. It showcases art created in Berlin from 1870 to the present day. Notable collection areas include Dada Berlin, New Objectivity, the Eastern European avant-garde, and the art of divided Berlin and the reunified metropolis. I have visited the museum many times, and there is always something impressive to see and learn about, whether photography or other art forms.

The Museum für Fotografie, located next to the Zoo-Bahnhof, is one of my favorite places in West-Berlin. Since opening in 2004, this museum has become a popular destination for photography enthusiasts worldwide. The museum features the Art Library’s Photography Collection and the Helmut Newton Foundation, which occupy 2,000 square meters together. It’s a fantastic place to spend a couple of hours.

Bildband is an independent bookshop in the heart of Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, specializing in photography books. I only got to know this place in 2024 but fell in love at first sight. They have been open to the public since 2015, with a small team that is proud to provide a space for photographers, publishers, designers, and photography enthusiasts to enjoy and discover a carefully curated selection of titles.

In addition to these museums and art galleries, a significant asset for photography culture in Berlin is the exceptional Photography in Berlin platform, which showcases fine art and documentary photography from Berlin, Brandenburg, and surrounding areas. With it, you can explore the highlights of Berlin’s photography scene through the PiB website, the weekly eNewsletter, and a bimonthly print publication, the PiB Guide! I learned a lot about events and shows with the newsletter.

One of the reasons I have been to most of these places is the European Month of Photography, which is happening in Berlin for the 11th time. Every other year, more than 100 museums, galleries and other venues in Berlin present photographic art at the largest photo festival in Germany, the European Month of Photography. I have been following this festival for several years, and the 2025 edition will happen in March. You shouldn’t miss it.

A Beginners Guide to Analog Photography in Berlin

Analog photography offers a unique and rewarding experience that’s worth exploring. With its thriving analog community and abundant resources, Berlin is an ideal place to embark on your film photography journey.

So, grab a camera, load a roll of film, and discover the magic of analog photography in Berlin.