A Trial Run Before the Frugal Film Project Begins

During the 162nd photo walk with SWP, I finally took my Frugal Film Project 2026 setup out for a proper test. I loaded the Canon EOS 1000QD with a roll of Kentmere Pan 400 pushed to 1600 and wandered around to see how the camera and that fungus‑ridden 50mm f/1.4 would hold up. Spoiler: better than expected.

I developed the roll at home using Ilford DD‑X at 1+4 for 17 minutes at 20°C. The negatives came out looking decent, nothing spectacular, but definitely usable. My Fujifilm X‑T4 with a macro lens handled the scanning part smoothly, and the files looked clean enough to convince me that this setup will survive the year ahead.

That said, my development process needs a little refining. The images didn’t have the contrast I was hoping for, so I probably need to tweak agitation or timing on the next roll. That’s part of the fun, though; trial, error, and those small discoveries that make home‑developing oddly satisfying.

Overall, I’m pretty happy with the test run. The camera works, the lens behaves, and I got a handful of shots I actually like. I’ll add a few of my favorites from the roll below.

162nd SWP Photo Walk: A Colorful Morning in Joo Chiat

Our 162nd SWP photo walk on 10th January was all about soaking in the charm of Joo Chiat, one of Singapore’s most vibrant and photogenic neighborhoods. With its rich heritage, colorful shophouses, and laid back vibe, Joo Chiat never disappoints, and this walk was no exception!

We kicked things off at Joo Chiat Complex, where the morning buzz was already in full swing. From there, we strolled down Joo Chiat Road, a street that feels like a living gallery, every corner has something unique, whether it’s a quirky café, a mural, or a classic Peranakan facade.

Taking a turn at Joo Chiat Place, we slowed down to appreciate the details: ornate tiles, pastel-colored walls, and those iconic wooden shutters that make this area so special. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time because there’s always another angle, another frame waiting to be discovered.

Of course, no Joo Chiat photo walk would be complete without visiting the Peranakan Houses. These heritage gems are a photographer’s dream; vivid colors, intricate patterns, and a sense of history that’s hard to find elsewhere. We spent a good while here, experimenting with compositions and sharing tips with each other.

This walk reminded us why we love doing this: it’s not just about the photos, but the experience of discovering places together, seeing them through different lenses, and building a community that shares the same passion.

One Camera, One Lens, Twelve Rolls: Joining the Frugal Film Project 2026

This year, I’m jumping into something I’ve wanted to try for a long time: the Frugal Film Project. It’s a wonderfully down to earth global community of film lovers who agree on one thing: you don’t need fancy gear or an unlimited film stash to make meaningful photos. The rule is simple; use a setup that costs under US $75, and shoot one roll of film each month for a whole year. Slow, intentional, and beautifully imperfect.

For my setup, I’m dusting off a Canon EOS 1000QD,one of those 90s plastic SLRs that just refuses to die. It’s lightweight, reliable, and somehow still charming in its own quirky way. I’ve paired it with a Canon 50mm f/1.4 that came to me with a generous serving of fungus inside. Most people would run away from a fungus-filled lens, but honestly, that’s what made it cheap enough to qualify… and a little character never hurt anyone.

My film of choice is Fomapan 200, probably the most budget friendly black and white film you can still find without fighting through shortages or out-of-stock notices. It’s a bit grainy, a bit old school, and exactly the kind of look I love. Shooting the same film for 12 months feels like a great way to really understand it, its quirks, its strengths, and all the little surprises it throws my way.

I’m excited for the slower pace, for learning this setup inside out, and for sharing the journey month by month. Here’s to a year of frugal photography, creative limitations, and seeing the world in black and white, one roll at a time.

Find the Frugal Film Project 2026 on Facebook through this link.