Operating 35mm B1 camera is very expensive compared to HD cameras.

"A four-minute film costs Sh15,000 to shoot. In the current economic climate, Kenyans can’t afford to hire this service," says Wachira, adding that other cameras cost Sh500 to Sh2,000 to shoot.

International filmmakers in Hollywood, Bollywood and Nollyhood still use the camera in their filmmaking. But many Kenyans can’t afford to because the machine requires rare expertise and is expensive to operate.

Also, he says, processing the clip is time-consuming as one is required to do it in the darkroom.

"As a way of cutting costs, we prefer to use HD cameras. We can save up to Sh180,000," says Wachira.

He points out that international filmmakers in Hollywood, Bollywood and Nollyhood still use the camera in their filmmaking. But Kenyans can’t afford to because the machine is rare and it is expensive to hire professional experts to operate it.

"Editing is done in analogue. The sound is recorded and audio mixed by a separate soundman. The sound will later be aligned together with images to make the story," he explains.

With digital technology, one is able to multitask as both a video and soundman as most cameras have their own inbuilt sound systems.

"We are able to save on the number of staff. Editing is simple as it requires only one person."

Cameras aside, the cost of producing a film has risen. With the rapid growth on the Kenyan film industry, filmmakers now have to acquire a licence to make a film. The licence goes for Sh5,000 and there is a Sh1,000 fee for every day of filming. Also, one is required to pay Sh15,000 to shoot a full-length film.

Felix Netia, videographer in downtown Nairobi, says the prices are too high.

"New filmmakers are unable to raise Sh12,000 agency registration fee. Kenyan citizens should be given a cheaper annual package as a way of promotinglocal production," he says.