This was one of my youthful passions. Sappho is correct about the ease of operation as it relates to a powered Point-and-Shoot camera.
Before these automated systems were built into the camera, professionals often used a powered motor box that would attach to the bottom of the SLR.
Internal or external, it is that distinct gear noise that follows the click (and last about a second) in those old sports or fashion photo-shoot scenes from TV & movies.
It was intended to offer the photographer the best chance to capture an ephemeral scene. ...and use-up a lot of film for that, One.
However, I think if you ask old-school shutterbugs, (considering your artistic expression angle, and darkroom interest) they will agree mostly with what I offer below.
SLR: Single Lens Reflex (when the shutter is not engaged, a mirror drops down and the view from the viewfinder come through the main lens ~ WYSIWYG)
Mechanical Shutter (not powered by a battery). Using the "B" or manual shutter setting, you keep the shutter open for as long as the button is pressed. See Below.
A Mechanical Cable-Release. & Tripod.

The Cable-Release screws into the center of the shutter button and functions like a syringe. But it can be set to lock down after being pressed (until released) or respond to the will of the thumb.
Millions of interesting effects can be had with long-exposure. Even for hours on end...and this is why you don't want to have a powered shutter draining batteries.
Long exposures require a stable mount (tripod) and using the cable prevents you from shaking the camera while the shutter is open.
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