Even with the advent of 4k resolution and pixel-perfect technology, the irreplaceable charm of film cameras is priceless. Any budding photographer and creative can attest to the authenticity and candidness of film photography supplies.
As such, no matter how much we progress into the most spectacular of camera infiniteness, no extent of advanced specs can rival the straightforwardness of film.
If you’re looking to ignite or rediscover your love for film photography, we’ve got you covered!
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How to choose a film camera
Know that a manual function can do wonders.
Although not every analog camera is equipped with customizable manual settings, you may find it in your best interest to get a camera that allows you to shoot fully manual for complete creative control. This means no automatic settings are used, and you will have to manually balance aperture, shutter speed, and ISO on your own to achieve proper lighting and the best exposure for your subject.
A few film cameras will have an “M” on the dial, while others may have an “A.” Both letters stand for manual and automatic, respectively, and depending on what you’re going for, customizable settings may help you a lot more in getting the kinds of shots you want your way. If you’re a beginner only looking to be introduced to the beauty of analog photography, automatic film cameras are still just as captivating.
Get a film camera that can be easily repaired
When purchasing a film camera, try to select one that’s easy to maintain, if not repair. As much as many film cameras are collectibles and unique pieces, the efforts and finances to keep them functioning at their best may be pricey. That said, before buying your version of the best film camera, already consider where you can have it fixed if it breaks. Canon, Nikon, Lomography, Yashica, Holga, and Fujifilm are super examples of reliable film cameras. Plus, these brands are well-known, too, so you can trust repair shops will find them familiar.
Choosing a known camera brand also makes it a lot simpler for you to pick accessories and lenses should it come to that.
Know which kind of film camera you want
Albeit many film cameras may sound dated, there still isn’t a shortage of choices. From SLRs to rangefinders and point-and-shoot to instant cameras, budding photography fanatics will have tons to choose from. Here’s a quick summary of what they are:
- Single Lens Reflex (SLR) – These cameras are the film equivalent of a digital single-lens reflex. Generally, these SLRs and DSLRs have the same internal mirror technology that enables photographers to see through a lens and get a preview of how a shot will look like once the image is captured. SLRs give creatives the freedom to swap lenses, making this a terrific choice for anyone looking for technical control over their settings.
- Rangefinder Cameras – a lot more compact and portable, rangefinders are similar to SLRs in that they use the same 35mm film. However, the main difference is that these don’t need a mirror to capture shots.
- Point-and-Shoot Cameras – as the name implies, these are cameras you can take with you and begin using to shoot immediately. These film cameras are automatic and are usually referred to as disposable cameras. Fortunately, there are now dozens of point-and-shoot reusable film cameras that anyone can enjoy.
- Instant cameras – the name says it all. Instant cameras are essentially point-and-shoot cameras that print photographs almost instantaneously. Fujifilm and Kodak are fantastic examples of instant camera brands that produce tons of these in the market today.
- Pinhole cameras – these cameras are made of a chamber or sealed box with a tiny hole on one side. Images are created when light passes through the pinhole and project an inverted photograph on one part of the chamber, and then onto the film.
The Best Film Cameras in 2021 Compared
What are the best film cameras in 2021?
- Leica M-A – $5,195
- Nikon F6 – $990
- Lomography Diana F+ – $125
- Canon AE-1 35mm Camera – $$399
- Nikon F100 35mm Camera – $599
- Kodak FunSaver 35mm Single Use Camera – $15
- Lomography Simple Use Reloadable Camera Color Negative 400 Film – $36
- Lomography Simple Use Reloadable Film Camera Black & White Film – $30
- Holga 120N Medium Format Film Camera – $39
- Holga 120 WPC Panoramic Pin Hole Camera – $59
- Yashica MF-1 Snapshot Art 35mm Film Camera – $59
- Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic Instant Film Camera – $121
- Canon Sure Shot Tele 80 35mm Camera – $106
- Olympus OM-10 OM10 35mm Manual Focus Film Camera – $119
- Lomography La Sardina 8Ball Camera – $74
Leica M-A
The Best Professional Film camera
Type: 35 mm Mechanical rangefinder | Exposure Control: Manual (shutter speed on body only; aperture on attached lens | External Flash Connection: Hot shoe with center contact | Shutter TypeFocal plane; mechanical rubber blanket slotted shutter with horizontal movement | Dimensions: 5.4 x 1.5 x 3.0″ / 138 x 38 x 77 mm
Equipped with an all-metal body, this leader in a film camera is also dubbed as “pure mechanical excellence” by experts. Compatible with a wide range of M-mount lenses, its framing lines are also suitable to multiple lens combinations— 28/90 mm, 35/135 mm, and 50/75 mm.The Leica M-A film camera is a powerful beast. With a top-notch build and design, this piece allows photographers to zero in on aperture, shutter speed, and focus, making shots crisp and well-lit.
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- Easy to use - photographer concentrates on focusing, aperture and shutter speed
- Enclosed all-metal body with chrome brass top & bottom covers
- This analog camera stays true to the roots of photography
Nikon F6
The Best Nikon SLR Film Camera
Type: 35 mm SLR | Lens mount: Nikon F-mount | Exposure: Program, shutter priority, aperture priority, manual | Flash: External flash | Weight: 975 g | Dimensions: 158 × 119 × 77.5 mm
One of the most popular SLR cameras there is today is the Nikon F6. Packed with autofocus and an electronically controlled focal-plane shutter, it’s one of the more advanced film offerings still available in the market. Equipped with multiple exposure modes like shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual, this standard 35mm Nikon piece is both user-friendly and a solid item designed to capture stunning images.
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- Type of Camera - Integral motor autofocus 35mm SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera with electronically controlled focal-plane shutter.
- Exposure Modes - Programmed Auto, Flexible Program, Shutter priority, Aperture Priority and Manual
- Picture Format - 24mm x 36mm (standard 35mm film format)
- Viewfinder - Fixed eyelevel pentaprism, built-in diopter adjustment (-2 to +1m-1)
- Eyepoint - 18mm (at -10m-1) ; Power Source: Battery Holder MS-41 provided (two 3V Lithium batteries) Optional Multi Power Battery Pack MB-40 and AA type battery holder MS-40 available (for eight...
Lomography Diana F+
The Most Novel Format Film Camera
Focal Length: 29m | Pinhole diameter: 0.227mm | View angle: 103 degrees (17mm equivalent on standard 135 format) | Aperture: Pinhole, f/8, f/11 and f/16 | F stop: f/128 | Shutter type: Full manual T shutter | Dimensions: 5 x 3.75 x 3″ (12.5 x 9.5 x 7.6 cm)
If what you’re looking for is a film camera with a quirky aesthetic, the Lomography Diana F+ is a terrific choice. Utilizing 120mm film, its electronic flash is reminiscent of the good, old days, making it a fun experience to use. One of the more affordable pieces on the list, this item is equally a novelty product as it is a film camera.
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- Electronic Flash with color flash capability. Uses one AA battery
- Variable shutter (daytime &for unlimited long exposures)
- The Diana Flash works via a two-pronged plug adapter just like the original. It plugs directly into the Diana F+ camera body.
- Film format 120 two adapters are included so that both the Diana Flash and Diana F+ are hotshoe-compatible
Canon AE-1 35mm Camera
The Best Canon Film Camera
Type: 35 mm SLR | Lens mount: Canon FD | Film speed: ISO 12 to 3200 [manual] | Flash: Hot shoe | Shutter speed: range2 s to 1/1000 s| Battery: 4LR44 6V battery or 4 LR44 1.5 volt batteries| Weight: 575 g| Dimensions: 87 × 141 × 47.5 mm
If you’re serious about working on your film photography skills, let the Canon AE-1 35mm Camera help you realize that. Coming in with a 50mm f/1.8 lens, this Canon offering is loaded with an automatic exposure reader, allowing you to better determine the right settings for each environment. Compatible with several lenses to supplement your shooting needs, this intuitive piece is a delight to use and one of the more competent film cameras available today.
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- 35mm SLR (Single-Lens-Reflex) camera with electronically controlled AE (Automatic Exposure) and focal plane shutter.
- Canon FD series interchangeable lenses with full aperture metering and AE coupling. Canon FL series with stopped-down metering.
- Standard lenses for the Canon AE are Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C, Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C, Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 S.C.
- Canon Breech-Lock mount, Canon FD, FL and R lenses can be used. The viewfinder is fixed eye-level pentaprism with a field of view that is 93.5% vertical and 96% horizontal coverage of the actual...
- Viewfinder information includes aperture scale with meter needle and stopped-down metering which also serves as a battery charge level check mark.
Nikon F100 35mm Camera
The Best Professional 35mm Film Camera
Type: 35mm SLR | Lens Mount: AF-D, AF-I, AF-S (accepts AF, AIS mounts with limitations) | Focus Modes: One shot AF, Predictive AF & Manual | Focus Type: TTL Phase detection (5-point AF system with 3 crosshair sensors) | Exposure Modes: Program AE, Flexible program, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual & Auto 3D TTL flash | Dimensions: 6.1 x 4.5 x 2.6″ (155 x 113 x 66mm) WxHxD
With its premium flexibility and compact size, the Nikon F100 35mm Camera, is a fantastic choice for every film photography enthusiast. With its capacity to shoot up to 4.5 frames per second, this camera is loaded with a professional feature set, allowing you to customize your settings and capture your subjects the best way you can.
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- The F100 a 35mm SLR body geared to the professional and is situated beyond the N90 and behind the F5 as the #2 top camera in the Nikon line
- With its strong but lightweight Magnesium Alloy body, the F100 meets the needs of certain professionals seeking compact size along with high-performance flexibility
- Built-in motor drive shoots at up 4.5 frames per second
- 10-Segment 3D Matrix Meter plus Center-Weight and 5-Area modes
- 5 Area Autofocus system with Dynamic Autofocus
Kodak FunSaver 35mm Single Use Camera
The Best Single-Use Film Camera
Film Format Type: 35mm | Model Name: Kodak FunSaver 35mm Single Use Camera | Item Dimensions: LxWxH4.9 x 2.6 x 1.4 inches | Item Weight: 4.96 Ounces
If what you’re looking for is a temporary introduction to the world of film photography, the Kodak FunSaver 35mm Single-Use Camera is all you’ll need. As the name implies, it’s a single-use product, so when your film runs out, you can get rid of it. Perfect for traveling, this Kodak offering continues to be one of the most consumed film cameras worldwide.
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- Product Type:Camera Film
- Item Package Dimension:3.81 Cm L X 6.604 Cm W X 13.462 Cm H
- Item Package Weight:0.159 Kg
- Country Of Origin: United States
Lomography Simple Use Reloadable Camera Color Negative 400 Film
The Best Standard Reloadable 35mm Film Camera
Film Format: 35mm Film | Lens Focal Length: 31mm | Shutter Speed: 1/120s | Aperture: f/9 | Flash: Built-in Flash (Press & Hold to Charge), 15-second Recharge Time | Battery: 1 x AA Battery Dimensions (mm): 115 x 60 x 33
Similar to Kodak FunSaver, the Lomography Simple Use Reloadable Camera is a standard 35mm film camera that’s easy to use for beginners and experts alike. Minus all the fancy bells and whistles most film cameras on this list possess, this Lomography item extends the basic goods and tools needed to experience what it means to shoot with film. And with colorful filters attached by the flash of the camera, photographers can also play with the hues and shades of their photos.
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- Preloaded with Color Negative 400 Film for classic analogue character
- Built-in flash & color gel filters to mix and match
- Perfect for beginners, parties, weddings, making memories
- Get your pictures developed at any photo lab
- Reload and Keep Shooting – unlike usual disposable cameras
Lomography Simple Use Reloadable Film Camera Black & White Film
The Best Reloadable Film Camera
Film Format: 35mm Film | Lens Focal Length: 31mm | Shutter Speed: 1/120s | Aperture: f/9 | Flash: Built-in Flash (Press & Hold to Charge), 15-second Recharge Time | Battery: 1 x AA Battery Dimensions (mm): 115 x 60 x 33
Still one of Lomography’s best pieces, their Black & White film camera is very much like its Simple Use Reloadable Film Camera sibling sans the filters. Pre-loaded with Lady Grey ISO 400 film, this item is perfect for capturing moody shots and black and white portraits.
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- Preloaded with B&W 35 mm Film to start shooting right away
- Reload with any 35 mm film and keep shooting – unlike usual disposable cameras
- Portable and light, built-in flash
- Get your pictures developed at any photo lab
- Perfect for beginners, parties, weddings, creating memories
Holga 120N Medium Format Film Camera
The Most Aesthetic Format Film Camera
Camera Type: Medium format film camera | Film FormatAccepts 120 roll film; either 6 x 4.5 cm or 6 x 6 cm format, With 6 x 4.5 cm mask: 16 exposures, With 6 x 6 cm mask: 12 exposures | Lens: 60mm f/8 plastic lens | Shutter SpeedNormal: 1/100 sec.
Bulb
One of the more classic-looking film cameras on this list, the Holga 120N Medium is a format film camera. In other words, it uses a 120 film roll, helping creatives produce bigger photos. Resembling a toy-like aesthetic, this piece looks novel, compact, and plastic-y.
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- INCLUDES: Holga 120N Camera + Ilford HP5 Film + MicroFiber Cloth
- Classic Toy Camera - 60mm f/8 Plastic Lens
- Zone Focusing System - Shutter Speeds: 1/100 sec. and Bulb
- Aperture Settings: f/8 or f/11 - Hot Shoe and Tripod Mount
- Uses 120 Roll Film - Includes 6 x 4.5cm and 6 x 6cm Masks
Holga 120 WPC Panoramic Pin Hole Camera
The Best Pinhole Camera
Film Format Type: 6×12 | Exposure Control Type: Automatic | Item Dimensions: LxWxH 9.8 x 5.3 x 5 inches Minimum Shutter: Speed 7 seconds | Dimensions: 9.8 x 5.3 x 5 inches
Pinhole cameras are a blast to use, solely because how you take shots with these cameras is no longer the mainstream method of capturing moments. Allowing photographers to enjoy super-wide panoramic views and horizontal exposure angling, the Holga 120 WPC Panoramic Pin Hole Camera provides a distinct flexibility and experience standard 35mm cameras don’t give.
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- Pinhole Exposure: It lets light pass through the pin hole, to hit the film directly, causing exposure without passing through any lens.
- Panoramic View: The camera enjoys a super wide panoramic view with the horizontal exposure angle reaching as wide as 120 degree. Aperture: F133.
- Film to Use: Accommodate all 120 format films. The use of exposure speed ASA 100 films on sunny days and ASA 400 on cloudy days or indoor occasions is recommended.
- Two different Frame Size Masks: one is for 8 frames of 6x9 cm each per roll and another is for 6 frames of 6x12 cm each per roll.
- Multiple-Exposures Effect: As the film is advanced manually, the camera can help achieve special effects through multiple exposures by NOT advancing the film after a frame has been exposed. Each...
Yashica MF-1 Snapshot Art 35mm Film Camera
The Best Everyday Film Camera
Film Format Type: 35mm | Lens: YASHICA MF-1s lens | Flash: Built-In | Focusing Range: 1m to infinity | Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches
Another competent 35mm film camera on this list is the Yashica MF-1 Snapshot Art. Available in numerous colors, this piece offers a shutter speed of 1/120s. Much like a digital camera minus the screen, this Yashica favorite takes you back to the basics and allows you to revel in the simplicity and mystery of film photography.
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- CAMERA TYPE: YASHICA MF-1 Snapshot Art is a simple 35mm film camera with a shutter speed of 1/120s
- FOCUSING RANGE: It offers a focusing range from 1m to infinity
- LENS: YASHICA MF-1’s lens offers a focal length of 31mm with f/11 aperture
- BUILT-IN FLASH: Use the internal flash to get perfect snapshots even in low light
- INCLUDED FILM: Pair the MF-1 Snapshot Art with the included YASHICA 400 35mm negative film for street snaps
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic Instant Film Camera
The Best Instant Film Camera
Film: Fujifilm Instant Color Film “instax mini” (separately available) | Lens: Move in / out type lens, 2 components, 2 elements, f=60mm, F=12.7 | Film size: 86mm x 54mm | Viewfinder: Real image finder, 0.37x, with target spot and parallax adjustment for macro mode | Film feeding out: Automatic
While this list isn’t dedicated to the best instant film cameras, it would be remiss not to mention that the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic is a stunning piece on its own. Loaded with the goods to automatically detect the brightness and adjust flash and shutter settings, this Fujifilm offering remains to be a sought-after instant film camera that packs just the right bells and whistles to mesh the vintage feel of film photography with the speed of modern cameras.
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- Automatically detects the brightness of the surrounding and adjusts the amount of flash and shutter speed to optimize photo quality
- Double exposure mode 2 images are produced on 1 film sheet by pressing the shutter twice; Shutter release: Programmed electronic shutter release, 1.8 - 1/400 sec shutter speeds
- Bulb mode the shutter remains open while the shutter button is depressed (10 seconds maximum) and a light trail can be photographed
- Macro mode short distance photography as close as 30 to 60 centimeter; Lens: Move in or out type lens, 2 components, 2 elements, f=60 millimeter, F=12.7
- Kids mode suitable for photographing kids, pets and other fast moving subjects due to a fast shutter speed
Canon Sure Shot Tele 80 35mm Camera
The Most Compact Canon Film Camera
Type: Fully automatic 35mm Lens-Shutter autofocus camera with two focal lengths | Picture Size: 24×36 mm and panorama (13×36 mm) (Japanese version only) | AF System: 3-point Smart Autofocus. Close-up warning provided. 0.6 m – infinity. Prefocus enabled | Lens: 38mm f/3.7 (3 elements in 3 groups), 80mm f/7.3 (6 elements in 6 groups) | Dimensions &
Weight; 128 x 70 x 57 mm, 235 g (without battery
Another Canon powerhouse on this list is the Canon Sure Shot Tele 80 35mm Camera. Equipped with an easy view real image viewfinder, this film camera provides the technical insides, strong enough to produce modern-looking pictures while retaining its film photography aesthetic. Also packed with a red-eye reduction feature, this item is considered a hybrid of digital and analog films minus the back screen.
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- Fully automatic compact 35mm camera with built in 38/80mm dual focal length lens
- Large Easy View real image viewfinder for easy use even with eyeglasses
- High precision 3 point Smart Autofocus
- Built in automatic multifunction flash with red eye reduction
- Mode Dial for simplified selection of automatic operation modes
Olympus OM-10 OM10 35mm Manual Focus Film Camera
The Best Olympus Film Camera
Type: SLR | Lens mount: Olympus OM mount| Size: 136 x 83 x 50 mm | Screen size: 24 x 36 mm | Weight: 430g (15.17 oz) | Sensitivity range: ISO25-ISO1600 | Mount: Olympus OM mount | Dimensions: 136 x 83 x 50 mm
Another stunning SLR on our list of film cameras, the Olympus OM-10 OM10 extends custom ISO, speed, and aperture settings, and provides an OM lens Mount system with a DOF preview button. Definitely one of the higher-end contenders here, this piece is perfect for the creative who’s more comfortable using modern cameras but is looking to replicate the photography experience with a classic twist.
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- Olympus OM10 35MM SLR film Camera
- Hot shoe mount flash compatible
- Custom ISO, Speed and Aperture settings.
- OM lens Mount system with DOF preview button
Lomography La Sardina 8Ball Camera
The Best Lomography Wide-Angle Lens Film Camera
Film Type: 35 mm (135) | Image Are: a1.4 x 0.9″ / 36 x 24 mm | Lens Focal Length: 22mm | Shutter Speed: N: 1/100 sec.
B: Bulb | Focus System: Two-step: 2-3.3′ / 0.6-1 m, 3.3′ / 1 m to infinity | Dimensions: 9.29 x 6.69 x 3.54 inches
Another novel Lomography offering is the La Sardina 8Ball Camera. Packed with an 89-degree field-of-view wide-angle lens, this film camera captures all the necessary action in a compact device that’s both incredibly functional and aesthetic. Also very much customizable, this piece can be painted and drawn on, making it extra special to anyone who wants to personalize how their film camera looks.
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![Lomography La Sardina 8Ball Camera [Camera]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/412ZcumabkL._SL160_.jpg)
- 22mm Wide-Angle Lens
- multiple exposure and long exposure
- 2 Simple-to-use Focusing Settings
- 35mm film
The Best Film Cameras in 2021 Compared
Overall, these are all magnificent film cameras that help you easily ignite your love for photography. Each item on this list presents unique experiences, able to teach you about composition, color, framing, technique, and art direction. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and intentionality to be superb in your craft relies on how you use your tools. The best film cameras today become only the best when you’re deliberate about bettering your style and approach.
The post The Best Film Cameras in 2021 first appeared on JUST™ Creative.
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