If you’re a film photographer who is looking for the best camera to use, then this article will help. We compiled a list of some of the top-rated cameras on the market today and provide reviews from other photographers to help make your decision easier.
There are many different types of film cameras on the market, each with a number of features that make them stand out from one another.
We’ll also cover pros and cons to help you find the best camera for your needs. The first question to ask is whether or not you’re looking for an SLR or rangefinder camera?
The next important thing to consider is how much money you want to spend on your new purchase! If you have any questions about these topics, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment below.
For example, do you want live streaming capabilities or not, and what kind of quality can you afford? These are just two examples of questions that may be on your mind if you’re thinking about buying a new film camera.
This guide will help break down some of the most popular types of film cameras and hopefully it’ll make the decision easier for those who have been struggling with which one to buy!
Best Film Cameras
Let’s jump right into our list of the best film cameras!
1. Canon AE-1
Do you have a camera from the 1970s laying around? If so, it might be time to dust off this old gem. The Canon AE-1 is an iconic camera that has been popular for decades.
It was first released in 1976 and discontinued in 1985. This classic SLR film camera still holds up today and is often used by photographers who want to take their artistic skills to the next level.
The Canon AE-1 offers many features that are not available on modern cameras such as a self timer, aperture priority mode, and manual exposure settings with shutter speed control.
It also uses 35mm film which can give higher quality images than digital cameras or smartphones when printed at high resolutions. Plus, there’s something really cool about having photographs
The Canon AE-1 was one of the world’s first automatic electronic cameras that provided a full range of exposure control. It was manufactured from 1976 to 1984 and is still widely used because it captured great photos without needing to know anything about photography.
The camera has an easy-to-read light meter, which automatically sets your aperture and shutter speed for you, so all you have to do is frame up your shot!
The Canon AE-1 is a 35mm film SLR camera that was manufactured by Canon. It was introduced in 1976 and remained in production until 1985 with minor changes.
The AE-1, which stands for Automatic Electronically controlled, has been very popular among photographers since its release because it’s simple to use and can take beautiful pictures.
The Canon AE-1 is still used today as an inexpensive way to get into photography on the cheap if you don’t have much money or need something temporary while waiting for your more expensive item to be delivered.
The camera features a battery check button, depth of field preview button and self timer function; there are two flash modes: full auto mode (FAM) where the light
- 35mm SLR (Single-Lens-Reflex) camera with electronically controlled AE (Automatic Exposure) and...
- Canon FD series interchangeable lenses with full aperture metering and AE coupling. Canon FL series...
- 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...
- Canon Breech-Lock mount, Canon FD, FL and R lenses can be used. The viewfinder is fixed eye-level...
- Viewfinder information includes aperture scale with meter needle and stopped-down metering which...
2. Pentax K1000
The Pentax K1000 is a camera that has been around for many years. It was introduced in 1976 and still used today with the same quality as it was back then. The K1000 is reliable, simple to use, and takes beautiful photos.
The Pentax camera has an interchangeable lens system which allows you to purchase lenses of different focal lengths without having to buy a new camera body every time you change your photography style or need a specific lens type.
It also features aperture priority exposure control which means you can adjust shutter speed and aperture while shooting on automatic mode so you don’t have to rely on your skills alone when taking photographs in difficult lighting situations like night photography outdoors or indoors in low light conditions. One thing that makes this camera stand
The camera features no automatic exposure control, but instead has provision for setting one manually by using the aperture priority mode which allows the user to set both aperture value and corresponding shutter speed independently while the camera sets the correct corresponding ISO value automatically.
The Pentax K1000 is one of the most affordable film cameras on the market, and it’s also one of the most popular. This camera has been in production for over thirty years with only a minor update to its design.
It features an all-manual mode that is perfect for beginners or professionals looking to experiment with different types of photography. The Pentax K1000 can be found at many camera stores, as well as online retailers like Amazon.
The K1000 was developed in 1981 and has been used by many photographers ever since because of its reliability, simplicity, and ease of use.
- The Pentax K1000 35mm SLR is one of photography's greatest, most popular and longest-lived cameras.
- This Pentax film camera is completely mechanical and needs no battery to run, however, you must...
- Unlike other SLR and DSLR cameras, the K1000 is simple and has little to no learning curve. There is...
- An extraordinary simple camera that forces you to think about your picture instead of your camera....
- The Pentax K1000 is so brilliant that you never need to turn the meter or camera on or off: both are...
3. Nikon FM2
Nikon FM2s are great cameras for photographers who want to take their photography skills to the next level.
Nikon, a company that has been in business since 1917, produces some of the best cameras and lenses on the market. This camera is easy to use and shoots beautiful photos with its large viewfinder window and shutter speed control dial.
The Nikon FM2 is a 35mm SLR camera released in 1984. It was made to be an all-around workhorse model that could handle any situation and environment.
The FM2 was the first of its kind with such features as DX coding, instant access through a lever shutter release button, and tripod socket.
This camera has been used by many famous photographers including Andy Warhol and Annie Leibovitz. Nikon discontinued production of this model in 2009 but it still remains popular among photographers for its versatility.
The Nikon FM2 is a 35mm film camera produced by the Japanese company, Nikon. It was first released in 1982 and has been considered one of the best SLR cameras for street photography because of its light weight and high-quality optics.
The FM2 is known to be an economical choice for a professional camera that also offers great versatility with interchangeable lenses.
- The FM2/n has a long-standing reputation for reliability and durability
- It has an extremely strong body of copper silumin aluminum
- he FM2's film transport consists of high-strength hardened metal gears and moving parts, mounted on...
BEST FILM CAMERAS
What Are Film Cameras?
Film cameras are an older type of camera that uses film to capture the image onto a negative.
This negative can then be developed into prints for viewing or slides for projection.
Some film cameras use instant film which creates the photo instantly, while other types of film require time before it develops fully like traditional negatives.
They were made popular in the early part of the 20th century as a way for people to take pictures and have them developed at their local drugstore, but have now mostly been replaced by digital photography.
4. Olympus OM-1
The OM-1 was a camera released in 1972 by Olympus Optical Co., LTD. One of its most notable features is that it has interchangeable lenses and film backs, which means you can choose what kind of photos to take depending on your preferences at the moment.
It also has a self timer and automatic exposure control with programmed shutter speeds from 8 seconds to 1/1000th of a second so you have more flexibility when taking pictures.
The Olympus OM-1 is a camera that was released in 1972. It is one of the first cameras to include an automatic exposure mode, which means you don’t have to manually set the shutter speed and aperture for every photo.
The OM-1 had many other features that made it revolutionary at the time, such as: ISO 200 film capability with manual focus settings, interchangeable viewfinders, and a self timer function.
The Olympus OM-1 is a 35mm SLR camera that was the first in its series to feature an electronic light meter. It was designed by Yoshihisa Maitani and released in 1972.
The OM-1 had a manual, film advance, shutter speed control, aperture-priority auto exposure mode (A), and programmed automatic exposure mode (P).
A number of other features were also introduced with this model including:
- interchangeable finder screens,
- vertical running metal focal-plane shutter with 1/1000 of second capability,
- depth of field preview button on lens mount ring,
- direct reading EV scale on top plate plus LCD battery check indicator.
It was released in 1972 and it was one of the first cameras to have an automatic exposure control system.
The OM-1, as well as other models like it, paved the way for future digital photography because they were able to capture images without film.
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Best Used Medium Format Film Cameras
Medium format cameras are larger and heavier than 35mm film cameras, which makes them more suitable for studio photography.
They produce higher quality images with less graininess than smaller formats because they use a larger negative size.
Medium-format cameras have also been used to take photos of the moon and other planets as well as close up shots of insects.
5. Yashica MF-2
The Yashica MF-2 is a camera released in 1978. It’s most popular feature is it’s ability to shoot square photos, which was uncommon when the camera was first released.
The Yashica Mat 124G has an all-black body and produces high-quality photos with its fixed f/2 lens.
It has an aperture range of 2.8-22 with shutter speeds ranging from 1/30th to 1/500th of a second.
This camera has been used by notable photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Sebastião Salgado for their work on photojournalism and documentary photography respectively.
The Yashica Mat 124G is a great option for those looking for an affordable manual medium format camera without sacrificing quality or features!
The Yashica Mat 124G is a medium format camera with interchangeable lenses.
The Yashica Mat 124 G was designed for professional photography and offers features like a full-frame viewfinder, heavy-duty shutter mechanism, and interchangeable lenses that can be changed without removing the body from the tripod head or using an accessory shoe mount
After doing some research, it turns out that this was the camera of choice for many professional photographers back in the day.
The photos are sharp even when enlarged to 8×10 inches–something you can’t say about most modern cameras!
- 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-1s 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...
6. Mamiya C330
The Mamiya C330 is an SLR camera with a non-interchangeable, pentaprism viewfinder. It was designed and manufactured by the Japanese company Mamiya in Kyoto, Japan. The C330 has many features that are similar to the Pentax K1000 model which it replaced.
The Mamiya C330 is a 35mm film camera with interchangeable lenses made between 1980-1984.
This camera has been discontinued for over 30 years and even though it may be difficult to find one still in working condition today.
The Mamiya C330 is a camera that was released in the 1980s and has been discontinued since 1992. It’s an old film camera with interchangeable lenses, but it can still be found on eBay or other websites that sell used cameras.
The Mamiya C330 was created to be durable and reliable in any conditions that are thrown at it even if they’re extreme weather challenges or tough physical demands on equipment from shooting in the field. The 35mm format ensures that you get crisp photos every time.
If you’ve never tried using a film camera before, then this would be an excellent model to start with because of all these advantages!
Mamiya C330 is a 35mm SLR camera that was introduced in 1976. It has developed a cult following for its durability and reliability.
7. Hasselblad 500 C/M
In 1967, the Hasselblad 500 C/M was introduced to the public. The camera had a large rectangular body and it was marketed as “the most advanced” of its time.
It featured a waist-level finder in addition to an eye-level one, which allowed for easier composing of shots. It also had a removable back that enabled users to change film quickly without having to fully open the camera’s body.
Hasselblad 500 C/M cameras are considered by many to be the gold standard of medium format cameras.
This is due to their sharpness, color accuracy, and detail that cannot be matched with other film or digital formats.
The camera became an instant success because it was easy to use and allowed for interchangeable film backs with different lenses.
What’s not to love about camera equipment? I have always been fascinated by the intricacies of photography. This fascination has led me to spend countless hours researching and trying out different cameras.
I’ve had my eye on a Hasselblad 500 C/M for some time now, so when it went on sale, I couldn’t resist! I’m looking forward to getting it in the mail and taking it for a test drive!
8. Mamiya RB67
The Mamiya RB67 is a medium-format camera that was designed in the 1960s. The camera has been used to shoot many iconic photos, including those of Abraham Zapruder on November 22, 1963.
It is still sold today for photographers who want to use it as a backup or second camera body and for people wanting to create large format prints without spending a fortune.
The Mamiya RZ67 is a camera that can take in the grandeur of an entire landscape with one shot. It’s been used by photographers for decades, and it has a fixed 50mm lens so there are no limitations on what you’re able to capture.
The Mamiya RZ67 was originally created as a response to the need for professional-quality cameras in Japan after WWII, but soon became popular all over the world because of its versatility.
The Mamiya RZ67 is a medium format camera that was built to shoot in the studio. It’s capable of accepting 120mm x 240mm film and has an interchangeable lens mount.
The camera has three shutter speeds–1/500, 1/250, and 1/125–and two lenses from which you can choose: the 80mm f2.8 or 150mm f4.5 Carl Zeiss Planar T* lens.
I am a photographer who has been using a Mamiya RZ67 for over 10 years. The camera is both heavy and old but I have grown to love it because of the way that it takes pictures.
It was my first medium format camera, so there are many things about it that take time to get used to, like how long the shutter speed needs to be or how much light you need in order for an image not to turn out too dark.
There also isn’t as much automation on this particular camera which means that you have more control over what your images end up looking like, but if you’re not careful then they can end up turning out blurry or grainy due to all the manual settings.
9. Fuji GW690
Next up, I’m going to talk about one of the coolest cameras I have ever seen, Fuji GW690. This camera is very different from other cameras because it has a fixed focal length and an aperture ring on the lens barrel.
The image quality is outstanding! It’s perfect for outdoor photography too because it’s weather-resistant with its rubberized coating that protects against dust and moisture.
The camera can be used as both a 35mm film and digital SLR, which makes it ideal for those who enjoy capturing moments in two different formats without having to switch between cameras or carrying around multiple devices.
It also features an electronic viewfinder so you never need to worry about framing your shot through the lens of your camera – this helps ensure you get the best possible photo every time.
The Fuji GW690 camera has a lot of great features that are perfect for any photographer.
It is lightweight and compact, making it easy to take with you on your adventures. This camera also takes amazing pictures in low light conditions, without the need for a flash.
The images are sharp and clear with very little grain or noise in the image. All this combined makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to get into photography!
The Fuji GW690 is a beautiful camera that takes gorgeous photos. It has the most range for different types of photography, from landscape to portrait to action shots.
If you’re looking for a camera with a lot of versatility and power, this may be the perfect one for you!
10. Nikon F6
Nikon’s F6 camera is an advanced DSLR still used by professional photographers and cinematographers.
The Nikon F6 is a 35mm film camera that was manufactured by the Nikon Corporation in Japan.
It features an impressive 12 frames per second continuous shooting, which makes it perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects such as wildlife and sports.
The camera has a shutter speed of up to 1/4000th of a second and also has manual exposure control, making it easy to shoot in low-light situations or with long exposures.
The Nikon F6 is a pro-level film camera that was designed for the most demanding photographers. The F6 features interchangeable lenses and manually adjustable shutter speeds, which give it an advantage over digital cameras.
The Nikon F6 is a 35mm film camera that was released in 2005. The F6 has an all-metal body and features a clean, minimalist design with no LCD screen or D-pad on the back of the camera.
A flash hot shoe allows for external use of strobes or flashes, while the mirror lockup feature prevents vibration when shooting at shutter speeds slower than 1/60th second.
The Nikon F6 has been praised by professionals and amateurs alike for it’s ease of use and light weight. It also produces beautifully sharp images with low noise levels due to its advanced automatic sensor cleaning system.
- Type of Camera - Integral motor autofocus 35mm SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera with electronically...
- 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)...
Best New Film Cameras
The best new film cameras for serious amateur and professional photographers are those that can be used with vintage lenses from a different era.
Lenses such as Canon FD, Nikon F, Pentax K, Minolta MD and Sony Alpha A-mount lenses will work on these new digital cameras. The downside to this is that you have to do your research in order to find out which lens was made for a specific camera body style.
For many years now it has been possible for photographers of all levels of expertise to use old-style film cameras with modern digital sensors by using adapters or special mounts.
These range from simple screw-mounts (M42) which attach via the threaded lens mount at the rear
Are you looking for the best new film cameras? We have compiled a list of some of our favorite picks. You’ll be able to find everything from DSLRs and point-and-shoots, to vintage camera models. Check out our list below!
11. Leica M-A
The Leica M-A is a beautifully simple camera designed to produce the best possible photo quality.
This camera has an interchangeable lens mount and can be easily adapted with different lenses for various needs.
The full-frame sensor on this camera makes images sharp, clear, and detailed while also providing excellent color reproduction.
The Leica M-A is something that I have been waiting a long time for. It’s their first digital rangefinder camera in over 30 years, and it combines all of the best features of film photography with today’s capabilities.
The Leica M-A is a camera that will not only be a joy to use but one of the most relevant cameras on the market today.
The Leica M-A is a camera that was released in 2016. The camera has been described as the most advanced 35mm film camera ever made.
It features a full range of shutter speeds, aperture settings, and manual focus controls. There are two versions of the Leica M-A: one with an aluminum body and one with a black paint finish.
The Leica M-A is ideal for enthusiasts who want to use it as their main photography system or for professionals looking for an additional tool to complement their digital workflows.
- 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
12. Linhof Technorama 617s III
The Linhof Technorama 617s III is a camera that has been around for over 50 years, and it’s still going strong.
This German-made medium format film camera has seen the rise and fall of Kodak and Fuji film stocks.
It’s this longevity that makes it such an iconic piece of equipment in the photography world, with photographers from all walks of life using this rugged workhorse to make their art.
The Linhof Technorama 617s III is the perfect camera for those who are looking to shoot in challenging photographic conditions. It’s a medium format camera that has an efficient shutter speed because of its focal plane shutter and leaf shutters.
The lens attachment options are also excellent, with five different lenses available on the market. If you’re interested in purchasing this piece of machinery but don’t know where to start, check out our website or give us a call so we can help you get started!
Linhof Technorama 617s III is a medium format camera that was manufactured by Linhof. It is made of aluminum and brass, and it weighs around 8 pounds.
This camera has an interchangeable lens system, with three different lenses available: 80mm wide-angle lens, 120mm normal lens, and 180mm telephoto lens. The shutter speed range for this camera ranges from 1/250th to 1/1000th of a second, which makes it great for shooting sports or other fast-paced events!
I know you’re going to want this camera. It’s a Linhof Technorama 617s III and it is the most expensive, complicated, and professional-looking camera of all time.
13. Toyo-View 8×10 810MII Folding Field Camera
The Toyo-View 8×10 810MII field camera is a unique and versatile camera that was designed with the photographer in mind.
The following are some of the most notable specs: it has an 8×10 inch film size, weighs 10 pounds when folded up, opens up to a 72″ tall tripod ready configuration from a closed position (23″), can take 100mm lenses without extension tubes or teleconverters (300mm), shutter speeds range from 1 second – 1/750th of a second with bulb setting.
It has one ground glass viewing screen which rotates 180 degrees for landscape or
The Toyo-View 8×10 810MII folding field camera is a compact but heavy-duty camera. It can be carried around in your backpack, but it needs to be assembled before use. Once you have taken care of that, the next step is loading film into the back of the camera and setting up your tripod.
The Toyo-View 8×10 810MII folding field camera is a beautiful camera that will give you amazing landscape photos. It has been designed to fit the needs of professional and novice photographers alike while still being easy to assemble, use, and maintain.
This company believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to take great pictures so they offer this product at a price point that makes it affordable for anyone who wants to get into photography.
This specific model is also perfect for traveling and hiking because it folds up into a compact size, which makes it easier to carry in your backpack or luggage. For those who are interested in learning more about this camera, read below!
The Toyo-View Camera Company was founded by Mr. Toshio Iwasaki in 1932, with its headquarters located in Tokyo Japan.
One of the main reasons why so many people love these cameras has to do with how they fold up into a small size when not in use.
Wow! As you can see, choosing between the best film cameras is not easy. We hope we’ve given you a good selection of the best film cameras with which to choose and make an educated buying decision.
Finding 35mm Film
The film we all know and love might be disappearing. It’s a sad reality that with the development of digital photography, 35mm film is becoming obsolete in everyday life.
The good news is this doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite hobby or stop taking pictures altogether!
Where can I find 35mm Film? You may still be able to find some at specialty stores like Walmart, Target, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Costco. Check their online inventory as well as physical locations near you before giving up hope!
The 35mm film industry has been around for many years and it is no surprise that there are still plenty of places that sell this type of product.
For those who have a vintage camera, the best place to find 35mm film would be a thrift store or an antique shop as these types of stores are typically stocked with items from the past.
If you’re looking for new film, most major retailers will carry it in their photography section.
If you buy a used film camera, the first step is to find out if there’s still any usable film left in your camera. The easiest way to do this is by removing the lens from the camera body and looking at the back of it.
You can also open up your camera bag and take a peek inside. If you see any rolls of exposed film, then great! They’re ready for development (and maybe some creative photography!).
Just locate an active lab near you that develops 35mm films using traditional methods. Or do it yourself if you know your way around a dark room!
Lens And Accessory Buying Guides
There are many factors to consider when buying a lens.
The first is if you need it for video or still photography, the second is what camera bodies will be compatible with the lens, and finally what focal length you are looking for.
When purchasing lenses, there are two main types:
- Standard Zoom Lenses and
- Prime Lenses.
Standard Zoom Lenses have a wide range, from 18mm to 100mm (or wider) while Prime Lenses only offer one focal length.
When you’re ready to buy a new lens or accessory, it can be hard to know what is best for you.
There are so many different types of lenses and accessories out there that it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the possibilities!
Best Film Cameras – Wrap Up
We hope this guide on the best film cameras helps make your decision-making process easier!
If you’re looking for an older film camera, you’ll love holding these relics in your hands. And you have a lot of fun ahead of you!
We have Gear Buyer’s Guides on every type of Filmmaking Equipment!
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