Technology is moving so fast that it is difficult (and costly) to keep up with all the latest gear. A lot of photographers fall for the belief that new gear will make them better photographers.
Oftentimes, some of the most expensive camera gear in the world sits in closets, rarely making it out to the local park. In this article, we’re going to look at the best film cameras to help you get into the world of film photography!
Shooting film is a great way to take a photo and disconnect from your digital camera and online life.
A new full-frame mirrorless camera will still run you well over $1500 with a lens. If you shoot film, you can get genuine full-frame quality (including a lens or two!) for a fraction of that. While you do have to buy film and develop it, the skills and techniques that you’ll learn throughout this process will make you a much more efficient and thoughtful photographer in the long run.
But with so many options available, where is the best place to start?
This article is broken into two parts:
- Part 1: The best film cameras (SLR, Rangefinder, and Medium Format)
- Part 2: How to buy (without getting ripped off!) TL:DR We recommend checking out KEH Photography, as they grade all their cameras.
Here at Cultured Kiwi, we are huge believers in analog photography. We have just completed a full Canon F1 review and a review of the best 35mm film on the market. Check them out. But, for now, we’ll continue with the best cameras.
We have since done an article teaching how you can develop your own film at home, check it out here. This helps you get a much faster turnaround time from shooting film to seeing results.
So enough with this banter, let’s get on with the show!
To help you find the perfect camera, we have broken this section down into the different types of bodies you can choose from.
The Best Film Cameras
The best film cameras are simple, affordable, and easy to use, producing beautifully crisp images.
It can be overwhelming to browse online and see how many different film camera options are available, both new and old. If you don’t know where to start when choosing one, don’t worry! We’ve done the hard work for you.
So, just check out the list and see which one ticks all the boxes for you! The classic SLRs on this list are still bargains — many can be had on KEH or Amazon (used) with a lens for under $200. The cult point-and-shoots have climbed steeply in price over the last few years, so we’ve noted where a camera is now a premium purchase.
Best 35mm SLR Film Cameras
Canon AE-1
The Canon AE-1 was an unprecedented success from the moment it was released in 1976. There are no aperture priority mode, shutter speed priority, or auto modes.
You need to select your aperture setting, then look at the meter (in the viewfinder) and select the correct shutter speed.
In terms of lens availability, there are thousands of Canon FD mount lenses available, and therefore, you are able to pick up a full focal range for a relatively humble sum. Overall, it is a well-made and well-regarded 35mm body that is probably the best budget camera on the market.
Pentax K1000
You cannot look past the K1000. This film camera has long been a favorite for photography classes and beginners. It has all the manual settings and everything you need to get started.
You can find them on KEH/Amazon or at any used store. It has a huge library of lenses for you to choose from.
You can see our full Pentax K1000 Review here for more information.
Nikon FE/FM
The Nikon FE and FM were introduced in the late 1970s as lightweight, lower-cost alternatives to the flagship Nikon F2. The bigger, heavier F2 offers removable viewfinders and very high build quality.
There is only one primary difference between the two: FM’s are mechanical with manual exposure, and FE’s are electronic with automatic exposure control. Most AF and manual-focus lenses work on all of these, except the “G” series lenses. See our full Nikon FM2 Review and Nikon FE Review here.
Olympus OM-1
My personal favorite is the Olympus OM-1; in fact, I made a whole video about it. It is an excellent choice and is extremely small and light. It is a mechanical-shutter manual SLR with something of a cult following.
The through-the-lens (TTL) light meter controls a needle visible in the viewfinder, which allows you to dial in the exposure. The shutter speed dial is located around the lens mount, allowing photographers to keep the camera to the eye between shots more easily than with other cameras whose dials are located on the top plate.
You can also see our full Olympus OM-1 Review here.
Canon EOS A2 / A2E
At the time of its creation, the Canon EOS A2 (1992) was placed at the top of Canon’s EOS camera line. This one is larger than many of the others on this list, but arguably the most advanced. It has 2 dials to adjust aperture and shutter speed.
If you are already a Canon DSLR shooter, then you will no doubt already have a few lenses lying around. The great news here is that this camera uses the Canon EF lens mount. So all your new lenses will work with this one. One word of caution is that it requires 2 strange batteries, the 2CR5 6V batteries, which can be hard to come by. If you’d rather go the Nikon route for a 1990s autofocus body, see our full Nikon F4 Review and Nikon F100 Review.
Best Rangefinder Film Cameras
There are a lot of pros and cons to using a rangefinder, especially when compared to a pro body, but they do have some advantages. The rangefinder uses a secondary focusing window through which you can line up and take your photo.
This means you can generally focus your photo more quickly, but what you see through the viewfinder isn’t exactly what you see through the lens (TTL). Great for candid shots, but terrible if you’re trying to line up the perfect composition.
Further, as your head is not directly behind the camera (usually off to one side or the other) you don’t come across as the creepy photographer as you do with an SLR and a zoom lens. Another reason these are perfect for candid photography.
Contax G1
If I were to pick the best film camera for (affordable) street photography, it would absolutely be the Contax G1. The Contax is a rugged, titanium-coated rangefinder film camera and is widely regarded as one of the most advanced electronic rangefinders on the market. That was until the Contax G2 (see below) came around!
These Contax cameras came complete with a Carl Zeiss fixed lens, so the optics are second to none. They were designed to compete with Leica and Voigtlander lenses and have proven successful. The G1 is on the market at around 5x less than the G2, so if you’re in the market for a deal, check it out.
You can also see our full Contax G1 Review for more information about the Contax G1.
Canon Canonet G-III
No list of the best film rangefinders would be complete without mentioning the Canonet G-III. It was the best-selling 35mm rangefinder of all time. It has a fixed lens and full manual control. But further to this, it has shutter-speed priority and auto modes, making it great for beginners.
QL stands for quick loading, and 17 refers to the fixed-mount 40mm f1.7 lens attached. The photos come out beautifully, and they have received nothing but exceptional reviews for their image quality.
Best Point-and-Shoot Film Cameras
Ricoh GR21
Ricoh introduced the GR21 in 2001, making it the first compact camera to have an ultra-wide lens. You can take amazing shots with this one – it’s popular among street photographers in particular. When shooting like this, speed is essential, making a point-and-shoot camera the obvious choice.
See also our Best Point-and-Shoot Camera Under $300 for more options.
The Ricoh GR21 has a 21 mm lens, multi-autofocus, and automatic exposure control and compensation. This highly-rated model is pretty expensive now, but if your budget allows, it’s worth the investment. You’ll be wowed by the high-quality, super-crisp, clear images it can produce. The wide-angle lens is second to none, and you get incredible, saturated, vibrant colors, too.
Nikon 35/28 Ti
The Nikon 35 and 28 Ti models date back to the early 1990s; they’ve stood the test of time. Nikon first introduced the 35 Ti, followed the next year by the wide-angle 28 Ti camera.
You might be wondering what the ‘Ti’ means. Here, it refers to the titanium that Nikon and other camera manufacturers used for the first cameras. So while this camera is an excellent and durable choice, it does weigh more than some of the other cameras on this list.
The Nikon 35 Ti is kitted out with a 35 mm Nikkor lens, while the wide-angle 28 Ti has a Nikkor 28 mm lens. One of the top advantages of these cameras is that you can switch off the autofocus, allowing you to play around and get creative with your shots. Not many cameras will allow you to do this.
You’ll find that both cameras can produce fantastic photos with high contrast and clear detail.
Konica Hexar AF
The Konica Hexar AF is another brilliant vintage camera. If you’re into all things retro, you’ll love this camera! Not only does it look cool, but it’s super portable and lightweight. It resembles a rangefinder, but it’s actually a simple point-and-shoot camera.
While the Konica Hexar doesn’t have the full range of controls that a pro camera should, it’s an ideal option for beginners or hobbyist photographers. The image quality is impressive, with very little distortion. The Konica Hexar AF is a versatile camera that you can quickly get the hang of and take anywhere!
Yashica T5
This little point-and-shoot camera also dates back to the ’90s and remains popular today. In fact, the cost of the Yashica T4 and T5 has continued to rise over the years, making them among the more expensive compact cameras today.
The Yashica T5 might not look like much with its seemingly cheap plastic build, but it’s a great compact camera for street photography. With this model, Yashica introduced a cool feature that shows the view through the viewfinder on the top of the camera. This enables candid photographers to compose and capture amazing images from waist height.
The Yashica T5 has a fantastic 35 mm Carl Zeiss lens and faultless autofocus feature. It’s also weatherproofed, so you can use it come rain or shine. You’ll take crisp, high-quality images with this camera!
See our full Yashica T4 Review here for more information.
Olympus MJU-II
If you’re after a camera that can handle all the tricky focusing, aperture, and more, go for the Olympus MJU-II. Olympus carefully honed the automatic controls so you can focus on what’s happening around you and capture those perfect moments.
The Olympus MJU-II is the best film camera for automatic shooters, capable of handling a range of situations and lighting conditions. Combine this with a fast maximum aperture and built-in flash, and the result is a very versatile camera. If you go for the Olympus MJU-II, you won’t waste time fiddling with buttons and miss that perfect photo. For photographers who want to spend more time taking photos, this is the one for you.
Leica Minilux
The Leica Minilux isn’t just a point and shoot for beginners – experienced photographers and even professionals will enjoy shooting with it. Durable, sophisticated, and offering extensive manual controls, this Leica is an incredible camera.
Although some die-hard Leica fans are put off by the fact that the Minilux was produced in Japan by Minolta, it performs like any other Leica. You’ll love shooting with this little beauty. It looks cool, with its streamlined, sturdy, and minimalist design. The exposure system is center-weighted and performs well, making it easy and convenient to take great photos. The Leica Minilux is an all-around performer in the point-and-shoot range.
Contax T2
The Contax T2 is a solid contender for the best point-and-shoot camera. A lot of thought has gone into creating a smooth user experience, including a clear viewfinder and quiet shutter button. You also have the option of manual focusing, if you crave more control over your shots.
This camera feels weighty and reassuringly hardwearing in the hands due to the titanium build. One drawback to this one is that the lens is located very close to the right-hand grip – close enough, in fact, that you risk obscuring the lens with your finger. Other than this, the Contax T2 is a reliable, simple point-and-shoot camera.
If you want to learn more about manual focusing, see our post on How to Use Manual Focus here.
Olympus XA
The Olympus XA is that rare thing – a 35 mm film compact camera with a rangefinder. Introduced in 1979, the Olympus XA was designed by Yoshihisa Maitani, head of design at Olympus. With an all-new lens (for the time) and stylish design, it reached cult status among photographers. The XA was revolutionary and has influenced camera development over the decades.
If you’re looking for a point-and-shoot camera suitable for professional photographers, the Olympus XA should tick the right boxes. It’s tiny, but it doesn’t lose any of the functions a point-and-shoot should have. You can easily carry it with you anywhere, enabling you to take even more photos.
While the Olympus Stylus Epic can shoot at higher ISO speeds than the Olympus XA, the XA wins for capturing candid images. It’s also better when you want more control over DOF.
Fuji Klasse S/W
