If you’ve been looking to go back to basics and take up film photography, you’ll need a reliable film camera to work with. Many film photographers think that shopping for used and vintage equipment is their only option. Luckily, the industry’s top manufacturers are still making great-quality new film cameras. This article highlights some of the best film cameras on the market.
Why go back to film when we live in the digital age? Many film photographers say shooting with film helps make them better photographers, and clearly, there’s some truth to this. With film, you really have to pay attention to what you are photographing. You need to be meticulous about every single detail before you press the shutter button—otherwise, you risk wasting your film.
Knowing that you have a limited number of shots (and can’t correct any mistakes with Photoshop) makes you stop and think before taking a photo. This restriction, while limiting, helps photographers become better at their craft. It also translates to thoughtfully composed, carefully shot images that they can truly be proud of.
Selecting a beginner film camera can make all the difference when learning film photography. Though there are fewer choices for new film cameras than there used to be, here are some of the best film cameras on the market for anyone considering shooting with film.
Best Film Cameras for Photographers of All Skill Levels
Leica M-A (Typ 127) 35mm Film Rangefinder Camera
A favorite among film photographers, the Leica M-A gives you the classic analog camera look with the simplicity of a fully mechanical, new film camera that operates without a battery or screens.
With minimal dials or buttons, this film camera model is straightforward to operate. The control dial on the top changes the shutter speed while the ISO dial on the back adjusts to accommodate several different film speeds.
While it’s far from a budget film camera, it’s one of the best selections on the market thanks to its simplicity and elegance. If you’re interested in taking film photography to new heights, this camera is a great choice.
Key Features and Specifications of the Leica M-A:
- .72 viewfinder magnification
- Accepts all compact M-Mount lenses (broad selection of available lenses)
- Wide shutter speed range (from Bulb and 1 second up to 1/1000 second)
- Aperture controlled by lens
- Bright line frame viewfinder with automatic parallax correction
- Manual film speed dial
- Hot shoe flash-compatible
- Dedicated flash speed of 1/50 second; first-curtain flash synchronization
- Flash speeds of up to 1/1000 second
- Customizable, handcrafted metal body
- Dimensions: 5.4 x 1.5 x 3″
- Weight: 1.3lbs
MiNT SLR670-S Noir Instant Film Camera
Photographers who prefer analog cameras can get that retro instant film look with modern film cameras thanks to the MiNT SLR670-S. Reminiscent of Polaroid cameras, MiNT’s ultra-attractive, highly functional new film camera is a feast for the eyes.
With black and gold details and useful features like manual control of shutter speed, a wide range of ISO sensitivity, and two automatic mode settings, this offering is destined to be an instant classic.
Thanks to its limited settings array, this is a great beginner film camera for new film photographers.
Key Features and Specifications of the MiNT SLR670-S:
- Uses Impossible Project Film (600 or SX-70)
- Image size 3.1 x 3.1”
- Manual mode aperture of f/8, auto mode aperture of f/8 to f/22
- Fully manual focusing (10” to infinity)
- Shutter speeds of up to 1/2000 second
- Optical split image circle viewfinder
- Tripod socket and optional Flash Bar 2
- Dimensions when closed: 7.1 x 4.2 x 1.7″; Weight: 1.3lbs (without film)
Lomography Sprocket Rocket 35mm Film Camera
Despite its toy-like appearance, the Lomography Sprocket Rocket is not just a simple point-and-shoot. As the world’s first wide-angle 35mm camera dedicated to the sprocket look, this modern film camera creates unique and interesting images with ease. With a low price tag, the Sprocket Rocket is a great budget film camera, too.
The unique reverse gear mechanism lets you rewind the film by hand so you can create multiple exposures or just overlay the edges of images. The sprocket borders on the top and bottom of each negative strip add to the analog vintage look of each image.
Key Features and Specifications of the Lomography Sprocket Rocket:
- 30mm focal length
- Takes 35mm film
- Zone focusing (2-3.3’ and 3.3’ to infinity)
- Shutter speeds of 1/100 or Bulb
- Direct optical viewfinder
- Film advance with a knob
- Tripod mount and hot-shoe flash
Pentax 17 Half Frame Compact Film Camera
The Pentax loads a ton of features into the retro-looking PENTAX 17. With a selectable zone focus system and an Albada-type Optical viewfinder, framing and focus are a joy. With seven shooting modes and a meter that handles ISO 50-3200 film, this tiny wonder gives you the control you want while staying simple and friendly to new photographers.
As a half-frame camera, the PENTAX 17 shoots images vertically when held in the standard orientation, making it great for portraits. Since it shoots two pictures in one typical 35mm frame, many people shoot images in pairs and then print them on a single 4×6 print.
Key Features and Specifications of the Pentax 17 Half Frame Compact Film Camera:
- 25mm F3.5 lens, equivalent to a 37mm lens in the 35mm format
- Double the number of shots per standard roll of 35mm film.
- A wide selection of ISO film speeds (50, 100, 125, 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600 and 3200)
- Noteholder on the back cover, into which the end of the film package can be inserted for an at a-glance confirmation of the film in use
- Three strap-lugs to accommodate horizontal and vertical camera suspensions to best suit the user’s shooting style
- Compatibility with the optional CS-205 Cable Switch, which comes in handy for extended exposure photography in the Bulb shooting mode
Kodak EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera
The EKTAR H35 might be the one camera that every photographer should own. With its old-school point-and-shoot vibes and true point-and-shoot operation, the EKTAR H35 Half-Frame Film Camera lets you forget all about the technical and focus on the fun!
As a half-frame camera, the H35 is economical for those new to film photography and photography in general. A roll of 35mm film yields double the number of exposures, allowing photographers to shoot away and have a blast. The H35’s fixed settings make it easy to make images that focus only on composition when you are in good light. When inside or under dark skies, the built-in flash helps keep you shooting.
Key Features and Specifications of the Kodak EKTAR H35 Half Frame Compact Film Camera:
- 22mm; F9.5; 2-Element Optical Grade Acrylic Lens
- This camera features a built-in flash, a lightweight body, & comes in various nature-inspired colors
- Hold your camera in a normal horizontal orientation to get portraits instead of landscape photos
- The pocket-size camera is light and tiny, and hence, convenient for you to bring along daily
- Turning on the flash by adjusting the silver ring around the lens so that you can use KODAK EKTAR
- Camera Type: Film
- Format: 35mm
Conclusion
While the vast majority of commercial photography, and even hobby photography, today has gone digital, there is something special about analog photography that keeps creators wanting to dive into the medium. Some love to collect older models. For the rest of us, the best film cameras you can get your hands on today are being manufactured by top brands that understand the desire for analog in the industry. From the precise instruments of Leica that give us joy in the quality of the mechanical to the EKTAR H35 that embraces the “you don’t know what you are going to get” vibe, photographers know film and analog are still relevant mediums, and it is good to see manufacturers feel that way too
