Best Film Cameras Buying Guide
Film photography has captured our history and our imagination for over 100 years. You may wish to make an amazing piece of artwork or capture a piece of personal history. You may simply wish to take a photograph that makes your friends and family laugh.
Whatever your reason for wanting to buy a film camera, you will want to find one with enough capabilities and features that match your vision. Read our buying guide below to help choose the best film cameras for you.
What is a film camera?
In the mood for a history lesson?
The earliest cameras were large enough to fit several people inside. As time went on, cameras became more compact. In 1685, Johann Zahn came up with the idea of the first camera that was small enough to be practical for photography. It was almost 150 years before his idea came to life. In 1816, Nicéphore Niépce was the first man to successfully create a photograph of a camera image.
In 1885, George Eastman started to manufacture paper film. He switched to celluloid in 1888–1889. In 1888, Eastam offered his first camera (Kodak) for sale. It was a box camera with a single shutter speed and a fixed-focus lens. Its simplicity and relatively low price appealed to the average customer. Ever since, film cameras have become more and more popular with budding photographers.
Since 2010 the digital camera has become the dominant camera used in amateur photography. To capture images, digital movie cameras use an electronic image sensor. The images are recorded on flash memory or hard drives. However, many purists and auteurs still prefer the use of film.
Why do you need a film camera?
Anyone who has a smartphone has access to a camera. However, if you are serious about creating a truly stunning photograph or movie, you will want to buy a high-quality camera. Camera specifications vary greatly but it means that you can find a camera that is perfect for whatever it is you need it for. Read on for advice on what to look for when buying a film camera.
You’re going on a long trip
An advantage of film over digital cameras is that they never usually require batteries in order to work. A digital camera may run out of power during a long trip.
You value quality first and foremost
Another benefit of film cameras is that it captures photos at a higher resolution than most digital cameras. If you have a vision, these are undoubtedly the best cameras to realize it.
Recording wildlife
You may be looking for a camera to capture your local wildlife. You might want to show your friends or enter wildlife competitions.
You are on vacation
If you are going on vacation and you wish to capture wonderful memories and scenery, a film camera will create some incredible images of both landscapes and cityscapes.
Artistic projects
You may need a film camera for college projects, promotions, events planning, and more - particularly if you are making stylistic choices that simply can’t be achieved with a smartphone or DSLR camera.
Social media influencer
If you are a social media influencer you will want to get a high-quality camera to stand out from the rest.
Wedding
Buying a film camera and asking friends and family to take pictures can save money compared to paying a professional. It will also add a personalized touch.
Things to consider before buying a film camera?
There are so many different cameras to choose from in today’s market. It is important to make a mental list of what you need to be looking out for in your local tech store. If you go into a store knowing what features you want, you are more likely to leave with the perfect camera for you. What should you consider when shopping for a camera?
Read on for our advice.
Focus free cameras
Focus-free cameras have faded out of popularity for a reason. Most people are used to auto-focus cameras or at least cameras with adjustable lenses. To make one of these cameras focus, you need to be the correct distance away from the focal point. This is really not ideal if you want to capture something in the distance.
Manual controls
If it is the first time you have bought a film camera, avoid automatic-exposure-only cameras. Get more involved in the process by setting your exposure manually. A camera with both automatic and manual exposure modes is a great place to start. You can get the hang of winding and focusing, whilst you use the automatic function. When you are comfortable doing so, switch to manual.
Lens
A film camera holds the film in place to aid exposure. All film cameras are the same in this regard. So long as the camera has a decent camera lens, the photograph quality should be fine. Check the lens quality of the camera you wish to buy above all else.
Film cameras price range
The cost of film cameras ranges widely. A standard camera should cost anywhere between $75 and $800.
Best Film Camera FAQ:
What are some film camera brands?
Some trusted camera brands include Canon, Pentax, Leica, Nikon and Olympus. Of course, there are many more brands available, but these are some of the prominent names in the film camera world.
What is the difference between a film camera and a DSLR camera?
As the name suggests, a film camera stores a photograph on film. DSLR cameras store pictures on a memory card. They use different sensors.
How much does a roll of film cost?
If you want 35mm or medium format film, you can expect to pay between $10 and $50.
How much does it cost to get the film developed?
To get a roll of film developed should cost you around $5.
What accessories can I buy for a film camera?
There are so many accessories for film cameras. Our personal favorites? The Twin Mate Light Meter, which evaluates proper exposure settings for a camera.; a quality Filmguard bag, which keeps the film in the dark whilst you’re on the move; or a Daylight Film Developing Tank, which is perfect for developing film at home.