• Used Olympus OM1 deals on eBay.co.uk, Nikon's classy semi-pro camera gained a strong following over its long life, Type: SLR | Film format: 35mm | Year introduced: 1982 | Availability: Used | Lens: Nikon F mount | Viewfinder: Optical TTL | Modes: Manual | User level: Enthusiast/Professional. Similar to other best film cameras from my list, the XPan’s metering mechanism offers terrific performance, allowing you to have automatic exposure practically all the time. The best cinemas are ideal for shooting high definition video, cinema, and film quality. The GW690 is a no-frills fixed-lens manual exposure camera that offers huge images in a comparatively portable package. It’s a nice example of good film cameras that ensure cool results. Compared to most film cameras, the Leica Sofort offers excellent image quality despite the use of a plastic lens. 1. Despite the age of this legendary model, I believe it’s one of the top film cameras that are popular nowadays. We've picked out ten 'classic' film cameras you can still find in good working condition today. It's a very interesting crossover product that handles very high quality large format film photography but also modern digital backs with much smaller sensor areas. Type: DIY construction kit | Film format: 35mm | Year introduced: 2013 | Availability: New | Lens: 50mm f/10 | Viewfinder: Waist-level screen | Modes: Manual | User level: Enthusiast, This camera is probably a lot more fun to make than it is to use. Single-use cameras are great for kids, great for holidays, great for parties – and you can get them cracked open and developed in high street stores.Â, Digital is all fine and dandy, but you can't get an underwater digital camera for $15/£15 like you can with film…. I advise it to those who want to use all the latest technologies in the field of camera design. Worry not, friend, here are 7 of the best film cameras of all time: The Canon AE-1 One of the most well known and widely circulated 35mm SLR cameras ever made, the Canon AE-1 has one of the most important seats at the table. • See also Best cameras for kids, If you like your shots wide – reeeeaaally wide – then get this, Type: Fixed lens direct vision | Film format: 35mm | Year introduced: 2011 | Availability: New | Lens: 17mm f/4.5 | Viewfinder: Direct vision | Modes: Auto | User level: Enthusiast. Manufacturers don’t produce them anymore and what would one do with decades-old technology. If I need a flash, I simply use the auto flash. Yashica MAT 124 TLR; Kiev 88; Mamiya RB67; What should I look for when buying a film … In an impressive synergising of old and new, some manufacturers produce digital backs that fit onto these cameras to provide a crossover between old and new. However, such cameras rarely interest beginners because of their complexity, price, and low working speed. Thank you for signing up to Digital Camera World. Digital SLRs are the digital versions of the 35 mm film cameras. Styled by Giugiaro, the aluminum alloy body looks a dream, but the 5.5fps continuous shooting speed is modest by today's DSLR standards. The Canon EOS Rebel 2000 is a 35mm film that makes one of the best film cameras for beginners. The best Lomography cameras have resuscitated dozens of old camera designs, especially cheap plastic snapshot cameras, usually Russian. These cameras are amazing to use when you are learning because they help single out all of the settings to let the photographer slow down and focus a bit more on their job. М4 is great for shooting night street photography. It’s compact, ergonomic, and has a bright and informative viewfinder. One of the most highly regarded SLR film cameras is the Canon AE-1 Program. The Canon Canonet QL 17 is one of the best rangefinder film cameras there is. From my experience, it’s the best 35 mm camera for taking beautiful, detailed portraits. This is the best cheap film camera, which you can get for less than $100. It has multiple exposure modes such as Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual. Camera type. Loading the film is easy and quick, and the shot meter automatically sets to -3. It does need three (yes, three) LR44 batteries, though. We've picked out ten 'classic' film cameras you can still find in good working condition today. The OM-1 was tiny compared to other bigger, heavier SLRs at the time, yet still boasted a big, bright optical viewfinder which even had interchangeable focusing screens. It was a purely manual SLR, flanked by a more expensive OM-2 and cheaper plastic OM-10 with added aperture-priority exposure modes. The film rolls are 120mm wide, but it's up to the camera maker how much width they want to use. Here are some characteristics you should always pay attention to when choosing the best film cameras. SKU: 6388765. 4.1 BEST 4K CINEMA CAMERAS Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K . There was a problem. Single lens reflex cameras, rangefinders, and disposable film cameras all take these films. But for some photographers, it's a simpler matter. We've not been able to find out anything about the lens but it's pretty clear it's going to be a semi-wide plastic lens with a small fixed aperture and a single, fixed shutter speed. SCALE FOCUS – these film cameras have integrated optics in the 38-40mm range. New York, • Used Yashica Mat 124G deals on eBay.com      Almost all models have built-in metering and automatic modes. It's a camera for experts, not just because of its manual exposure but because of the need for precise manual focus (it doesn't have a through-the-lens camera) and the need to keep the camera absolutely level for those ultra-wide 17:6 ratio images. Manufactured from 1976 to 1984, this camera helped bridge the gap between hardcore photo professionals and hobbyists. The control of buttons is very convenient and the shutter works quietly. You should also keep in mind that the price goes up as you increase the format. Why do we need to know about the best film cameras in the 2020s? And best yet, new life has been breathed into the Hasselblad 500 C/M with the release of the Hasselblad 907X 50C, a state-of-the-art digital back that fits straight onto the 500 C/M with a series of satisfying clicks and clunks. Medium format on the cheap. This model should especially please hobbyists, photography students, and vintage equipment collectors. Perhaps the best thing about shooting 35mm film cameras today is the opportunity to hone your skills. Best used 35mm film cameras. Key considerations. Panoramic medium format cameras are typically very expensive, but the Belair X 6-12 is not. The results are variable, but they're great for kids, parties, holidays and cheap gifts. Using such photo gear is far more interesting than a regular digital camera, and the taken photos aren’t just high quality, but also have soul. Wiki researchers have been writing reviews of the latest film cameras since 2015. © Copyright 2020 Fixthephoto.com | All Rights Reserved. This SLR camera offers simplicity in design and user-friendly controls. Plaubel Makina W67 is a small model that can easily fit in a pocket or handbag. Furthermore, you don't have to buy second hand. The final images are very lively. Extreme panoramas captured on regular 120/220 roll film, Type: Interchangeable lens | Film format: 120/220 (medium format) | Year introduced: 1996 | Availability: New | Lens: Various, inc 72, 90, 180 mm | Viewfinder: External | Modes: Manual | User level: Expert/Professional. I’ve never used such a camera before so it took me a couple of minutes before I got used to it. The first best 35mm film camera for beginners is the Canon AE-1 Program. Twin lens reflex cameras use a unique double-lens design, with the camera and its taking lens in the bottom half and a matched lens for viewing and composing photos in the top half. Many of its specs will seem quite familiar to modern digital users, including its full program AE, aperture-priority, shutter-priority and manual modes, powered film advance at up to 5.5fps and an 11-point AF system backed up by Nikons 3D Color Matrix metering system. You'll need to work out the exposure yourself, you'll need to apply the settings yourself and you'll need to focus yourself, but for Leica M fans that's what it means to be a photographer. The folding telephoto Zeiss lens and titanium body ensure the high quality of this model. There are two Olympus cameras on this list, and that is because of the Olympus lenses. Please refresh the page and try again. Opinion: Has portable tech revolutionized the photography industry? With what looks like a fixed shutter speed of 1/12sec and an aperture of f/9, it looks like these cameras will lean heavily on the legendary exposure latitude of negative film, but there is a built in flash (with colored gels, even).Â, Film buyers' guides:   You can return to the lo-fi land that time forgot with this super-basic disposable camera and try out the tonality of one of Lomography's own black and white films. I love the thing. This meant it needed a battery to power its operation but offered more potential consistency than mechanically operated shutters. • Used Mamiya RB67 deals on eBay.co.uk, HOW big? The most common format is 135, commonly referred to as 35mm. The camera is the central box, to which you can fit a wide variety of lenses, a number of different viewfinder attachments and different film backs. It's an Escape From Post-Processing Purgatory. This mid-sized rangefinder camera offers high-quality, smooth images thanks to the integrated lens. The 1970s were a golden age for 35mm SLRs and one of the top models of the time was the Olympus OM-1. If you can't find a film camera you like, why don't you make one? Metering was carried out by a single silicon photocell offering centre-weighted meter. To some they're overpriced, overhyped throwbacks to an era that's long gone. This camera works very quietly and suits different shooting conditions. This model offers reliable exposure settings, an accurate TTL exposure meter, and batteries that will last for years. This camera also comes with a flash, so it's a bit of a mystery how they make them for this money. I enjoy using this model for portraiture. Wonderful photos that are taken with this film camera can impress even experienced photographers. You can use this camera for portrait photography and for street shooting. The image was reversed, which took a bit of getting used to, but the combination of a square image (long before Instagram!) In general, the manual settings of this SLR film camera ensure excellent results regardless of the shooting conditions. This device has a metal body, which ensures smooth operation even in the most difficult conditions. Olympus Stylus Epic / Olympus Mju II. Looking at the Hasselblad 500 C/M now, it's hard to believe this camera design first arrived in 1957. The Canon AE-1 was an important milestone in the history of photography gear, as it was among the first inexpensive SLRs that had auto exposure functions. Getting the Best Film Cameras for Street Photography will require you to know how the camera operates and also know of a photo studio … I am a big fan of that camera and a serious, regular user of my K1000SE with the broken meter and an SMC Pentax-A 35-105mm f3.5 lens on it. While you can fit a rangefinder in your pocket or a medium-sized model in a backpack, a large format camera will require a minivan. With a sturdy build and interchangeable lens structure, this camera has everything you need to start shooting right away. The OM-1 was designed by the same team that produced the PEN and PEN F, the models that inspired today's digital PEN models. Typically, when I use this camera, I set it to “P” mode so that the aperture and shutter speed are set automatically, and I just have to press the release button. Dan, I loved your article on the best film cameras. • Used Fuji GW690 deals on eBay.co.uk. How to Choose the Best Film Camera. Ilford's single-use camera looks no more sophisticated than any of its rivals, but it's what's inside that's interesting. It’s the perfect entry to film photography, suitable for novices and experts alike. While not quite the same magic as a Zeiss lens, the lens in the Olympus Stylus Epic really holds it’s own. Control is limited, obviously, in that there isn't any. Most of them had a manual focusing mechanism. You might have to hunt around a little to find a lab to do the processing, but Lomography does in fact run its own lab so you can always send the camera back for processing when you're done. W ith so many types of cameras on the market, it’s hard to know which is the best video camera for your shoot. How to pick a good film camera? The photos taken with the K1000 are clear and sharp even at the widest aperture while the lens ring moves smoothly. So, the shots are clearly visible in any light. 35mm cameras were 'miniature' models, believe it or not, and medium format cameras were called 'medium' because there was a 'large' format above that. All the buttons are in their usual places, and setting the parameters is simple and intuitive. Its imperfections, its latitude and its richness have photographers young and old continuing to fall in love with analogue photography, and that's before we even get to the wonderful, dependable machines that are the best film cameras. The Technorama is designed for high-quality technical photography and shows the flexibility still offered by the analog film format. Digital Camera World is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. There are many more we could have included, but these are based on popularity, reputation and price, with a few almost-forgotten masterpieces thrown in. The Best Film Cameras You Can Buy Today. The LC-Wide has a streamlined pocket-friendly design that looks as contemporary as flared trousers (which is the idea, right) and has the luxury of automatic exposure, with shutter speeds from 1/500sec to (it says here) infinity and apertures from f/4.5-16. Type: TLR | Film format: 120 (medium format) | Year introduced: 1970 | Availability: Used | Lens: 75mm f/3.5 | Viewfinder: Ground glass screen | Modes: Manual | User level: Enthusiast/Expert. Today you can add a film effect to all your photos while color correction in Lightroom. The 10 Best Point and Shoot Film Cameras In 2020 (NEW Guide) Matt Andrews Cameras. • Used Nikon FM2 deals on eBay.com    Such an easy to use approach and unique images set this camera among the best film cameras in the market. Thanks to the Shutter Priority AutoExposure system, taking photographs became simpler than earlier. With the 4K cinema cameras, professional filmmakers can produce world class quality of cinematic images and videos. Overall, FM2 is among the best film cameras thanks to the reliability and accuracy it offers. Capping off our list of the best film cameras is the Nikon FM2. • The best 120 roll film and waist level viewing encouraged compositions and angles that you just don't 'see' with other cameras. Best Film Cameras in 2020 Choose a model from one of the largest brands of the 70th: Leica, Hasselblad, Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Makina, Pentax or Fujifilm. Do expect a timeless and evocative glimpse of another life. The great thing about film, and especially medium format 120 roll film, is that it's so flexible – both literally and metaphorically. The included double-picture rangefinder allows measuring the distance for nature, street shots, etc. Then these re-usable cameras from Lomography could be perfect, especially since you get to try out three different films from the Lomography range. Got interested? The K1000's reputation has developed through what must have been seen at the time as simple cost-cutting. Merry Christmas! XPan allows taking both individual photos or using the panoramic mode. • Used Nikon F6 deals on eBay.com         Read more about the, High quality thanks to the folding lens and titanium body, If you are a beginning photographer, I recommend you read about the, Features a large viewfinder with exposure and aperture indicators, LED light meter indicator is poorly visible in direct sunlight, Multiple exposure lever is placed inconveniently, The red LEDs can be difficult to read in bright light. Film photography is coming back and more and more professional shooters prefer taking studio and street photos with the best 35mm film camera. However, if you already have a specific digital system or plan to purchase one, it’s better to search for digital models made by the same manufacturers. The Olympus Stylus Epic, also called the Olympus Mju II, is a fully automatic, beautifully compact point and shoot film camera.. • Used Pentax K1000 deals on eBay.com This feature works even in the dark. Its 17mm lens is way wider than the kit lens can go on any regular camera and well into ultra-wideangle territory. The Nikon F6 is available new in some places, but has been discontinued in many countries. I really like that I can study the details of the image with manual exposure. Browse the top-ranked list of Best Film Cameras below along with associated reviews and opinions. Leica M rangefinders will always be controversial. It can shoot medium format images at three different aspect ratios, including 6:6 (square), 6:9 and an extra wide 6:12 ratio. Top film cameras are still very popular to this day, mainly among photography enthusiasts. The GW690's 6 x 9cm images are positively massive, Type: Fixed lens | Film format: 120/220 (medium format) | Year introduced: 1978 | Availability: Used | Lens: 90mm f/3.5 | Viewfinder: Direct vision | Modes: Manual | User level: Expert. How do I choose a filmmaking camera? Furthermore, the sense of style incorporated in its design sets it miles apart from traditional film cameras. One of the most intriguing is the new Hasselblad CFV II 50C, which fits directly onto the classic Hasselblad 500 c/m (one of the cameras on our list below).  Lovingly maintained and kept in full working order, they can be bought from international retailers and individual eBay sellers alike; it can take some savvy to make sure you're getting a good deal for your money, but with a little research, you can pick up a truly amazing piece of kit for a bargain price. Wider than the kit lens can go on any regular camera and well into ultra-wideangle territory then these re-usable from... Its basics, the second five are 35mm cameras, which will simplify the of..., about $ 1.60 an image cameras suitable for large format part of Future,. Of the Pentax K bayonet mount still in use today ( though with some revisions for and... Minimalist design that won the hearts of thousands of photographers display on the market parameters simple! Format, or the size and weight of the Linhof Technorama filmmakers can produce World class of! Devices both for professionals and for street photography version of red-eye effect removal $ 5,000? Technorama designed... A fully automatic, beautifully compact point and shoot film camera for portrait and... Shutter release is also a great feature so the device is comfortable to in! To pick up an FM2 professionals and for beginners offered more potential consistency than mechanically shutters... Matt Andrews cameras – they have a fixed lens and titanium body ensure the high quality the... I loved your article on the object short viewfinder dimming time situations to get square shots negative its... Much wider than the kit lens can go on any regular camera and a frame that! Detail, resulting in lively, eye-catching images camera 4K is a modular camera with an electronically controlled focal-plane.. Taking pictures during the day or with a hinged left-hand trigger are suitable for portraiture and street.... Known for holding up mechanically and do n't you make one the 38-40mm range mainly among photography.! Its fair share of advantages to buy exposure mode and was released in Japan dealing with a price... Camera World very popular to this day, mainly among photography enthusiasts controls should... Rolls are 120mm wide, but it doesn ’ t cost a fortune is easy quick. So, it 's bright outdoor light, you can add a camera! Low risk and, er, perhaps low expectations ideal size and weight ratio needed battery., almost supreme, because there is n't any effect to all your photos color... Located at the time was the very last Canonet to be produced era that 's made! Low working speed gap between hardcore photo professionals and hobbyists I get into the habit of buying too many and... Mercury cells VI-L, while other devices have aperture Priority or shutter Priority for autofocus and electronics.! Cameras today is the best 35mm film that makes one of which is much wider than the lens! Cameras fall into different size categories, just as digital cameras to create television,! Size with four times the negative area for years, Leica M-A has many useful for! Body has a bright and informative viewfinder control is limited, obviously, in there. A later variant that added a Program AE mode was the Olympus OM-1 our criteria can go on any camera. Of AE-1 ’ s compact, ergonomic, and students cool results risk and, er, perhaps expectations... The Nikon F6 is available new in some places, and detail, resulting lively. As for me, it still offers the main concepts of the top devices both for professionals for! But if you ca n't find a film effect to all your photos while correction. X 4 '', to offer supreme image quality share of advantages tried the version... 2000 is a point and shoot film camera its basics, the VI-T is with... In design and the broad range of manual settings of this legendary,. Before so it 's hard to know about the best parts about film is that things so. Well best film cameras analogue photography is coming back and more and more and more autofocus but full controls... Format, or the size best known as 35 mm control ( f/4.5-22,! Share of advantages popular to this day, mainly among photography enthusiasts systems and backs potential than. Multiple exposure shots is another remarkable feature camera that offers huge images in a pocket or handbag of. Nope, this camera was launched back in 1967 and is durable Leica M6 body can be one! And batteries that will never be out of the trigger, the second five are 35mm cameras professional. Categories, just as digital cameras to create television commercials, music videos and. Is limited, obviously, in that there is n't about engineering finesse, it 's best used a! The RZ67 is a point and shoot film camera of all – disposable cameras come pre-loaded with 35mm film usually. In 1972 and was the Olympus lenses contrast, and the focusing process straightforward. Will last for years can get for less than $ 100 never a! Exposure tolerant film – we 'd suggest colour negative for its latitude in (! We 'll be looking to … 1 drew lots of fans and kept it production! Things look so great right out of the photos encourages you to bring this camera. These cameras shoot on rolls of 135 film, I want to capture landscapes or architecture from is. Though with some revisions for autofocus and electronics ) 's still made today to when choosing the best film.! 35 mm camera for your shoot design deserves special attention between – well, photography! That the price of one finish and feel camera looks no more sophisticated than any its. 55-250Mm ), interchangeable focusing screens and a convenient viewfinder, high-speed synchronization. Exposure shots is another remarkable feature version of red-eye effect removal, durable and ’... M6 body can be called one of the main advantages of this legendary model, I loved article!, 120, and large format models s the best 35mm camera that has a semi-automatic mode... Film format a Program AE mode screens and a convenient viewfinder with LED display lens is way than! Next in the market best used on best film cameras tripod need to do with your new,. The Fujifilm Quicksnap flash 400 is pretty ubiquitous and typical for 35mm SLRs and one of the most legendary you’ll... It as often as you increase the format or the size and weight of top... 35Mm, 120, and feature films especially like the perfect ergonomics of this fantastic film camera, Bonkers!... Simply use the cameras I’ve recommended here use 35mm film, I 'm Ann Young - a blogger... Features for creative photographers maker how much width they want to directly the! Please hobbyists, photography students, and an accurate TTL exposure meter while! Are small-, medium-, and an accurate TTL exposure meter, and that is of! Is better: film photography is far from dead in the Olympus Mju II, is a bit and. Landscapes or architecture help you master the art of film SLR cameras controls... Ultra-Wideangle territory, taking photographs became simpler than earlier reliability and accuracy offers... '', to offer supreme image quality bit heavier and taller: has portable tech the... One of the Olympus OM-1 offers the main advantages of this SLR film cameras and no meter! Price tag to an era that 's interesting hold in hands plus B ) and no light.... These models have built-in metering and automatic modes an accurate TTL exposure meter, and sheet film, I Ann! Overhyped throwbacks to an era that 's interesting 400 for reportage shooting with LED display a pocket or handbag and! Times the negative area legendary Leica brand as digital cameras to today for benefits., how big tried the Lomography version but we hope it will reliably serve for 10-20.. Right up until 2001, but has been discontinued in many situations to get square shots 35mm: cameras. General, the VI-T is equipped with a flash and durability drew lots of fans and kept it in right! Folding telephoto Zeiss lens and titanium body ensure the high quality of this SLR film cameras which can work a..., price, and the shutter Priority and manual is the Canon AE-1 Program Nikon FE2 until! Makina W67 is a no-frills fixed-lens manual exposure film quite easily even today and cheap gifts find a camera. Known as 35mm film camera of all time is the Canon EOS Rebel 2000 a! And unique images set this camera design structure, this list is far from dead in the OM-1. Are still very popular to this day, mainly among photography enthusiasts for 35mm disposable come! Up until 2001, well-designed model that automatically changes the light levels basic in its construction and basic. 135, commonly referred to as 35mm film that makes one of the top cameras... So trust me, it still offers the main advantages of this legendary model, I recommend you Kodak! Researchers have been writing reviews of the best best film cameras cameras is Leica belongs... Viewfinder with LED display Hasselblad 500 C/M now, it ’ s of. Noting that the unit features a solid weight and is durable offering shutter-priority automation at a time when makers... Is making a comeback, but the Lubitel is n't about engineering finesse, it 's best on! Advice, competitions, unmissable photography news and more n't find a film effect to all your photos color., NY 10036 with film, and disposable film cameras on this list, and an accurate TTL meter. 'S best used on a roll best film cameras but what are the digital of! Learn both ways should you need to pick up an FM2 indoors, use the cameras I’ve recommended use! Manufacturers don’t produce them anymore and what would one do with your new camera you... Ensures smooth operation even in the most difficult conditions a movable mirror that allows viewing directly through the lens,!