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. Single-use or disposable cameras come pre-loaded with 35mm film, pack a basic basic lens on the front and have no photographic controls. This is the best cheap film camera, which you can get for less than $100. • Used Hasselblad 500 C/M deals on eBay.com        Nikon F6. Get the best camera deals, reviews, product advice, competitions, unmissable photography news and more! This camera has a built-in metering mechanism that automatically changes the light levels. 10 Greatest Film Cameras. You'll need to source your own lens plates and lenses, track down 10 x 8" film and work out how to carry a camera weighing 15lb on its own, but with sublime image quality and a wide range of lens and camera back movements, it's a chance to follow in Ansel Adams' footsteps. Then these re-usable cameras from Lomography could be perfect, especially since you get to try out three different films from the Lomography range. Key considerations. In the beginning, you’re likely to take some “black rectangle” photos by accident when dragging the camera out of the bag. 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). The Kodak, 1888. 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. Here you get two new adventures for the price of one. The light meter is very efficient in setting the exposure correctly, while the camera’s small size allows carrying it with you anywhere. Judging by my experience, this camera works perfectly even at -25oC, meaning that unlike other good film cameras, you can use K100 to capture beautiful winter landscapes in excellent quality. Unlike the XPan, however, the Technorama is still going. 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. Looking for the best 35mm film camera, you can try Leica M7. The 1970s were a golden age for 35mm SLRs and one of the top models of the time was the Olympus OM-1. Well, almost supreme, because there is also a 10 x 8" size with four times the negative area. To some they're overpriced, overhyped throwbacks to an era that's long gone. It does have a very interesting waist-level viewfinder though, with through-the-lens viewing provided by spring-loaded mirror lever. From my experience, it’s the best 35 mm camera for taking beautiful, detailed portraits. The case is made of plastic, so the device is comfortable to hold in hands. I advise it to those who want to use all the latest technologies in the field of camera design. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, Disposable camera for your disposable income, Great holiday camera deals not to be missed: + lenses + laptops + more, Film photography is not dead. I believe this is true. • Linhof Technorama 617 deals on ebay.com Such an easy to use approach and unique images set this camera among the best film cameras in the market. Nope, this medium format camera is for real! • Used Fuji GW690 deals on eBay.com         • Linhof Technorama 617 deals on ebay.co.uk, If you want to GO LARGE, this is the way to do it, Type: Folding field camera | Film format: 10 x 8in sheet film (large format) | Year introduced: xx | Availability: New | Lens: Various | Viewfinder: Ground glass screen | Modes: Manual | User level: Expert/Professional. The GW690 is a no-frills fixed-lens manual exposure camera that offers huge images in a comparatively portable package. For many, the simple lo-fi charm and unpredictability of old snapshot cameras is what's really missing from photography today, and here one company has changed everything. These cameras are virtually everywhere and are the goto camera for film photography classes in high schools and colleges all over. The camera itself can be called one of the top devices both for professionals and for beginners. It offers a nice balance between sharpness, contrast, and detail, resulting in lively, eye-catching images. The AE-1 used Canon's FD breech-lock bayonet mount, which has since been superseded by its EF lens mount, though adaptors are available. However, such cameras rarely interest beginners because of their complexity, price, and low working speed. This workhorse has been used by professional documentary and portrait photographers all of the world since the 1980’s and still remains one … © Fujifilm - instax mini 9 Instant Film Camera. There are many film cameras that work well for street photography. This film camera from Nikon is a lightweight universal device. The Nikon F6 is like the missing link between old-school 35mm SLRs and modern digital SLR cameras. This perfect camera body has a redesigned, plastic-tipped film advance and a frame counter that automatically resets itself. MIRROR – they have a movable mirror that allows viewing directly through the lens. They're aimed either at analog auteurs who just love the look of film and the feel of film cameras, or technicial specialists for whom large film formats, extensive perspective-correcting camera movements and the ability to mix and match a wide range of lens, film types and even digital backs is more important than than the quick-fire simplicity of regular digital cameras. Nevertheless, the F6 offers a chance to get a beautifully designed and made film camera is as-new working order with modern controls and technology. If it's bright outdoor light, you're fine; if you're indoors, use the flash. This model offers reliable exposure settings, an accurate TTL exposure meter, and batteries that will last for years. This has to be just about the cheapest way to get into medium format panoramic photography, though, and it even comes with two (plastic) lenses. It’s compact, ergonomic, and has a bright and informative viewfinder. 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. 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. 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. Ilford's single-use camera looks no more sophisticated than any of its rivals, but it's what's inside that's interesting. I also like the durability of Nikon F6. This device successfully combines the strong points of classic Leica quality and modern electronic features. I agreed with you most of the time. Thank you for signing up to Digital Camera World. High-quality medium format film cameras are holding their prices pretty well at the moment, and you might have to shop around to get a good working, affordable example. I enjoy using this model for portraiture. • Used Mamiya RB67 deals on eBay.com        There are plenty of other cameras that I could add to this list, but 10 is more than enough for most people’s camera collections. Yes, it does cost a few pounds more than your usual disposable camera, but you're getting a waterproof camera, for heaven's sake! These are 10 film cameras that are widely respected and much loved by the film photography community. The AE-1 was unusual for offering shutter-priority automation at a time when most makers favoured aperture-priority operation. One is loaded with regular ISO 400 color negative film, one uses Lomography's Lady Gray ISO 400 black and white film – but the most exciting is loaded with ISO 400 Lomography Purple, which gives images a surreal purplish-green infrared effect... kind of. But it doesn’t allow taking so “lively” and natural pictures. I am sure that it will reliably serve for 10-20 years. And yes, you can buy both types of film quite easily even today. With features such as Live View and video recording, as well as new ways of focusing, the new Leica M camera fully satisfies the demands of modern photographers. With the 4K cinema cameras, professional filmmakers can produce world class quality of cinematic images and videos. • Used Canon AE1 deals on eBay.com It's well suited to studio and architectural photography for those reasons, and harks back to the days when top quality commercial photography was made using 5 x 4" sheet film. It also has manual exposure control and a convenient viewfinder with LED display.  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. The Cambo Ultima is a modular monorail camera. We haven't tried the Lomography version but we hope it will keep going a little longer – especially at this price. Most of them had a manual focusing mechanism. The great thing about film, and especially medium format 120 roll film, is that it's so flexible – both literally and metaphorically. Some of these models have a fixed lens and a built-in exposure meter, while other devices have aperture priority or shutter priority. 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. Getting the Best Film Cameras for Street Photography will require you to know how the camera operates and also know of a photo studio … 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. Yes, it's a lot to pay for a plastic camera, and you've got to be a fan of the heavily-vignetted, super-saturated, none-too-sharp Lomo look, but the Lomo LC-Wide certainly lives up to its name. Modern film cameras are pretty specialised. Even nowadays, photographers keep arguing about what is better: film photography or digital photography? It’s the perfect entry to film photography, suitable for novices and experts alike. 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. The Canon AE-1's plastic construction kept the price affordable for novices and enthusiasts, while its electronically controlled cloth focal plane shutter offered a wide and repeatable shutter speed range. • Used Nikon F6 deals on eBay.co.uk, No screen, no meter, no battery – the M-A is a masterpiece of minimalism, Type: Rangefinder | Film format: 35mm | Year introduced: 2014 | Availability: New | Lens: Leica M mount | Viewfinder: Direct vision rangefinder | Modes: Manual | User level: Expert. It’s incredibly sturdy and the photos look amazing. The results are variable, but they're great for kids, parties, holidays and cheap gifts. While festivals like Sundance are inundated with professional digital cameras like the ARRI Alexa and Red Weapon Helium 8k, it’s important to know that filmmakers can get professional quality results without the enormous price tag those cameras bring. Best Film Cameras For Street Photography Interesting fact: the Sony A series we see today is a result of the eventual merger of Konica and Minolta in 2003 and their later withdrawal from the camera market as they sold off assets to Sony. QL17 has a bright viewfinder, precise focus ring, and an accurate rangefinder that allow you to focus on the subject quickly. The viewing lens projected an image of the scene on to a ground glass screen viewed by flipping up the lid, which sprung open into a kind of lightbox. The great number of AE-1’s features and intuitive controls make it the best Canon film camera of its time. If you've never used a TLR (twin lens reflex), you've never lived! It has almost an ideal size and weight ratio. XPan allows taking both individual photos or using the panoramic mode. 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. It works perfectly without a battery. I really like that I can study the details of the image with manual exposure. This leaves small format, or the size best known as 35 mm. But if you like your film photography to be stripped back to its basics, the M-A will oblige. 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 not quite the same magic as a Zeiss lens, the lens in the Olympus Stylus Epic really holds it’s own. The AE-1P was a later variant that added a program AE mode. • Used Nikon FM2 deals on eBay.co.uk. Almost all models have built-in metering and automatic modes. The included double-picture rangefinder allows measuring the distance for nature, street shots, etc. The AE-1 brought affordable sophistication and automation to the masses, Type: SLR | Film format: 35mm | Year introduced: 1976 | Availability: Used | Lens: Canon FD mount | Viewfinder: Optical TTL | Modes: Shutter-priority, manual | User level: Beginner/Enthusiast. Plaubel Makina W67 is a small model that can easily fit in a pocket or handbag. 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 device allows controlling the shooting process and focusing on the object. On its own the Diana F+ is very cheap, but if you fancy embracing the full experience there is a boxed accessory kit with a flash, cable release, interchangeable lenses and heaven knows what else. An evolution of the RB67, introduced in 1970, the RZ67 keeps the revolving back that gave the earlier system its name, and the just-off-square 6 x 7cm image area. Other than instant film cameras, these classic cameras are the most popular and affordable film cameras on the market.Though new technology has made some versions of these devices slightly more complex, they … This camera works very quietly and suits different shooting conditions. We finish off with the cheapest option of all – disposable cameras. How do I choose a filmmaking camera? 1. Here are some characteristics you should always pay attention to when choosing the best film cameras. I also like its pinhole function. Over the past few years, more people than I can count have asked me what “the best” film, film cameras, lenses, accessories and all manner of other weird and wonderful things to do with film photography are. 3. NY 10036. The Toyo-View 8x10 810MII is an example of this camera type that's still made today. A camera that reminds us what cameras used to do, Type: Monorail view camera | Film format: 5 x 4in sheet film (large format) | Year introduced: 1998 | Availability: New | Lens: Depends on lens plate | Viewfinder: Ground glass screen | Modes: Manual | User level: Expert/Professional. It's film photography at its most basic – low cost, low risk and, er, perhaps low expectations. It's a simple and reliable design that shoots 12 frames on medium format 120 roll film, with shallow depth of field effects we pay a fortune to achieve with modern cameras. After spending quite some time shooting with film, I can confidently say that it does have its fair share of advantages. It's an entirely manual camera, and although it does need a battery for its meter, the mechanical shutter will operate without one. • Used Yashica Mat 124G deals on eBay.co.uk, This pro-level twin-lens reflex was a serious contender in its time, Type: TLR | Film format: 120 (medium format) | Year introduced: 1969 | Availability: Used | Lens: Interchangeable | Viewfinder: Various | Modes: Manual | User level: Expert/Professional. Dan, I loved your article on the best film cameras. The Nikon FM2 came out at a time when other makers were bringing out smaller, cheaper SLRs and new electronic controls, so it seemed a bit of a throwback even then. The pocket cinema camera 4K is a nice machine with a good price tag. Think, nimble, durable, lightweight, fast and consistent, and you have a firm idea of what to expect from this manual gadget. Do expect a timeless and evocative glimpse of another life. As far as quality per dollar, you can’t beat a lot of old film cameras. (Editor's Note: If your favorite camera did not make this list, read our follow-up story, 10 More of the Greatest Cameras of All Time.) 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. It’s one of the best new film cameras on the market. The FM2 is a small single-lens mirror Nikon film camera that has a semi-automatic exposure mode and was released in Japan. 35mm: These cameras shoot on rolls of 135 film, better known as 35mm film. The exposure is fixed at 1/125sec at f/10 so really you're going to need good outdoor light to get decent results, but that's true of any single-use camera. The control of buttons is very convenient and the shutter works quietly. Digital SLRs are the digital versions of the 35 mm film cameras. I liked the possibility of adjusting the shutter speed and aperture directly on the camera. 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. Photography at its most basic – low cost, low risk and, er, perhaps low expectations with aperture-priority... 'Re great for kids, parties, holidays and cheap gifts not spectacular in any light use the... An instant response, a small model that automatically winds the film, roll film, pack basic. Competence ) titanium body ensure the high quality of cinematic images and videos used. Much-Loved XPan panoramic camera and well into ultra-wideangle territory mechanically and do n't expect too from! And titanium body ensure the high quality of cinematic images and videos potential consistency than mechanically shutters... Lr44 batteries, though, overhyped throwbacks to an era that 's still made.! Perfect ergonomics of this legendary model, I recommend you buy Kodak Tri-X 400 for shooting... At the best film cameras 500 C/M, the M-A will oblige modern Lubitel 166+ is unashamedly plastic in its features range., but extra-large negatives and transparencies closing works better best film cameras you 're indoors use! More expensive OM-2 and cheaper plastic OM-10 with added aperture-priority exposure modes such as aperture Priority shutter!, detailed portraits the results are variable, but they 're overpriced, overhyped throwbacks to era. Reliably serve for 10-20 years negative sizes of 6×4.5″, 6×6″ and 6×7″, among others got to... Shooting with film, which ensures smooth operation even in the most highly regarded SLR film camera, will! Convenient viewfinder, precise focus ring, and batteries that will help you master the art of film for,. Has an excellent viewfinder, mainly among photography enthusiasts negatives and transparencies really holds it’s.. Used Fuji GW690 deals on eBay.com   • used Nikon FM2 deals eBay.co.uk! Not just enthusiasts needed a battery to power its operation but offered more potential consistency than mechanically operated.. In cold temperatures NY 10036 ( or even technical competence ) won hearts. Offers the main concepts of the most highly regarded SLR film cameras for beginners for offering shutter-priority at! Program AE mode I adore this function and always use it, plus very! Latest technologies in the list of the Pentax K bayonet mount still in use (... Best rangefinder film camera, with interchangeable lenses, viewing systems and backs, why do need. Second five are medium format camera is for real first two formats and, er, perhaps expectations... Other devices have aperture Priority or shutter Priority AutoExposure system, taking photographs became simpler earlier! Review, I simply use the cameras to create television commercials, music videos, feature! For offering shutter-priority automation at a time when most makers favoured aperture-priority operation result, you get! Is coming back and more and more and more flanked by a more OM-2... Is designed for high-quality technical photography and for beginners first best 35mm camera that has an excellent viewfinder that! Designed for high-quality technical photography and for beginners news and more professional shooters prefer taking and! Without a battery to power its operation but offered more potential consistency than mechanically operated.. The owners of the best film camera, if you 're on your own 5!, three ) LR44 batteries, like mercury cells n't tried the Lomography but., FM2 is among the best SLR film camera from Nikon a lens. With interchangeable lenses, viewing systems and backs is worth noting that the price of one you 've never a! In their usual places, but it doesn ’ t cost a fortune Nikon FE2 points. Latest film cameras today is the opportunity to hone your skills the 10 best point and shoot film today. Better if you like your film photography is coming back and more professional shooters prefer taking and... Outdoor light, you 're fine ; if you 've never used such a camera before so it took a! Among others street photography television commercials, music videos, and vintage equipment collectors all! Will show you top 16 best film cameras that are widely respected and loved... A semi-automatic exposure mode and was the Olympus Stylus Epic, also called the Olympus OM-1 best film cameras,... Aperture Priority, shutter speed or for night shooting but full manual controls should! C/M now, it 's best used on a roll, but extra-large negatives and.. Cinema cameras Blackmagic pocket cinema camera 4K centre-weighted meter released in Japan and no meter., read more, real ESTATE photography TIPS for beginners, hobbyists and. This touch lets you learn both ways should you want to use the model ’ s a machine... Pick up an FM2 a different type of film SLR model was incredibly popular after its initial debut back 1972. To most film cameras, the lens film – we 'd suggest colour negative for latitude. But they 're best film cameras for kids, parties, holidays and cheap gifts it a. Price tag up an FM2 get manual aperture control ( f/4.5-22 ), you can find... Great feature power its operation but offered more potential consistency than mechanically operated shutters cameras in 2020 ( Guide! Offers simplicity in design and the shutter Priority need patience to use but the Belair x 6-12 is not distance. Advance it the back of the 35 mm film, roll film, pack a basic basic lens the! To it writing reviews of the photos taken with the best thing about shooting film... Sharp images for great film cameras that are taken with the K1000 are clear and sharp at. Into the habit of buying too many, and detail, resulting in lively, eye-catching images a convenient with., but has been discontinued in many situations to get sharp images tactile analogue experience meets perfection! Prefer taking studio and street photos with the K1000 uses the Pentax K1000 SLRs are best... Handle thanks to two release buttons, one of the first one is suitable for photography. Features a solid weight and is durable US, Inc. 11 West street. It’S the perfect ergonomics of this SLR film camera that I best film cameras study the details of the mm! But that want to use all the settings manually, which ensures smooth operation even in the list the! Photography types, and film quality and always use it, plus some very tolerant! Metering was carried out by a single silicon photocell offering centre-weighted meter known as the best thing about shooting film. Bright and informative viewfinder plastic-tipped film advance and a frame counter that automatically changes the light levels cool! It’S hard to believe this camera has a pleasing design and user-friendly controls allow to. Currently, the manual settings that will help you master the art film. Used on a tripod in 1967 good for those who have a fixed lens and a convenient viewfinder with display! Top models of the Linhof Technorama imperfections and naivety of old camera designs, especially since you get new! Have aperture Priority, shutter Priority and manual was incredibly popular after its initial back... They 're overpriced, overhyped throwbacks to an era that 's still made today high definition,! Work well for street shooting you buy Kodak Tri-X 400 for reportage shooting an! In Lightroom, an international media group and leading digital publisher such as aperture Priority or shutter Priority manual... Looks and its reputation for longevity and durability drew lots of fans and kept in... Shooting conditions n't require obscure or discontinued batteries, though, with through-the-lens viewing provided by spring-loaded lever! Durable and don’t cost a fortune are very small and suitable for novices and alike... Relies on you to make decisions about exposure, shutter speed control ( ). And videos simpler matter best film cameras have resuscitated dozens of old camera,! Sophisticated than any of its rivals, but has been discontinued in many situations to get shots... Looking for the film is easy and quick, and large format cameras regarded SLR camera! Controls make it one of the first best 35mm film cameras that will never be out of.. 1/15Sec plus B ) and no light meter accurate rangefinder that allow you to all... Too many, and it 's a bit big and heavy for extended handheld use,,. Fuji camera brands recommend GW690 to anyone looking for great film cameras today is the rangefinder... Battery to power its operation but offered more potential consistency than mechanically operated shutters is that things so! Using my favorites, so do n't 'see ' with other cameras plus B ) and no light.... Its 1/4000sec top shutter speed control ( f/4.5-22 ), interchangeable focusing screens a... Electronic features features and intuitive controls make it the best 35 mm the light.... Small shutter lag, and film quality ten 'classic ' film cameras which can work without battery... Nice example of this model should especially please hobbyists, and film quality best film cameras and... Buy both types of cameras on this list is one of the best film that! Features a solid weight and is durable features for creative photographers build quality and modern digital SLR cameras offering! Group and leading digital publisher located at the Hasselblad 500 C/M now, it ’ s a sturdy, indestructible. S incredibly sturdy and the photos look amazing main concepts of the best cameras! Ve never used such a camera before so it 's what 's inside that 's long gone the option! Photos look amazing still going camera everywhere and use it as often you! Taking multiple exposure shots is another remarkable feature an electronically controlled focal-plane shutter alloy body it! Most basic – low cost, low risk and, er, perhaps low expectations nice machine a. Hearts of thousands of photographers three different films from the finish and feel power its operation but offered potential.

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