Film photography is a traditional medium that has withstood the test of time. Chances are, if you’re reading this article, you have an interest in learning more about film. So to get you started creating beautiful and timeless images, here’s a selection of the best rated and valued film cameras.
HOLGA 120 GCFN
Our first film option is the toy camera Holga 120 GCFN – which is a fun little guy to take with you on a variety of adventures! It’s priced very well for what it is, and it can still be purchased new on Amazon. This camera is sleek and comfortable. Despite the plastic construction, it is actually fairly durable. To make things even more interesting, there is a spinning color wheel built into this camera that allows for random bursts of color to appear in your shots! You can spin this little dial and watch the magic happen.
The Holga 120 GCFN has a built-in flash for darker scenes, can record 12 to 16 frames per second, and accepts 120 roll films.
Canon AE-1
The Canon AE-1 is a SLR camera, and it is one that is still very popular among film users. With a fantastic exposure meter to help ensure your shots look just as you want them to, the Canon AE-1 continues to showcase a beautiful fusion between digital and film.
The AE-1 offers a uniquely impressive array of lenses; while it generally comes with a 50mm lens, it has many more options available for purchase. Images appear crisp, clear, and vibrant, primarily due to the wonderful lens lineup.
Olympus OM-D
Olympus is one of the better-known names in the film world, and the Olympus OM-10 shows why! Although you can’t find a brand-new OM-10, plenty of used options are available on popular marketplaces.
This is an SLR, but like most film cameras, the focus is manual. To help with this, the Olympus OM-10 has a DOF (depth of field) preview button. You can set your own ISO, shutter speed, and aperture values. This is a great camera for a DSLR user getting into SLR film photography!
Nikon F6
The Nikon F6 is a powerful SLR option that combines several film and digital features. This camera unfortunately cannot be found new, but there are used models still stocked. It was very popular back in the film days as it is full of advanced features such as autofocus and various exposure modes. But as it still uses film, you still get some really lovely classic results.
This camera offers a fantastic construction paired with superb image quality. Fortunately, the F6 is easy to use, and pretty much anyone can pick it up and start snapping! It is heavier than a lot of modern cameras, but not by too much.
Pentax K1000
The Pentax K1000 was once heavily associated with photography students, and while it’s not recommended for absolute beginners, it’s a great option for serious photographers.
It includes nothing fancy. It’s a film camera through and through – it doesn’t even require batteries! You can simply load the film and start shooting.
This camera has really stood the test of time and remains a very reliable option. There are only three elements to adjust, which really forces you to focus on your craft. An exposure and aperture meter is included in this camera to aid you when selecting settings.
