“Explore the Top Vintage Film Cameras!
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Many of the film cameras we cherish are decades older than us. Film photography offers a unique tactile and emotional experience. Despite the cost and limitations, acclaimed works like ‘Anora’ and TV shows like ‘Severance’ continue to be captured on film for a reason. This enduring appeal is shared by me and many colleagues who cherish our film cameras.
Shooting film goes beyond mere aesthetics. In a world dominated by digital technology, using film is about passion, emotion, and attention to detail, according to Quintavius Oliver, an award-winning photographer and Keh Camera’s virtual buyer. However, starting out with film photography can be daunting, especially if you’re accustomed to smartphone photography. I consulted with photographers and industry experts and tested various film cameras over the past two years.
Jump to: The best new film cameras | The best used film cameras | The top 35mm films | Film camera accessories we recommend | Getting started with film photography | Why choose NBC Select?
How we selected the best film cameras
There is no one-size-fits-all ‘best’ film camera; the ideal choice depends on your shooting preferences and desired outcome. Nonetheless, certain models stand out due to their balance of price, features, and reliability.
Our selections are based on the following criteria:
Feel: The tactile experience of handling a camera plays a crucial role. As Oliver emphasizes, the camera should inspire creativity and motivation. I personally tested numerous film cameras to find my top picks.
Price: Film cameras span a wide price range, from $60 to $6000. You don’t need to break the bank to capture great images, as Oliver points out. That’s why most of our recommendations are priced under $500.
Controls: Older film cameras encourage a more deliberate approach to photography, while modern models offer advanced features like autofocus and auto exposure. Your preference dictates the choice, which is why we feature cameras with varying levels of sophistication.
Light metering: A built-in light meter helps determine the correct exposure for a scene, indicating whether it’s too bright, too dark, or just right. This tool is essential for adjusting camera settings to achieve the desired lighting conditions. The majority of our picks include a light meter.
If terms like exposure, aperture, and shutter speed are unfamiliar to you, resources like MasterClass, Adobe, and YouTube offer valuable insights into photography fundamentals.
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The Best New Film Cameras in 2025
While the market offers fewer new film cameras compared to vintage models, there are still notable options available. Most new film cameras today are either disposable or reusable point-and-shoots. While these cameras can be enjoyable to use, they are akin to dipping your toe into the waters of film photography. Fortunately,
Top Pick: Pentax 17
The Pentax 17, priced at $496.95 on Amazon, is our top choice for a travel camera. It performed exceptionally well on a recent ski trip, capturing outdoor, indoor, portrait, and landscape shots with remarkable precision. Used with Kodak Ultramax 400 film, this camera impressed NBC Select’s editorial projects manager, Rebecca Rodriguez, and me during our two-month trial.
Combining modern and vintage features, the Pentax 17 offers a user-friendly yet creatively fulfilling shooting experience. Beginners can easily use the Auto mode for sharp and detailed images, while advanced users will appreciate the manual controls such as exposure compensation, multiple shooting modes, zone focusing, and indicator lights. While shooting in non-Auto modes may require some practice, the results are worth it.
The camera’s half-frame design allows for both vertical and horizontal photos, with the ability to take 72 shots per roll of film compared to the standard 36 shots of regular 35mm cameras. Despite slightly lower detail and resolution per photo, the difference is hardly noticeable, especially when sharing photos digitally.
Specs:
– Weight: 0.63 lbs. (290g)
– Focus: Manual (zone)
– Modes: Auto, Program, Flash, Bulb
– Built-in flash: Yes
– Shutter speed: 4-1/350 sec.
– ISO: 50-3,200
– Battery: One 3V CR2
Best Budget Option: Kodak H35N
For those seeking an affordable and user-friendly film camera, we recommend the Kodak H35N, priced at $56.98 on Amazon. This compact camera is perfect for everyday photography, delivering enjoyable results when used with Kodak Gold 200 film.
Ideal for beginners or casual photographers, the Kodak H35N offers simplicity in its point-and-shoot functionality. It features a built-in flash with a star filter for creative effects, although the lens may struggle in low-light conditions. To prevent underexposed shots, consider using film with an ISO of 400 or higher.
Specs:
– Weight: 0.24 lbs. (110g)
– Focus: Fixed
– Modes: N/A, Bulb
– Built-in flash: Yes
– Shutter speed: 1/100 sec.
– ISO: N/A
– Battery: One AAA
Shopping for Used Film Cameras in 2025
There is a vast selection of excellent used film cameras available today, spanning various eras. Team NBC Select often opts for used cameras from the 1950s, 1970s, and 1990s, finding them reliable and cost-effective. When purchasing a used camera, consider reputable retailers like Keh and Used Photo Pro for transparent buying, selling, return, and warranty policies. Avoid cameras labeled as “for parts” or “inoperable.”
Additionally, platforms like eBay
Nikon FM pricing comparison:
– Keh: $329.00
– Used Photo Pro: $294.13
– eBay: $216.90
The Nikon FM is a versatile camera capable of capturing stunning photos in any setting, provided you have a basic understanding of photography. It was used on Kodak Portra 400 film. Rodriguez has owned this camera for approximately seven years, originally belonging to her father who purchased it in the late 1970s. After a thorough cleaning at a camera shop, the camera has been functioning flawlessly. She typically pairs it with a compact, wide-angle Nikon lens. Despite being a fully manual camera with only a light meter to guide exposure settings, Rodriguez appreciates its mechanical design and simplicity, which has kept it operational for almost five decades since its initial release. She values the hands-on control over shutter speed, aperture, and focus that the camera provides.
Nikon F100 overview:
– Keh: $280.00
– eBay: $209.90
The Nikon F100 is praised for its advanced light metering system, which excels in handling scenes with intricate light and shadow patterns compared to older film cameras. It was used with Ilford HP5 Plus 400 film. Offering precise control over focus, aperture, and shutter speed, the F100 minimizes the chances of unintended blurriness or over/underexposure. It features both auto and manual focus modes, with a focus confirmation indicator in manual focus. Despite its capabilities, the F100 is user-friendly with a comfortable modern design suitable for extended shooting sessions. Additionally, its autofocus and auto-exposure modes simplify the process of capturing high-quality images.
Pentax K1000 details:
– Keh: $274.00
– Used Photo Pro: $240.35
– eBay: $199.99
The Pentax K1000, known for its simplicity, can capture intricate scenes in proficient hands. It was used with Kodak Portra 400 film. Widely recognized as a beginner-friendly camera, it has been a popular choice for introductory film photography courses. Similar to the Nikon FM, the K1000 operates solely in manual mode, relying on the light meter to guide exposure adjustments. Users are responsible for manual focusing, setting shutter speed and aperture, and advancing the film after each shot. Produced from 1976 to 1997, the K1000 is a durable and easily serviceable camera recommended for those looking to learn the fundamentals of photography.
Top picks for 35mm cameras:
Budget option: Canon EOS Rebel 2000
Price range: $69.99 (eBay) – $124.00 (Used Photo Pro)
Weight: 0.73 lbs. (335g)
Focus: auto, manual
Modes: auto, aperture-priority, shutter-priority, manual, bulb
Built-in flash: yes
Shutter speed: 3-1/2000 sec.
ISO: 25-6400
Battery: two 3V CR2s
The Canon EOS Rebel 2000 is a lightweight camera ideal for travel. It is beginner-friendly with multiple auto-focus and auto-exposure modes, easily switchable through a dial on top. This camera is equipped with features like portrait, landscape, and close-up modes, making it versatile for different types of photography. Paired with an affordable Canon autofocus zoom lens, the EOS Rebel 2000 is a great option for those starting out in film photography.
Editors’ choice: Leica M2
Price: $1,488.88 (eBay)
Weight: 1.23 lbs. (560g)
Focus: manual
Modes: manual, bulb
Built-in flash: no
Shutter speed: 1-1/1000 sec.
ISO: n/a
Battery: none
The Leica M2 is a classic camera known for its precision and reliability. While lacking a built-in light meter, it offers exceptional image quality, especially when paired with high-quality lenses. Popular among street photographers, the Leica M2 is praised for its quick focusing and quiet operation. This camera is compatible with vintage lenses known for their sharpness and detail, enhancing the overall shooting experience.
Best 35mm films:
When choosing a film, consider the ISO rating as it determines the film’s sensitivity to light. For beginners, starting with a versatile ISO 400 film is recommended. Here are some top picks:
Best black & white film for beginners: Ilford HP5 Plus 400
Price: $9.49 – $9.99 (various retailers)
Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is a reliable black and white film with an ISO of 400, making it suitable for various lighting conditions. This film is recommended for beginners as it offers a good balance of grain, detail, and versatility. It is a great choice for learning the basics of film photography and experimenting with different shooting environments.
“Oliver highlights Ilford HP5 Plus as a preferred black and white film choice for its forgiving nature at 400 ISO. Whether underexposed or overexposed, this film still produces usable results. Known for its timeless appearance with subtle contrast and noticeable grain, Ilford HP5 Plus is easy to find in most camera stores and offers an affordable option for photographers.
For beginners seeking vibrant colors, Kodak Ultramax 400 stands out as a top choice. Delivering punchy colors in various settings, this film is budget-friendly compared to alternatives like Kodak Portra 400 and Cinestill 400D. Ideal for colorful environments such as botanical gardens in spring or fall hikes, Kodak Ultramax 400 is a reliable option.
When it comes to portraits, Kodak Portra 400 is highly recommended for its realistic detail, fine grain, and soft colors tailored for people photography. While it may be pricier, Kodak Portra 400 is often reserved for special occasions like international travel or holiday gatherings, making it a popular choice among photographers.
Cinestill 800T is the go-to film for night photography, excelling under artificial light. Known for creating strong halation effects against the night sky, this film offers a unique aesthetic with a cool color balance. Unlike daylight films, Cinestill 800T shines in nighttime settings, capturing captivating images under artificial lighting.
For a summer feel, Kodak Gold 200 is a staff favorite, embodying warm, brown-gold tones reminiscent of vacations and road trips. With an ISO of 200, this film is best suited for sunny outdoor photography, making it a preferred choice during the summer months.
Additionally, essential film camera accessories like camera straps, flashes, and light meters enhance the photography experience. Items such as the Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap, Keks KF-01 Camera Flash, and Giottos Medium Rocket Air Blaster are recommended for enhancing camera functionality and image quality.”
Starting out with shooting film can feel overwhelming, even with all the right camera gear. The limited shots per roll require more thoughtful consideration before pressing the shutter button compared to using a smartphone. Remember to be patient with yourself and the moment. Film cameras encourage a slower, more deliberate approach to photography. Mistakes may happen with your first few rolls of film, but view them as learning experiences and trust in your gear. Embrace the process and have fun with it. Shooting film allows you to notice and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments, making you feel more present in the world around you. At NBC Select, we collaborate with industry experts like award-winning photographer Quintavius Oliver and senior technologist Mark Steinberg to provide you with reliable and unbiased advice. Trust NBC Select for in-depth coverage on technology, wellness, and more. Stay connected with us on social media for the latest updates.
