15+ Best Film Cameras to Buy
For photographers that are willing to invest their money in the best film cameras, it is better to choose the best quality device that applies to their needs.
Above all, this article will give you important details about the different film cameras that are most recommended.
Which is the best film camera?
Before I give you my top picks, I want you to know some of the advantages of having a film camera.
First, white and dark details are better captured with a film camera because of its higher dynamic range.
Second, when it comes to focusing and exposure, film photography is more flexible.
Lastly, most digital cameras lack the high-resolution capabilities of film cameras.
I included in my list the ideal film cameras that are advisable for students, photographers, and also professionals.
For those doubting if there are still film cameras with superb features, let’s move on to my list of the 16 best film cameras.
Meanwhile, if you want to add your product to the list, find my address on the contact page and send your product for review.
16 Best Film Cameras
- Nikon F6 — Best overall film camera
- Olympus OM1 — Best for professionals
- Canon Sure Shot — Most portable
- Pentax K1000 — Best for portraits
- Olympus OM-10 — Best for vintage photos
- Canon AE Film — Best for night photography
- Fujifilm Instax Mini — Best for students
- Lomography La Sardina — Best for beginners
- Holga 120 WPC — Best budget-friendly
- Lomography Diana — Best for documentaries
- Polaroid Original OneStep+ — Best for novice
- Leica 10371 M-A — Best for improving skills
- NIKON FE2 — Best cost-effective
- Nikon FM — Best compact film camera
- Fujifilm X100V — Best for the digital age
- Leica M6 — Best for intermediates
How to choose the best film camera?
It is important to think about some things whenever you plan to buy the best film camera for your job.
The reason for this is that I’ve also put together a “film camera buying guide” in this article to help you make an informed choice.
- Image Quality
- Manual Function
- Lenses
- Battery
- Price
Here’s an additional explanation to help you see why these things should come first:
Image Quality
When you’re buying a film camera, the first thing you need to look at is the image of it because it is the most important thing about this device.
Further, it will help you to have a great picture and photos of yourself and show how professional your work is.
This is specifically one of the reasons why it is strongly considered by creatives and professionals.
Manual Function
You also need to consider the manual function to know how easy or difficult your film camera is to use.
Moreover, manual mode allows you to manually adjust the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO on your camera.
What is more, if you shoot exclusively in manual mode, you have complete creative control over everything from the aperture and shutter speed to the brightness of your photos and videos.
Lenses
Indeed, establishing a connection with your audience begins with selecting the proper camera lens.
In order to see the shape of the costly camera you just bought, the lens of your eye focuses light on your retina, which is located at the rear of your eyeball.
The lens’ duty is to concentrate light so that when it hits the camera’s sensor, it produces a picture that can be seen.
By all means, consider this if you plan to buy a film camera for your passion or work.
Battery
To begin with, in some film cameras, the flash, the light meter, and even the shutter all require batteries.
Hence, make sure you never miss out on a photo opportunity again by having a stable power source.
Although not all film cameras require batteries, you should consider getting one because there are some advantages.
Price
Lastly, you need to consider price, because if you don’t have a big budget to invest in, you can just look for an affordable but high-quality film camera.
Students and artists who can’t afford to buy a high-end film camera can use a cheap but high-quality camera instead.
There’s a film camera that costs below $100, so you don’t need to worry if you’re looking for a budget-friendly device.
Now that you’ve viewed my detailed buying guide for the best film camera, let’s move on to my list of the 16 best film cameras for 2022.
1. Nikon F6
If you’re a photographer that’s looking for the best overall camera, then check out this Nikon F6.
The best overall film camera in 2022.
It is an all-in-one SLR camera with an integrated motor autofocus mechanism and a focal-plane shutter that is ideal for photography.
To begin with, the Nikon F6 has a BriteView Matte II clear screen and is compatible with six other optional focusing screens.
It also has a built-in shutter monitor for flash synchronization in a vertical-travel focal-plane shutter.
Lastly, the shutter runs from 1/250 to 1/60 sec in Programmed Auto or Aperture-Priority Auto.
Therefore, the Nikon F6 is a great choice if you’re searching for an amazing film camera that suits your needs.
Specifications
Dimensions: 3.1 x 6.2 x 4.7 inches
Film Format: 35mm
Film Color: Colored
Exposure Control Type: Manual, Automatic
Pros
- Great for exposure
- High image quality
Cons
- Expensive
2. Olympus OM1
Are you a professional searching for a high-quality film camera? — No need to look further; the Olympus OM1 is for you.
The best film camera for professional.
Under those circumstances, the Olympus OM1 is an ideal choice if you want the best camera that you can use in your profession.
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Particularly, this tiny, weather-sealed camera possesses all the capabilities and functionality of a full-featured professional camera.
Also, it has Cross Quad Pixel AF, which provides 1,053 cross-type, 100% high-precision focusing points with Cross Quad Pixel AF.
Furthermore, using the TruePic X engine, users can expect a 3x increase in processing speed.
On the other hand, high-resolution and low-noise performance are the hallmarks of a new 20M-stack BSI Live MOS sensor.
So, if you’re wondering about one of the best film cameras for professionals, then the Olympus OM1 is a must-have.
Specifications
Dimensions: 5.3 x 3.6 x 2.9 inches
Form Factor: Mirrorless
Frame rate: 120fps
Exposure Control Type: Automatic, Manual
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Easy-to-focus lenses
Cons
- Expensive
3. Canon Sure Shot
If you’re an on-the-go photographer and you’re searching for an ideal film camera that is portable, then check out this Canon Sure Shot.
The most portable film camera.
It has a fully automatic tiny 35mm camera with a built-in 38/80mm dual focal length lens and is great for taking videos and pictures in tourist spots.
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A large Easy View real picture viewfinder for usage, even with eyeglasses, is also available for the Canon Sure Shot.
On the other hand, the built-in multifunction flash includes Smart Autofocus with high precision 3-point.
Lastly, at the touch of a button, the 38/80mm dual focal-length lens of the Canon Shot allows you to photograph both landscapes and close-up portraits.
The Canon Sure Shot is an outstanding film camera if you’re looking for the best device for travel pictures.
Specifications
Dimension: 2.2 x 5 x 2.7 inches
Film Format: 35mm
Exposure Control Type: Automatic
Film Color: Black-and-white
Pros
- Flexible
- Great image quality
Cons
- Average battery life
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4. Pentax K1000
Equally important on my list is the Pentax K1000, which is the best film camera for professionals that are looking for a device for portraits.
The best film camera for portraits.
The Pentax K1000 35mm SLR is one of the best, most widely used, and most durable cameras in the history of photography.
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At the same time, this Pentax film camera has a light meter is powered by an A76 cell battery, which must be purchased separately.
On the other hand, to take a photo with the Pentax K1000, you don’t even have to turn the meter or camera on or off.
Lastly, the shutter speed ranges from 1/1000 to 1 second, with bulb and flash sync options available on the K1000’s horizontal travel.
So, if you’re searching for the best film camera for portraits, then the Pentax K1000 is an excellent choice.
Specifications
Dimension: 7.72 x 4.29 x 4.29 inches
Film Format: 35mm
Exposure Control Type: Manual
Film Color: Black and white OR Color
Pros
- High image quality
- No batteries needed
Cons
- Squeaking sound
5. Olympus OM-10
The Olympus OM-10 is a must-have for professionals looking for the best film camera for vintage photos.
The best film camera for vintage photos.
The Zuiko 50mm f/1.8 prime lens, a UV filter, and brand-new batteries are all included with this SLR 35mm film camera.
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The bottom of the OM-10 body has a few very tiny scuffs, but otherwise, this camera is in excellent condition.
Also, neither the glass nor the aperture blades are affected by fungus, haze, or separation.
The Olympus OM-10 is a high-quality film camera if you’re wondering about the best device for vintage photos.
So, for professionals that are looking for one of the finest film cameras, the Olympus OM-10 is a must-have.
Specifications
Dimension: 7 x 4 x 4 inches
Film Format: 35mm
Exposure Control: Manual
Weight: 1.35 Pounds
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good image quality
Cons
- Difficult to replace parts
6. Canon AE Film
Canon AE Film is one of the best-recommended film cameras for professionals, especially for night photography.
The best film camera for night photography.
It’s a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera with an electronically controlled AE (Automatic Exposure) and a 35mm focal plane shutter.
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On the other hand, this Film camera is fully automatic and features full-aperture metering with Canon FD series lenses.
Also, the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C, the Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C, and the Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 S.C. are its standard lenses.
Lastly, the viewfinder’s pentaprism for fixing at eye level provides a 93.5 percent vertical and 96.5 percent horizontal field of view.
So, if you’re wondering about the most marvelous film camera for night photography, then check out this Canon AE Film.
Specifications
Dimension: 7.8 x 4.4 x 4.4 inches
Film Format: 35mm
Exposure Control: Manual
Weight: 1.95 Pounds
Pros
- Affordable
- Excellent 35mm photography
Cons
- Heavyweight
7. Fujifilm Instax Mini
For students that are looking for the highest quality film camera that is suitable for their needs, the Fujifilm Instax Mini is a great choice.
The best film camera for student.
The camera automatically changes the amount of flash and the shutter speed based on the brightness of the surroundings.
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With an on/off switch for the light bulb in the Fujifilm Instax, a light trail can be captured when the shutter button is depressed.
Children mode has a quick shutter speed to capture fast-moving images of children, pets, and other animals.
Lastly, you may verify your battery charge level by looking at the Fujifilm viewfinder’s aperture scale and needle.
For this reason, the Fujifilm Instax Mini is an excellent choice if you’re searching for the best film camera for students.
Specifications
Dimension: 3.61 x 2.25 x 4.5 inches
Film Format: 6x8
Min Shutter Speed: 1/8 seconds
Weight: 0.65 Pounds
Pros
- Excellent landscape mode
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Shorter battery life
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8. Lomography La Sardina
Next on my list is the Lomography La Sardina, which is the best film camera for beginners.
The best film camera for beginners.
It is packed with an 89-degree field-of-view wide-angle lens, and this film camera catches all the required action in a compact device that’s both very functional and has an unusual aesthetic.
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This component may also be painted or drawn on, making it particularly special for anyone who wants to personalize the look of their film camera in a unique way.
The La Sardina 8 Ball loves to catch all the excitement with its 89-degree wide-angle lens.
Lastly, you can’t go wrong with the La Sardina 8 Ball, which sports a textured black coat and is dressed to impress in it.
The Lomography La Sardina is an outstanding choice for people who are looking for the best film camera for beginners.
Specifications
Dimension: 9.29 x 6.69 x 3.54 inches
Film Format: 35mm
Weight: 1.41 pounds
Lens Focal Length: 22mm
Pros
- Wide-angle lens
- Low cost
Cons
- Out-of-focus pictures
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9. Holga 120 WPC
If you’re a creative photographer and you’re looking for the finest film camera at an affordable price, then check out this Holga 120 WPC.
The budget-friendly film camera.
With a horizontal exposure angle of 120 degrees, the camera has an extremely broad panoramic view that is excellent for taking pictures.
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On bright days, ASA 100 films should be used in the Holga WPC, whereas on overcast or inside days.
With frames of 6x9 cm per roll and 6x12 cm per roll, options are available, and each roll has eight images.
The WPC is a great choice for those looking for a low-cost but quality film camera.
With this Holga 120 WPC film camera, taking pictures is more fun, and you’ll discover new things along the way.
Specifications
Dimension: 9.8 x 5.3 x 5 inches
Film Format: 6_x_12
Exposure Control Type: Automatic
Min Shutter Speed: 7 seconds
Pros
- Great exposure time
- Easy to use
Cons
- Has a rubbery feel
10. Lomography Diana
The Lomography Diana is a high-quality film camera for documentary purposes.
The best film camera for documentaries.
The Diana Flash and Diana F+ hot-shoe adapters for 120mm film are also included in the box.
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Like the original, the Diana Flash is powered by a two-pronged plug converter that connects to the Diana F+ camera body.
Also, an electronic flash with color flash capability is also included in this film camera.
The Lomography Diana is one of the highly recommended film cameras for broadcast or narrative purposes.
So, if you’re searching for the finest film camera for people whose passion is doing documentaries, then the Lomography Diana is a must-have.
Specifications
Dimension: 7 x 3.25 x 5 inches
Film Color: Colored
Exposure Control Type: Manual
Weight: 2.25 Pounds
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Wide imageability
Cons
- Difficult to use
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11. Polaroid Original OneStep+
The Polaroid Original OneStep+ is a feature-filled helpful camera for starters with no photography background.
The best film camera for novice.
To start with, the Polaroid OneStep+ produces excellent quality using a dual-lens system.
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The OneStep+ has an amazing battery life, enough for a long shooting time while you can click images in both iType and 600 films.
Some of the major selling points of this device include light painting, noise triggers, and manual mode features.
As a beginner, to fully unlock the proficiency of the Original OneStep+, you will need to connect with other smart devices.
The shutter release is a big red button sitting under the flash, easily accessible and convenient to trigger.
If you are preparing to kick-start your career and need a camera that will serve you well, go for the Polaroid Original OneStep+.
Specifications
Dimension: 5.12 x 4.25 x 6.37 inches
Film Color: Old Model White
Film Format Type: Instant
Weight: 1.1 Pounds
Pros
- Easy to use
- 60-day battery life
Cons
- May stop working
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12. Leica 10371 M-A
If you are looking to take your filmmaking skills to the next level, consider this Leica 10371 M-A.
The best film camera for improving skills.
It has features that make it easy to use for anyone with basic photography skills and gives an analog photography vibe.
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The Leica 10371 is popular for its mechanical exposure control with a shutter speed of up to 1/1000 sec.
Likewise, this SLR camera is durable, thanks to its all-metal enclosed body with chrome brass top & bottom covers.
Also, the Leica M-A has a bright 0.72x viewfinder coupled with its manual focusing capability for optimal filming quality.
With this camera, no need for a battery; you are good to go with the ISO, aperture, and shutter speed.
The Leica 10371 M-A is recommended if you want to take your filming experience to the next level.
Specifications
Dimension: 5.4 x 3.03 x 1.5 inches
Film Color: Silver
Film Format Type: 35mm
Weight: 1.3 Pounds
Pros
- Durable
- Manual focusing
Cons
- Costly
13. NIKON FE2
Another great film camera on the list is the NIKON FE2, which is economical and versatile.
The best cost-effective film camera.
Markedly, the NIKON FE2 gives an all-around justification for every dime spent in getting it.
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To clarify, the NIKON FE2 is lightweight, and if you’re interested in quick captures, it boasts a shutter speed of about 8 to 1/4000th of a second.
Not only that, but with this device, you will get a manual-focus SLR for optimal control of the aperture.
Although it is battery-powered, the F2 is capable of shooting without the power source, except that the light meter will not work.
Whenever it develops a fault, it can be easily repaired by any repair person with enough knowledge of film cameras.
Check out the NIKON FE2 if you want a feel of the oldies in addition to a nice performance at a great price.
Specifications
Dimension: 7.24 x 4.88 x 3.86 inches
Film Format: 35mm
Min Shutter Speed: 1/250th of a second
Weight: 1.72 Pounds
Pros
- Classic
- Compact
Cons
- May not come with a lens
14. Nikon FM
Do you need a small-sized film camera with an accurate electronically-timed shutter? Then this review of the Nikon FM should interest you.
The best compact film camera.
Significantly, Nikon developed it in response to the customers’ need for a small and full-featured single-lens reflex (SLR) camera.
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In particular, don’t bother about dust entering your viewfinder prism, the round eyepiece design of the Nikon FM takes care of that.
In addition, the film camera accepts both AI and non-AI lenses, which means it is compatible with most digital lenses.
Also, the FM’s shutter can function without a battery, firing approximately 3.5 frames per second.
Durability is assured with this camera as its bodyshell is made of silumin-copper-aluminum with a tensile strength of 33.5 kg/mm.
Therefore, if you are considering the most compact film cameras, then check out this Nikon FM, one of the best film cameras of all time.
Specifications
Dimension: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
Film Format: 35mm
Exposure Control: Manual
Weight: 2.25 Pounds
Pros
- Small-sized
- Well-engineered
Cons
- May be noisy
15. Fujifilm X100V
To summarize, creatives in need of a high-quality camera that resonates with the technology standard of today, check the Fujifilm X100V.
The best film camera for digital age.
This device is considered a camera royalty because it is compact and offers a great hybrid viewfinder.
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By all means, with a large APS-C sensor and 23mm f/2 lens, the X100V is great for street photography.
The great autofocus of the camera aids its ability to shoot 4K/30p videos while you can also record super slow-motion footage.
Not only that, the X100V monitor is a touchscreen and can be tilted to enhance low-angle shots making it one of the best film cameras for point-and-shoot.
In addition, the camera’s body is weather-sealed while there are also accessories in the market to fully safeguard it from weather damage.
The X100V’s body is weather-sealed, but these accessories make it completely resistant to inclement weather.
Subsequently, the Fujifilm X100V is the best choice if you want a high-quality film camera that outperforms the best of smartphones.
Specifications
Dimension: 2.1 x 5.04 x 2.94 inches
Form Factor: Compact
Effective Still Resolution: 26.1 MP
Weight: 1.05 Pounds
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Pocketable
Cons
- Expensive
16. Leica M6
Another fantastic film camera on the list is Leica M6, which is great for intermediaries ready to wear professional shoes.
The best film camera for intermediaries.
As a matter of fact, this camera is a fantastic rangefinder with a superb ergonomic design, and there is nothing to hate about it.
Undoubtedly, the major appealing features of the M6 are its well-made Carl Zeiss Leica M mount lenses and its sturdy cover.
A light meter is included in this camera coupled with a TTL flash metering for quick adjustment of flash output.
Although quite pricey, the M6 is made with special consideration for quality over quantity and hand-assembled in Germany.
The film counter is patterned to reset itself once you unload the film using the bottom plate.
Indeed, the Leica M6 is the right choice for creatives and photojournalists needing a film camera that can boost their intermediate skills.
Specifications
Dimension: 9 x 9 x 9 inches
Film Format: 35mm
Weight: 3 pounds
Viewfinder Type: Optical
Pros
- Lifetime durability
- Comfy
Cons
- Prone to paint bubbling
Conclusions
Certainly, you may record everything from special occasions like birthdays and holidays to everyday activities with a camera.
And when it comes to photography, you have the choice of using digital, instant, or classic film.
What is the best film camera in 2022?
It’s difficult to say which film camera is the best, but the Nikon F6 stands out among those on my list.
But if you’re looking for the best film camera that is convenient for a professional, then check out the Olympus OM1.
Furthermore, if your passion is traveling and you’re looking for the most portable film camera, then the Canon Sure Shot is a must-have.
On the other hand, if you’re a beginner and you’re searching for a film camera that is suitable for you, then the Lomography La Sardina is a must-have.
I also included the Olympus OM-10 and Canon AE Film, which is the best film camera for vintage photos and night photography.
Now that I have given you my details and information, which do you think is the best film camera in 2022? Leave a comment below.
