If you plan to enter the world of film photography, it’s good that you’re reading this guide because it will help you find the Best 35mm Film Camera. This format is still often used because of its convenience.
But now that film cameras are becoming more popular, the prices of these cameras are continuing to rise. If you plan to use Top 35mm Film Camera, know that not all cameras will meet your budget and needs.
Over the past decade, film has experienced a bit of a resurgence and we’ve seen a proliferation of never-before-made film stocks and even some restored ones.
Now if you want to get started in film photography, you’ll need a camera. In other words, where should you start?
Our Recommendation For Best 35mm Film Camera
Technology moves so quickly, it’s difficult to stay abreast of all the latest gadgetry. Lots of photographers are suckered into believing that new gadgets will magically turn them into better photographers.
Often some of the most expensive cameras in the world sit idle, stored away. This article focuses on the Cheap 35mm Film Camera that are simple and budget-friendly!
Olympus OM-1
| Sensor size: | 17.4 mm x 13.0 mm |
| Lens mount: | Micro Four Thirds Mount |
| Number of pixels: | Number of effective pixels: Approx. 20.4 million pixels Total number of pixels: Approx. 22.9 million pixels |
| AF system: | High-speed imager AF |
| Flicker Scan: | Video recording 1/30 ~ 1/250.0 Still 1/50.0 ~ 1/7634 |
The Olympus OM-1 is both affordable and very high quality. It is perfect for both beginning 35mm film photographers and those who are more experienced. In addition, it is a good choice for those who travel often.
I like that this system has a dial on the lens that allows me to quickly adjust the shutter speed. This lets you stay on the lens without fiddling with a dial on the top of the camera.
Another one of the qualities of this system is the OM mount lenses manufactured by Zuiko. Compared to other brands on the market, these lenses outperform them all, making this one of the best film cameras for beginners.
Canon AE-1
| Pros: |
Built-in automatic modes such as full program automatic and shutter speed priority. |
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A huge selection of high quality reasonably priced Canon FD lenses to choose from. |
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Additional features such as the built-in self-timer, depth of field (DOF) preview, battery check indicator, and full camera lock mode. |
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Very customizable with a large ecosystem of Canon accessories and interchangeable focus screens. |
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| Cons: |
The light meter isn’t as intuitive as a match-needle light meter, but once you get used to it, it’s very easy to use. |
One of the best film cameras you can get your hands on for under $100 these days is the Canon AE-1.
The Canon AE-1 was released in 1976 and was manufactured by Canon until it was discontinued in 1984, but it has since been revived as the Canon AE-1 Program 35mm camera (and its variants).
In this blog, we’ll explore why you might want to purchase a Canon AE-1, what you should look out for when buying one secondhand, and why they’re still so great today.
Yashica MF-1
| Pros: | Cheap |
| Variety of pleasant colors | |
| Decent image quality | |
| Sharp images | |
| Cons: | Not very durable |
Panasonic released its latest mirrorless camera, one that competes with Sony’s a7R IV and Canon’s 5DS R. The Panasonic Lumix S5 features 50 megapixels of resolution and a powerful 35x optical zoom lens for your wildlife photography needs.
It also includes many other great features for photographers who are looking to shoot portraits, landscapes, or still lifes.The Yashica MF-1 (or Multi Functional) light meter was built in the 1970s to the 1980s, and while it was produced in several variations, they all operate in the same way.
This type of light meter isn’t as intuitive as a match-needle light meter, but once you get used to it, it’s very easy to use.
It allows you to easily take exposure readings with your camera and adjust them according to any situation you may encounter. These kinds of light meters are still used by many professional photographers today.
Minolta X-700
| Negative Size: | 24 x 36 mm |
| ISO: | Manual set 25-1600 |
| Shutter Speed: | 1000 – 4 seconds; Bulb (b) setting available |
| Film Rewind: | Manual (optional winders and Minolta Motor Drive 1) |
The Minolta X-700 was one of the last true SLR film cameras that you could buy before digital began to take over the market in the early 2000s.
Unlike many of the other film SLRs on the market, it didn’t come with an in-body auto focus system like the Canon EOS line or Nikon F5.
But that doesn’t mean it can’t still be an excellent addition to your camera collection if you want to experiment with film photography again, or are just looking for something different than all the DSLRs out there today.
Canon EOS Rebel 2000
| Pros: | Easy to use |
| Lightweight and portable | |
| Auto and manual modes | |
| Great image quality | |
| Cons: | Difficult-to-find batteries |
The Canon EOS Rebel 2000 was released in 1996 and was Canon’s second autofocus consumer SLR. The Rebel 2000 may not be the most intuitive camera on the market, but it does have some nice features that may impress you once you get used to them.
The EOS Rebel 2000 has a light meter, like the one in 35mm SLRs (single-lens reflex cameras). It’s not as intuitive as a match-needle light meter, but once you get used to it, it’s very easy to use.
Basically, you meter by pointing the camera at the subject and then turning the dial on top of the camera until it displays an appropriate shutter speed and aperture combination in the viewfinder or on the LCD panel (for Canon DIGIC II cameras; see p. 11).
Nikon F6 AF
| Pros: | Bright and large viewfinder |
| Feels great to hold | |
| Quick and sharp auto-focus | |
| Lightweight | |
| Cons: | A little expensive |
If you’re the kind of person who buys a camera and then decides to master all of its functions, you’ll find the Nikon F6 very easy to use.
But if you’re looking for something that’s simple to use right off the bat, or if you want to shoot automatic, or if you want to be able to focus manually with older lenses, this camera might not be right for you.
Still, I think it offers the best balance of ease-of-use, functionality, and accuracy of any camera on the market today.
Quick Shopping Tips For Best 35mm Film Camera
Basically, it depends on what you want and how you want to shoot it. For instance, a light-weight camera can work well for outdoor shots.
In other words, ensure that your film camera is durable. If you want auto-focus or a self-timer, be sure the camera has it.
Sensors:
A film camera shoots film. As long as you are using the same type of film, film is the same on different film cameras.
There is no difference in photo quality if you take it with a brand-new professional Nikon F6, or with a 60-year-old Nikon F loaded with the same film stock and the same lens.
Medium , Large, or 35mm?:
That is a big question! What format are you intending to shoot in? the small 35mm format may not be ideal for some, but if you’re buying a film camera and considering what you’re purchasing it for, it might be worth it.
Keep in mind you’ll also have a better chance of finding film in this format, too. The whole experience is worth it. Simply buy a large format or medium format camera.
Most digital cameras have outperformed 35mm film as of late. In many ways, film can be better than digital photography.
Lens System:
If the camera doesn’t have a lot of lenses, then it may not do what you want. Lots of other cameras have lots of lenses available including a few first-party and third-party ones.
Second:
Sometimes brand loyalty doesn’t carry over to the digital film changeover, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But a few digital camera brands do offer models that are compatible with the same lenses that were made for film, so in this case, brand loyalty will yield dividends.
A little research on the Web can let you know if your lenses work with both your film and digital cameras.
Batteries:
All right, speaking of batteries. Film cameras still exist, which happen to accept batteries that are not available in stores. That being said, unless you’re looking for decor or something heavy, you’re better off looking elsewhere.
Make sure you do some online research before you buy a camera that can never be powered on again.
Conclusion
While it is possible to achieve a vintage look through special effects and post-processing, this may not be necessary. Purchasing a Best 35mm Film Camera, which is no longer made, will unlock new avenues in photography.
As the prices of Perfect 35mm Film Camera rise, it is more economically sound to invest in one now than later. We hope this list of Popular 35mm Film Camera helped you find the best one for you!
