Looking to purchase your first film camera but don’t know what you need?
We’ve got you! Here are our top picks for starting your film journey!
WHAT FEATURES DO I NEED?
The two main things you need from your 35mm camera:
- Compatible with good lenses
- Accessible manual controls to dial in exactly what you need.
The quality of your images depends on the exposure you set, the film used, and the lens.
1. Nikon F100
PROS:
- Big, bright viewfinder
- Data imprinted on negatives
- Uses modern and classic Nikon lenses
- Best bang for your buck
CONS:
- Plastic body material can feel cheap
2. Canon AE-1
PROS:
- Tough construction
- Good kit lens
- Compact / easy to carry
CONS:
- Manual focus only – doesn’t use new lenses
- Battery replacement can be tricky
FUN FACT: The screenshot sound effect on Mac computers is the sound of an AE-1 shutter.
photo by: Mylyn Wood Photography
3. Canon EOS-3
PROS:
- Uses EF mount lenses
- Good autofocus
- Good metering
CONS:
- Can feel too big / heavy with external grip
4. Canon EOS-1v
PROS:
- Newest technology
- Uses modern EF-mount lenses
- Good internal meter
- Fast autofocus
- Affordable
- Easy to use
CONS:
- Much like the EOS-3, it can be heavy and/or bulky to some
5. Pentax k1000
PROS:
- Durable, dependable build
- Simple layout of manual controls
- Affordable
- Accepts a variety of older lenses in manual focus mode
CONS:
- Slower light meter
- No automatic features, including autofocus
WHERE TO BUY YOUR FIRST FILM CAMERA
With most film cameras being out of production, chances are you’ll be purchasing them used. While that may seem scary there are numerous, reputable businesses that sell film cameras with their specifications included and most even have return policies if something does end up slipping through the cracks with quality checks.
A few well known and tested businesses are B & H Photo, KEH, and even sellers on eBay or Amazon who specialize in film cameras. (Be sure to read all the details, specs and reviews still!)
NEXT STEPS
Once you have your new camera, it’s time to get outside and put it to the test! When you’re ready to send your first roll of film to us from your new camera, let us know that it’s a test roll so that we can look out for any problems. We’ll let you know if we see anything concerning. Feel free to reach out via email or Instagram if you need any help. We’re here for you!
