Film photography has made a resurgence, particularly with the younger generation who grew up with digital cameras. While it's possible to pick up a vintage film camera on eBay for a few hundred dollars, it takes a little knowledge beforehand to make the most of cameras such as the Nikon FM and the Canon F-1.
For anyone who's keen on experimenting first before investing in a manual film camera that costs more, the best place to start would be with a newer model that's easily available and cheaper. A lot cheaper!
The popularity of film photography has seen the likes of the Kodak Ektar E35 half-frame cameras launch recently, and there are a few other Kodak point-and-shoot film cameras to try too. These have been designed for the younger generation, available in fun colours and with simple, easy-to-use controls.
It's important to remember that these are Kodak-branded but aren't actually made by Kodak. The famous camera brand licenses its name to other companies who manufacture and sell the cameras, with Kodak's seal of approval, so you know you're getting a good product.
• Check out our picks of the best Black Friday camera deals in Australia
While most of these are already quite affordable, there's up to 35% off some of these Kodak film cameras on Amazon right now for Black Friday. For example, you can pick up a Kodak M35 for just AU$32 or the aforementioned Kodak Ektar H35 in different colourways for as low as AU$61.
Kodak Ektar H35 deal
Kodak Ektar H35 | AU$76.30 from AU$61.05 on Amazon (save up to AU$15.25)
The lowest price for a Kodak Ektar H35 half-frame camera is for the Sage colourway, and while Amazon's discount is just 20%, the camera typically retails for around AU$79 to AU$99. So your savings are actually better shopping from Amazon. The Brown and the Sand colour options are also discounted but they will set you back a little more at AU$69 and AU$72.60 respectively.
The Kodak Ektar H35 is a fun point-and-shoot film camera that divides each frame of a roll of 35mm film into two. So, instead of producing 36 images measuring 24x36 mm, you'll get 72 images measuring 24x18 mm each.
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That means you always have to remember to shoot in portrait mode (or vertically) rather than in landscape (or horizontally). And this can be tricky, so the viewfinder provides a helpful vertically-oriented grid to help you frame your shot.
Available in different colours, the Ektar H35 exudes retro charm in its design and it's a fun, affordable camera that's great for getting more value out of your roll of 35mm film.
Kodak M35 deal
Kodak M35 | AU$34 AU$32 on Amazon (save AU$2)
Admittedly a couple of dollars isn't anything to write home about but the RRP of a Kodak M35 in Australia is AU$39, so you are getting a slightly better saving from Amazon on what is already a remarkably affordable film camera. Available in multiple colours at the same price.
Also taking 35mm film, the Kodak M35 produces full-frame shots, so you'll get 36 frames from a single roll. Where the Ektar H35 half-frame camera features a 22mm lens, the M35 has a 31mm fixed lens with an aperture of f/10.
Unlike the retro-looking Ektar H35, the M35 is rather plasticky. It feels more like a disposable camera than a reloadable one, but you will get better images from the M35 than from one of Kodak's disposable cameras.
It, too, is a point-and-shoot, with fixed exposure settings, although you can toggle the flash on or off, depending on the ambient light conditions. Note, however, that the flash needs a AAA battery, although the camera itself does not. So you will need to remember to turn the flash off after use or the battery can drain if left on, adding to ongoing costs.
Other Kodak Black Friday deals
There are a few other Kodak camera models being discounted on Amazon right now, although the above two is our pick of the best Kodak film cameras.
If you'd like other alternatives, a Kodak Reto 3D film camera is available for AU$107, down from AU$150. As the name suggests, this camera produces 3D images, which can be a bit of fun. It features a triple-lens system that captures the subject in three slightly different angles to form three half-frame shots.
If you're not too keen on experimenting with 3D images, then the Kodak Reto Ultra Wide & Slim 35mm camera is also discounted, with prices starting from AU$36 (down from AU$55). This fun and lightweight camera has an ultra-wide 22mm lens, hence the name.
There are Kodak instant cameras and printers also seeing a price drop on Amazon, if you'd rather not experiment with film.
Unfortunately Amazon isn't offering any significant discounts on film rolls, but you might be able to pick up something for under AU$40.
