Once considered a relic of the past, film photography has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years. Thanks to platforms like Instagram and specialized sites such as Analogue Wonderland, more photographers are rediscovering the unique allure of analog shooting. There's an almost magical quality to it that digital photography can't quite replicate.
Why do people still shoot film? It offers a range of appealing aspects: the tactile nature of the medium, the thrill of experimenting with different film stocks, and the distinct look each one produces. There's also a sense of delayed gratification, which might seem counterintuitive in today's instant world, but it adds to the excitement—waiting to see how your photos turn out after capturing the moment is part of the charm.
And let’s not forget the aesthetics. Many film cameras have a timeless, durable design, often crafted from sturdy metal, which contrasts with the more disposable feel of modern plastic equipment.
Sebastian Oakley
For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. He is familiar with and shows great interest in film photography having used many 35mm, medium, and large format cameras from Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, Sinar. Seb is still as passionate about shooting black and white film today as he was years ago, often using his Leica M2 to shoot street photography.
The Pentax 17 heralds the return of film to the mainstream, as the first brand-new film camera from a major brand in decades. The 17 is a half-frame point-and-shoot, an easy-to-use camera with exceptional consistency, although some might have hoped for more control over images.
The Nikon FE is an advanced semi-pro 35mm SLR camera from 1978 to 1983 that has inspired the retro Nikon camera bodies of today. Easy to use, well-built, and also stunning to behold, this is one of the most iconic Nikon SLR cameras to have in your collection.
Canon AE-1's molded construction and new electronics made it one of the most successful cameras of all time – and today it is still going strong. Thanks to its popularity there are still lots of good quality copies out there on the secondhand market, which can be picked up for a very reasonable price.
Looking for a great camera to start your film journey? The Pentax ME Super is a great camera for beginners with a healthy mix of manual and electric controls. The camera is also cheap and lightweight making it an easy option to toss in a bag when heading out.
If you want a film camera that is an affordable but high-quality bit of kit to learn the basics of photography, then the Pentax K1000 has been the top choice for film students for decades and is still one of the best all-mechanical cameras to learn how t shoot film with.
The Leica MP's iconic design, manual controls, exceptional performance, and immersive shooting experience make it a timeless and valuable choice for film photography enthusiasts and professionals.
Rangefinders take some time and practice to master, so they’re not to everyone’s taste – but for fans of the design, this is one of the all-time classic rangefinders, with a fixed 40mm lens that delivers superb image quality. There’s an issue to be aware of when it comes to batteries, though...
While some film cameras test your photography skills, others set out to make taking a shot as simple as possible – and this is certainly one of the latter. The only setting you need to think about is whether you want the flash turned on or off – then frame your shot in the high-quality f/1.9 lens.
You get a scant eight shots from each roll of film you put into the GW690, so you need to choose your shots with care – but that restriction opens up a new way of thinking about your photography, if you let it, and the f/3.5 90mm lens yields sumptuous results.
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Best half-frame film camera
(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)
✅ Ongoing cost of film is a concern: The half-frame format allows users to capture 72 images on a single roll of 36-exposure film, making it cost-effective. ✅ You want great results: The camera's lens delivers impressively sharp results and achieves incredible results out of its half-frame format.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want something more advanced: The minimal manual controls may limit creative control for seasoned photographers. ❌ You want something cheap: this is quite an expensive camera, and you can pick up second-hand classics for far less money.
The Pentax 17 is the first new film camera to come from a major brand in over 20 years, and the first camera to come out of Pentax's film project. While many might have expected something more akin to a Pentax K1000 or SLR camera – the Pentax 17 is a half-frame film camera, and is designed with a blend of nostalgic appeal and modern practicality, targeting both film enthusiasts and newcomers to analog photography.
The Pentax 17 excels in leveraging the half-frame format, allowing you to capture 72 images on a single roll of 36-exposure film – making expensive rolls of film stretch that little bit further.
Half-frame haters might well have to have a serious rethink after taking a look at what the Pentax 17 is capable of. The camera's lens, despite its modest appearance, delivers impressively sharp results and achieves incredible results out of its half-frame format. The 17's exposure system is also extremely consistent, and I got an incredibly good hit rate of usable photos which is a significant thing to consider given the rising costs of film and development leave little room for mistakes.
As a point-and-shoot, the Pentax 17 has minimal manual controls, which is ideal for those who prefer a straightforward shooting experience. However, the camera's simplicity might be a double-edged sword for seasoned photographers who desire a little more creative control. The lack of detailed feedback from the camera during exposure adjustments and the manual ISO setting could be limiting for those accustomed to more advanced features. On the flip side, these same attributes make it perfect for those who want a reliable, no-fuss camera.
Ultimately, the Pentax 17 strikes a balance between simplicity and performance, making it an attractive option for both casual photographers and those looking to dive into film photography without the complexity of fully manual cameras. Or for anyone looking for a film camera, but desperate to avoid the murky waters of the second-hand market.
✅ You want to own an icon: The AE-1 is one of the most popular cameras in the film community
✅ You want automatic controls: With Shutter Priority, it's great for beginners to learn the basics
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You don’t like electric shutter controls: Make sure you have a spare battery: when it dies, so does your photoshoot
❌ You want solid construction: Crafted from heavy-duty plastic – I've never broken one, but it is not metal
The Canon AE-1 is one of the best-known 35mm film cameras ever made – and the first 35mm SLR to sell one million units. This was certainly no fluke: the AE-1 was a groundbreaking camera for the time. It was the first camera to include some of the electronic components that paved the way for digital cameras.
The Canon AE-1's plastic construction was also a first. New manufacturing processes meant the camera could be produced at scale, which kept the price affordable for novices and enthusiasts. However, this hasn't affected its reliability, as there are plenty of cameras still going strong (including my own) decades after release.
The AE-1 features an electronically controlled cloth focal plane shutter offering a wide and repeatable shutter speed range. This means it needs a battery to power its operation, but offers more potential consistency than mechanically operated shutters. Metering is carried out by a single silicon photocell, offering a center-weighted meter. The AE-1 was unusual for offering Shutter Priority automation at a time when most makers favored Aperture Priority operation.
The AE-1 Program was a later variant that added a fully automatic exposure mode. If you are a bit more of a novice when it comes to film photography, the Program version is a great camera to start with.
The AE-1 uses Canon's FD breech-lock bayonet mount, and also Canon's 'new' style FD lenses; there are plenty of these to pick up secondhand for cheap. It has since been superseded by the EF and RF lens mounts; adaptors are available for mounting these modern lenses, although you won't benefit from any new technology like autofocus and image stabilization.
✅ You want compact: Thanks to its simple design, the Nikon FE is a great compact SLR to carry all day long
✅ You're on a budget: The FE is a great bargain, and can often be found under $200/£200
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You don't want to rely on batteries: For the FE's light meter and shutter to fire, you need a battery
❌ You want high shutter speeds: The highest shutter speed is 1/1,000, but others went to 1/8,000 in the same era
The Nikon FE is an icon of the film era – so much so that it has helped inspire Nikon's current range of retro digital cameras, which bear an uncanny resemblance to the Nikon Z fc. The camera has a design I can't help but fall for: with little touches of copper in the dials and faux-leather cladding on the pentaprism viewfinder, the Nikon FE is still a beauty that draws me to it.
The build of this camera is also renowned for being reliable, so some 30 years later these cameras should still be going strong (although might require some minor repairs like light seals). Our reviewer loved the viewfinder, finding it clear and bright, and the depth of field preview proved very effective.
Looks aren't everything, and thankfully the Nikon FE has the skills too. As an advanced semi-professional 35mm SLR camera with Manual and Aperture Priority shooting modes, it should suit anyone with a little camera know-how. Its shutter has a range of 1/1,000 sec to a maximum of eight seconds, while Bulb mode is mechanical and unlimited. Flash sync speed is 1/125 sec, while the ISO/ASA ranges from 12 to 3,200.
The camera can also be paired with Nikon's F-mount lenses – and luckily, this is one of the widest and best-selling lens ranges of all time, so you certainly won't have any trouble picking some up second-hand. There is a lens to suit everything from wide-angle street scenes to telephotos for wildlife and sports.
Manufactured by Nikon in Japan from 1978 to 1983, the Nikon FE is still a very capable SLR with a lovely design, and is perhaps the perfect model for those wanting to delve into film photography. Today, it's possible to pick up the Nikon FE secondhand for under $150 / £150.
Some dials and buttons feel a bit cheap and flimsy
Buy it if:
✅ You're new to film photography: With Aperture Priority and Manual modes, this is one of the best cameras for learning how to shoot film
✅ You want a bright viewfinder: This features a huge viewfinder that is crisp and bright, perfect for framing images even in low-light situations
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You like the finer things in life: The ME Super is basic, and some of the dials feel it too
❌ You want accurate metering: Its light meter can sometimes be confusing
The Pentax ME Super never had the same kind of cultural impact as the legends of the film era – but where a lot of those cameras didn't endure, the ME Super is still a reliable go-to camera today. I inherited mine from my grandfather's attic and, with minimal cleaning, it is still going strong 40 years later.
The Pentax ME Super is a real crowd-pleaser, and will suit almost every film photographer from beginner to pro – but where I think this camera really hits the sweet spot is simplicity. There are full manual controls for seasoned photographers to get creative, but the camera also has excellent semi-automatic modes for those just getting into photography. The controls are also incredibly easy to understand, with a balance between mechanical and electronic settings. Responsive LEDs in the viewfinder also make dialing in the correct exposure quick and accurate.
The ME Super is super-light: the body is metal, although the dials are a little plastic-y. The viewfinder is dreamy to use, though: with a big, clear picture, it is very easy to compose shots quickly.
Thanks to Pentax’s incredible legacy of lenses, you can rapidly expand into all areas of photography, Pentax glass is also often cheaper online than some of the more popular brands, so you can grow your collection quickly.
✅ You want mechanical: 100% mechanical - no batteries required
✅ You want reliability: The K1000 has a worldwide reputation for reliability and being built like a tank!
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re a photography beginner: Due to its manual-only operation, you need to know your exposure triangle or the Sunny 16 rule
❌ You want a timer: With no self-timer, you are limited in what shots you can take (and no film selfies)
The K1000's reputation has developed through what must have been seen at the time as simple cost-cutting. It was the cheapest of Pentax's DSLRs, and even had the self-timer and depth of field preview on other models removed, just to save money. It's an entirely manual camera, and although it does need a battery for its meter, the mechanical shutter will operate without one.
Generations of students have come to love this camera for its low cost, simplicity and durability, while generations of lecturers have chosen it for its purely manual controls and the way it forces you to learn exposure theory.
The K1000 uses the Pentax K bayonet mount still in use today (with some revisions for autofocus and electronics). This means that K1000 owners have decades of glass to choose from, giving a huge range of focal lengths and price points. Secondhand Pentax glass tends not to be overly pricey, so this adds another string to the K1000's educational bow: you can easily try out lots of different lenses without breaking the bank.
This might not be the film camera you carry through your whole life, but it is certainly one of the best cameras you can buy today to learn all about shooting film. The K1000's reputation and hipster desirability means the price has not sunk as low as some of the others on this list, though, but you should still be able to pick up a decent copy for below $150 / £150.
✅ You want a status symbol: Owning a Leica MP (new or old) has become the ultimate ‘you've made it’ symbol
✅ You love rangefinders: One of the best out there that Leica has just started to make again – with all the bells and whistles
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You're on a budget: To own this icon of photography, you are going to have to have deep pockets
❌ You find rangefinders tricky: For those not used to the rangefinder system, it can be a difficult thing to master
There is no denying that Leica knows how to make a stunning, iconic camera. Leica's M rangefinders are perhaps the pinnacle of that, with a world-renowned design that has proved so popular that the Leica MP is one of the few film cameras that can still be bought new.
I found the Leica MP’s shooting experience to be immersive and rewarding. The manual controls and mechanical feedback provide a tactile and engaging process, allowing photographers to feel deeply connected to their craft.
The Leica MP offers an unparalleled handling and performance experience that appeals to both analog enthusiasts and professional photographers. Its robust construction, intuitive controls, precise rangefinder, and reliable mechanical operation combine to create a camera that is both a joy to use and capable of producing outstanding photographic results.
While there are minor quirks, such as the front battery door and the absence of a shutter lock, these are easily overshadowed by the camera's overall excellence. For those committed to the art of film photography, the Leica MP is a timeless investment that promises a lifetime of exceptional performance.
✅ You value affordability: This is one of the most affordable rangefinders to try out the system - it is built well too!
✅ You like style: It has an amazing retro look that modern cameras can only dream about replicating
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want a good light meter: Its original battery is now illegal, and alternatives make the meter a bit unpredictable
❌ You’re not fond of small viewfinders: It can be tricky to hit critical focus with its small viewfinder and focus patch
One of the best-selling cameras of all time, the Canonet G-III QL17 found huge success by being simple to use, offering superb image quality, and a stunning high-quality build for a reasonable price. All three of these still hold true.
In my opinion, the Canonet G-III QL17 is one of the prettiest rangefinder cameras out there, with a classic design in a small compact body – but it is built like a tank. Rangefinders aren't for everyone: they are notoriously trickier to focus on with their smaller viewfinders, but the more compact size has the benefit of being a more discreet camera when out shooting on the streets, or for slipping into a bag more easily while traveling.
The image quality from the fixed lens on the Canonet G-III QL17 is simply superb – and lives up to its reputation as ‘the poor man's Leica'. The lens is a fixed 40mm lens, which limits the camera's versatility compared with interchangeable-lens cameras – but 40mm is a useful length for day-to-day photography including travel, street and some environmental portraiture. The wide aperture of f/1.7 also means you can achieve some nice background blur and better low-light images.
Where this camera falls down today is with its ease of use – since the camera was released, the original batteries have been deemed illegal in most countries, for containing mercury. There are workarounds using zinc hearing-aid batteries, but this has led to an unpredictable light meter, requiring a bit more knowledge and practice to ensure your images are properly exposed.
✅ You want something simple: Stick in some AA batteries and enjoy the simplicity of shooting what you see - without the brain work!
✅ You’re happy to use AA batteries: Widely available all around the world, and cheap compared to camera-specific ones
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want stealth: It is a rather loud camera when shooting and advancing film, so your best efforts to be stealthy could be wasted
❌ You shoot high-ISO film: Unfortunately, you can only shoot films with a max ASA/ISO of 400
The Canon AF35ML is a cheap and cheerful 35mm film camera for taking some quick snapshots without having to do all that much work. While this isn’t the coolest camera to come out of the film era, it has a following all its own.
The camera is fully automatic, including the focus, so you don't have to worry about any settings apart from whether you want the flash on or off. I think this camera is best described as the ultimate reloadable camera – the perfect camera for handing around at a party, on holiday, or even passing to a child, and knowing that you are going to get good results (providing they do a good job of framing, that is). Framing is made somewhat easier by the optical viewfinder; while it isn't the clearest viewfinder, it gives a good enough idea of the scene.
Other point-and-shoot cameras in this class can't hold a candle to the AF35ML's lens. With a f/1.9 aperture lens, it is much wider than usual, so can perform better in low light, as well as getting some nice subject separation. The lens is also higher-quality than the plastic-y build might suggest, and outputs clean and consistent photos. With built-in flash, it makes it great to take out at night as well.
This isn't a camera for capturing great artistry, but for capturing memories with ease, this is certainly a fantastic option. The AF35ML can usually be found for under $100 / £100, although sometimes decent copies can be found for half that.
✅ You want big negatives: With 6x9cm negatives, this is the biggest you can shoot without getting into large-format
✅ You want portability: This is the most portable 6x9 camera out there – it's still massive, but it's manageable
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want more than eight shots per roll: Film can be expensive, so you better make those eight shots per roll count!
❌ You prefer light over clunky: This is not a lightweight camera, and it can be rather bulky when you’re on the streets
The great thing about film, and especially medium-format 120-roll film, is that it's so flexible – both literally and metaphorically. The film rolls are 120mm wide, but it's up to the camera maker how much width they want to use.
6 x 4.5cm medium-format cameras shot rectangular images 'sideways' on a roll, whereas regular 6 x 6cm cameras shot square images so it didn't matter which way you turned the camera. Other cameras, like the RZ67 above and the Fuji GW690, shoot extra-wide images.
You get fewer exposures on a roll, but extra-large negatives and transparencies. The GW690 is a no-frills fixed-lens manual exposure camera that offers huge images in a comparatively portable package.
The best medium-format film camera for studio work
Specifications
Type: SLR
Film format: 120/220 (medium-format)
Year introduced: 1982
Availability: Used
Lens: Interchangeable
Viewfinder: Various
Modes: Manual
User level: Expert/Professional
Reasons to buy
+
6 x 7cm images
+
Modular design
Reasons to avoid
-
Big and heavy
-
Quite expensive, even now
Buy it if:
✅ You want medium-format: The 6x7 format is a fan favorite, and the RZ67 is a highly prized camera in this field
✅ You love shooting portraits: The RZ67 is renowned for being a fantastic portrait and studio camera
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want something lightweight: Due to its design, the RZ67 is very bulky and rather heavy to carry around all day
❌ You want to shoot more: It only offers 10 shots per roll of 120 film; you might want to consider a 645 camera that offers a more economical 15/16 shots per roll
An evolution of the RB67, introduced in 1970, the RZ67 keeps the revolving back that gave the earlier system its name, and the just-off-square 6 x 7cm image area.
Just to put this in context, this is far larger than the 6 x 4.5cm area of the largest medium-format digital models today. Like the Hasselblad 500 C/M, the RZ67 is a modular camera with interchangeable lenses, viewing systems, and backs.
It's a bit big and heavy for extended handheld use, though, and it's best used on a tripod. High-quality medium-format film cameras are holding their prices pretty well at the moment, and you might have to shop around to get a working, affordable example.
Film cameras come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some are fully mechanical, while others rely on electronics. Lens compatibility also plays a significant role in determining the practicality of a camera system. Among these, 35mm cameras are the most popular entry point into film photography. They are the foundation of the analog resurgence, favored by everyone from beginners to professionals. Most 35mm cameras come in SLR-style bodies, rangefinders, or simple point-and-shoot models, including disposable cameras.
As photographers progress, many turn to medium-format cameras. With larger negatives than 35mm, these cameras offer higher resolution, greater detail, and improved sharpness. They also come in various formats that shoot different image dimensions on 120 film. The most common ratio in medium format is 6x4.5 (also known as 645), but medium-format cameras can also shoot in 6x6, 6x7, 6x8, and even 6x9, like the Fuji GW690. However, the larger the ratio, the fewer images you can fit on a roll of film. For instance, 645 cameras can capture 15 to 16 images per roll, while 6x9 cameras only allow for 8 exposures.
For those seeking even larger negatives, large format cameras are the next step, offering negatives larger than 6x9, typically in 4x5 or 8x10 configurations. These cameras provide the most precise image adjustments, but their bulk and weight make them less portable. Unlike medium format, large format cameras use individual sheets of film, limiting the photographer to one or two images per film holder at a time.
Buying used film cameras is a bit of a minefield as you can't rely on warranty and digital retailers, and instead have to become a savant at sorting the deals from the dross, using eBay and other second-hand sites, and perhaps even rummaging through a yard sale or flea market.
Be on the lookout for reputable sellers and dealers, if someone has a good reputation online (through reviews or customer feedback) then they are probably a safer bet to buy from. Dealers who sell exclusively in used cameras will also likely have better stock, as they will know exactly what to look for (and what not to) in a camera. Don't be shy about asking for more details or photos, especially if it is an expensive purchase.
The key thing to avoid is fungus. This is a type of mold that grows inside cameras when they are kept in damp or humid environments. While it is not necessarily dangerous, it can have some nasty effects on camera and lens glass, leaving spiderweb-like etchings across the glass and ruining image quality. Inside cameras and lenses, it is nearly impossible to clean effectively without dismantling. Ask to see close-up images of any glass parts of a camera or lens as this will help you detect fungus.
Overall it’s best to look at the cosmetics of the camera to judge how it has been used, another way is to inspect the film plate and see if it has any marks or fine scratches, these will be caused by friction from the film advancing and rewinding into the film canister when shooting – if there are a lot of visible marks, the camera has had a lot of rolls through it if no marks can be seen then its had a lower use.
Which usually means it had not been used that much, another tip is to always ask to see sample images taken with the cameras in question, if you can see they take images and you're happy with the results, then congratulations you've found a film camera to add to your collection.
For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.
He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and is a Master of Arts in Publishing. He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association.
He is familiar with and shows great interest in street, medium, and large format photography with products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2 shooting Street photography or general life as he sees it, usually in Black and White.
