35 mm film cameras are great for capturing memories, especially when you want to capture those special moments in life.
They also offer high quality images, even at low light levels.
35 mm film cameras have been around since the early 1900s, but they haven’t seen much change over time.
The main reason why these cameras remain popular is that they produce beautiful photos.
There are a number of reasons why 35 mm film cameras are still relevant today.
For starters, film photography just has a certain ‘look' to it that you can't replicate with digital filters and the like.
This is why so many photographers favor the “old fashioned” technology as opposed to digital cameras.
The most important thing about 35 mm film cameras is that they allow you to take stunning photographs.
This means that you can easily create photo albums and scrapbooks with your favorite pictures.
You can also use the photographs you take as beautiful gifts or souvenirs.
If you want to learn more about 35 mm film cameras, then keep reading! Here we will discuss some of the best 35 mm film cameras available on the market.
The Best 35 mm Film Cameras
Best 35 mm Camera – Comparison Table
Best 35 mm Camera – Reviews
This camera offers an excellent value for money. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around.
The camera also comes with a built-in flash which allows you to shoot in low light conditions without having to buy additional lighting equipment.
There are so many fantastic Minolta lenses that you can get for very affordable prices.
This includes the world renowned 58 mm f/1.2 Rokkor, which is great for capturing beautifully dream-like photographs for a very reasonable price.
Additionally, the regular 50 mm f/1.8 or 50 mm f/1.7 Minolta lenses are incredibly affordable.
If you intend to use the camera's program auto mode, then you need to be aware of the differences between MD and MC lenses.
The MC lenses are solely aperture priority or manual only.
However, if you plan to use the camera's automatic exposure modes, then you should go for the MD lenses.
These lenses give you full control over the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings.
- Compact design
- Affordable price tag
- Great range of lenses
- MD lenses cannot be used with the camera's automatic exposure features
This camera is one of the best budget options available on the market. It is extremely versatile and can be used by both beginners and advanced users alike.
With its small form factor, this camera is perfect for taking along wherever you go.
It comes with a wide variety of interchangeable lenses, including the classic 28 mm f/2.8 lens.
If you're looking for something more unique, then you might consider getting the Nikkor 24 mm f/4.5D ED lens.
This lens produces images with a shallow depth of field, giving them a dreamy effect.
Additionally, the Nikon F3 / F3Hp also comes with a built-in flash unit, allowing you to capture amazing night shots.
The Nikon F3 is one of the best cameras ever made. It is an excellent camera, and it has a rock-solid build, incredible ergonomic features, and is one of my favorite cameras I've ever used.
The F3 is the successor to the legendary Nikkor F2, but now includes a built-in light meter and aperture-priority automation (no need for a separate finder). Like the Nikon FE/FE2/F series, the F3 has a shutter that is electronically controlled.
- Small, lightweight body
- Excellent build quality
- Great range of lenses included
- Difficult to change batteries
The Canon AE-1 was released in 1976 as a direct competitor to the Minolta Maxxum 7000. The Canon AE-l still remains popular among photographers today.
This is because it is a highly reliable camera that has been around for decades.
Although the camera doesn't have any fancy features like autofocus, it does come with a number of useful accessories.
For example, there is a built-in flash, which allows you to take photos at night without having to carry a separate flash unit.
Additionally, the camera also comes with a tripod mount, which makes it easy to shoot from a stable position.
There are two different versions of the Canon AE-1. One version is known as the “AE-1N” and the other is called the “AE-1S.” Both of these models were designed to work with either 120 or 126 rollfilm.
As far as lens availability goes, there are thousands of lenses available for fairly reasonable prices.
It's a well-made and highly regarded 35 mm body that is of exceptional quality, so that is why it makes our list.
- Reliable
- Good value for money
- Easy to use
- No autofocus
- No image stabilization
If you want a sturdy camera that will last for many years of heavy use, then the Pentax K1000 is what you need.
Despite its age, this camera is still considered to be among the best all-round cameras available.
This compact SLR is one of the best, most popular and longest-running 35 mm cameras around, and for good reason.
This Pentax film camera is completely mechanical and requires no battery to operate.
However, you need to use an A76 battery for the light meter to work.
Unlike other SLR and DSLR cameras, the K1000 is simple and has very little if any learning curve.
There are three main controls for taking pictures: aperture, shutter speed and focus. When you load it, you set the film speed.
This extraordinarily simple camera that forces you to think about your picture instead of how to work the camera properly.
Its simplicity is its biggest selling-point. Because of this, it's recommended by many photography teachers, instructors, professors, and others to use it in their classes.
The Pentax K1000 is great because you never have to turn the camera or the meter on or off; it's always ready to go when you need to take a quick snap.
The K1000 can take up to 36 exposures per roll of film, although only 24 shots can be used after each exposure.
The Pentax 35 mm SLR Camera is a classic and timeless classic that continues to be popular to this day.
- Simple design
- Easy to use
- Great for beginners
- Has limited functionality
The Olympus OM-1 is another excellent choice if you're looking for a good entry level camera.
It's priced reasonably, but it's by no means “cheap”. The Olympus OM-1 is a very well-built, compact, and light camera that is ideal for beginners.
The TTL (through the lens) light meter controls a needle in the viewfinder which lets you adjust the exposure.
The shutter speed dial (located around the lens mount) allows photographers to keep the lens at the eye level between shots compared to other cameras where the dial is on the top plate of the camera.
The Olympus OM-10 is a very reliable camera that is often used in schools and colleges as a teaching aid.
- Compact
- Lightweight
- TTL light meter
- Limited features
- No IS
The Contax G1 is a 35 mm SLR camera that is perfect for beginners and students. This model was made famous by the Beatles who used it extensively during the 1960s.
It doesn't come with any kind of built-in flash unit, but it does include a pop-up flash attachment that can be bought separately.
It also comes with a small but useful carrying case and a manual. The Contax G 1 is a very basic camera that is easy to learn how to use.
The Contax G2 is without a doubt the most versatile and affordable 35 mm SLR camera for street photography.
This rugged rangefinder film camera that's widely accepted as being one of the most advanced electronic rangefinder cameras on the market.
The Contax G1 is a very compact, lightweight, and durable camera that is perfect for travel. It's not too heavy and fits easily into a backpack or suitcase.
- Very portable
- Easy to use
- Features autofocus functionality
- Can be expensive
- Can be expensive to repair
The Konica Hexar AF is a classic 35 mm SLR camera that was originally released in Japan in 1966. It was designed by Konica Minolta.
This camera is known for its excellent build quality and reliability. It's been used by many celebrities including Michael Jackson, Bruce Lee, and Steve McQueen.
This camera is ideal for those who want a more traditional style of shooting. It's a good option if you are looking for something that will last for decades.
The Hexar is a very reliable camera that offers a lot of versatility. It's available in black, silver, and gold finishes.
The Hexar is a very capable camera that takes beautiful photos. It's also relatively inexpensive.
Despite not having the full range of controls a professional camera has, the Konica Hexar is an excellent choice for beginner or hobbyist photographers. The image quality is excellent, with very little distortion or blurring.
This camera is particularly good for portrait shots. It can produce some stunning results.
The Hexar AF is a fantastic camera that's well-built and extremely reliable. It's a great choice for beginners and professionals alike.
- Excellent build quality
- Reliable
- Good value for money
- Not as versatile as other models
The Leica Minilux is a classic camera that's still being produced today. It was first released in 1966 and remained popular until the early 1980s. Since then, however, it's become less common.
The Minilux is a great camera for taking landscape photographs. It has a large zoom lens that gives you a wider angle of view. This means you can fit more into one frame.
You can also shoot at low shutter speeds without worrying about blurry images. The Minilux is also compatible with many lenses, so you can experiment with different focal lengths.
The Minilux is one of the best 35 mm film cameras. Despite not having the full range of controls a pro camera has, the Minilux is an excellent option for those looking for a budget-friendly alternative.
Even though some die-hard Leica lovers are put off by the idea of the Minilux being made in Japan by Minolt, it performs just like any other model of Leica camera.
You’ll be thrilled with this little camera. It looks cool, and has a sleek and sturdy design. The exposure system is centered and performs well, making taking great pictures easy and convenient.
The Leica Minilux is a real all-arounder and perfect for straightforward point-and-shoot photography.
- Good quality
- Simple to use
- Compatible with many lenses
- Not as good as professional models
The Canon EOS Rebel GII is a highly-rated SLR for many reasons. With its compact, ergonomic design and metallic silver finish, the EOS Rebel GII has gained a very positive reputation for itself over the years thanks to its reliability, sophisticated performance, and wide range of features.
This great little camera has autofocus, TTL phase detection, 3x optical zoom, and shutter speeds of 30 to 1/2000 seconds.
Additionally, it has a whopping 11 exposure modes, and a built-in flash.
This very affordable 35 mm film camera is perfect for beginners, because it has a wealth of automatic functions that makes film photography as easy as possible.
It also features red eye reduction technology, which makes it perfect for family photos, portraits, or vacation snaps.
- Beginner-friendly
- Inexpensive
- Automatic features
- Compact design
- No batteries included
Best 35 mm Camera – Buyers Guide
Choosing a 35 mm camera can be confusing. There are lots of options available, but they're all very similar.
In fact, most 35 mm cameras perform almost identically. They all offer the same basic functions, such as auto focus and metering.
However, there are differences between them. These include things like image resolution, sensor size, number of frames per second, and whether they have manual control over aperture and shutter speed.
When choosing a 35 mm camera, look for one that offers the features you want.
For example, if you plan on shooting landscapes, make sure the camera has a wide-angle lens. If you prefer to take portraits, choose a camera with a telephoto lens. Look for a camera that has features that will help you get better results.
If you want to learn how to use a camera, buy a beginner's camera. A beginner’s camera usually comes with only a few features.
This makes it easier to understand what each button does. Once you've mastered using the basics, move up to a more advanced camera.
If you're new to photography, consider buying a compact digital camera instead of a 35 mm camera. Compact digital cameras are smaller than 35 mm cameras, but they have the same basic functionality.
They also cost much less money. A 35 mm camera is ideal for anyone who wants to start taking photos. It's affordable, simple to use, and versatile.
While it may not give you the exact picture quality of a DSLR or mirrorless camera, it's still a great choice for those who want to get into film photography.
What Should I Look For When Buying A Film Camera?
There are several factors to keep in mind when purchasing a 35 mm camera. First, you need to decide which type of camera you want.
Do you want a compact digital camera? Or do you want something more traditional? Here are some points to consider:
Size
Compact digital cameras are small enough to fit in your pocket. They are often called ”point-and-shoots” because they are designed to capture images quickly.
Many of these cameras come equipped with zoom lenses, so you can shoot from afar.
Digital compact cameras are popular among amateur photographers who don't want to carry around bulky equipment.
Image Quality
Traditional 35 mm cameras produce lower image quality compared to more modern digital cameras, but they are still perfectly adequate for casual snapshots.
Most compact digital cameras have built-in flash units, allowing you to snap candid shots at night without worrying about lighting issues.
If this is a deciding factor for you, then you may want to consider a newer style of camera.
Features
Some compact digital cameras have additional features, such as autofocus and automatic exposure controls.
Others have fewer features, making them simpler to operate. You'll probably find that many of the best compact digital cameras are made by Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, and Sony.
Price
The price of a compact digital camera varies widely. Prices range anywhere from $100 to $1,000 or more.
Generally speaking, higher end models tend to offer more sophisticated technology. They also typically feature larger sensors and faster frame rates.
The next thing you need to think about is whether you want an interchangeable lens camera or fixed lens camera.
An interchangeable lens camera allows you to change out different lenses depending on the subject matter you're trying to photograph.
Fixed lens cameras, on the other hand, have a single lens that stays in place during all pictures.
These types of cameras are generally more expensive than their interchangeable lens counterparts. However, they provide better image quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do Accessories Cost?
You can expect to pay between $20-$50 for most accessories. This includes things like batteries, cases, and filters.
Accessories are an important part of any camera system. Without them, you won't be able to take advantage of all the features offered by your camera.
Which Brand Offers The Best Value?
When shopping for a new camera, you will likely be comparing prices across multiple brands.
For example, if you were looking to buy a point-and-shoot camera, you would compare prices between Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and others.
When you shop online, it's easy to get confused by the sheer number of options available.
It can be difficult to know what you should look for in a particular model. That's why we've created this guide. We hope you find it helpful!
What Does Shutter Speed Mean?
Shutter speed refers to how long the shutter remains open when taking a picture.
A fast shutter speed makes sure that there is no blur in the photo. If the shutter speed is too slow, then blurring may occur.
Slow shutter speeds allow more light into the camera, which helps create brighter photos.
What Is ISO?
ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization. It is a measurement of sensitivity.
The higher the ISO setting, the greater the ability to capture detail in low light situations. When you use a high ISO setting, you sacrifice image quality.
What is aperture?
Aperture is the opening in front of the lens through which light passes. Larger openings let in more light. Smaller openings reduce the amount of light entering the camera.
What Is Focal Length?
Focal length is the distance between the center of the lens and the sensor (or film). Longer focal lengths give you a wider angle of view.
Shorter focal lengths the amount of light entering the camera. You'll notice that some people refer to focal length as “f-stop.” F-stops are used to measure the size of the aperture.
What Is Depth Of Field?
Depth of field is the area in focus around the edges of the frame. As you zoom in closer to your subject, the area in focus gets smaller.
With shallow depths of field, you can control the amount of sharpness in your images with post processing software.
What Is Exposure Compensation?
Exposure compensation is a feature that lets you adjust the brightness of your image after the fact.
By adjusting the exposure settings, you can make adjustments to compensate for varying lighting conditions.
What Is Autofocus?
Autofocus is a feature that automatically adjusts the focus of the lens based on where you set the camera.
In other words, the camera focuses on whatever is closest to the lens. If you move the camera away from the object, the camera refocuses accordingly.
What Is Manual Focus?
Manual focus allows you to manually override the auto-focus function and choose exactly where the camera focuses.
Manual focus requires practice and patience. However, many photographers prefer using manual focus because they have better control over their shots.
What Is White Balance?
White balance controls the color temperature of your pictures. There are various types of white balance settings including Auto White Balance, Cloudy, Incandescent Light, Fluorescent Light, Flash, Direct Sunlight, and Daylight.
What Is Metering Mode?
Metering mode determines whether or not the camera will meter the scene before shooting.
Some models include spot, evaluative, matrix, partial, center weighted, average, and dynamic range modes.