Best Nikon Film Camera

Nikon have been creating film cameras since the 1940’s and have decades worth of cameras behind their belts.

Even though in the present day, Nikon have focused on creating digital cameras, the film cameras they made in the past are some of the best designed.

From cameras for beginners to cameras for professionals, Nikon has produced a range of film cameras that are suitable for everyone.

With each camera having different features, there are multiple options depending on how advanced you are at photography and using film cameras.

Film cameras are becoming more and more popular as the classic and vintage look of the photographs have become very trendy on social media.

Film cameras have a warm and classic feel to the pictures they produce, a sense of uniqueness that most digital cameras cannot replicate.

For this reason, many people are turning back to film cameras to create unique images.

In this article, we will cover the top 5 best Nikon film cameras. These cameras vary in design for beginners to professional photographers.

So, if you are looking to upgrade your film camera, or you are only just beginning your photography journey, this is the perfect article for you!

We will go through the pros and cons of the five best Nikon film cameras we could find, as well as who they are best suited for.

Finally, we will talk you through a buyer’s guide so you know exactly what you want to be keeping an eye out for when looking to buy a Nikon film camera.

So, let’s get into it. Here are the top 5 best Nikon film cameras:

Now we have introduced you to some of the best Nikon film cameras, it is time to guide you through the qualities that you should be considering before purchasing your own.

This guide is intended to help you understand film cameras a bit better and to know which type will be best for you, and what features you are looking for in a camera.

Manual Vs Automatic

In the cameras we listed above, one of the main differences is whether they are manual or automatic – but what does this actually mean?

Automatic film cameras are much more suitable for those who are beginning their journey into photography.

Autonomy limits the choices available to the photographer, and instead comes with preset settings that make it much easier for the user.

The automatic modes help to create great pictures without any of the hassle of having to change any of the settings.

The downside in this is that it severely limits the photographer because they are unable to make changes to the settings that will allow them to create new and unique images that are of a personal style to them.

Manual film cameras give the photographer much more control over their photographs.

These cameras are much more intricate and allow the user to edit the levels of many different settings such as exposure.

This is perfect for more advanced users that know the specifics of what they want in a picture.

Producing unique images is much easier with a manual camera and gives you many more options to change the way your picture is going to come out.

Having more control over your pictures means they will be more likely to come out better. This is especially useful for when you are in specific environments that may require different levels and settings in order to produce a better picture.

Auto focus and auto exposure are better for situations in which the subject is moving, or a rapid environment where the lighting may be changing for instance.

This is because the camera automatically calculates the correct levels.

If you are shooting in a static environment however, then you may find the manual cameras are much better in order to produce a unique image.

Basically, automatic film cameras are much more convenient in terms of quickly snapping a shot, and much easier for beginners to use.

If you are a more advanced photographer or want to spend more time on your pictures, and really choose your own specifics, then the manual camera is the right choice for you.

Level Of User

The next factor we are going to discuss is what level you are when it comes to photography.

Different film cameras are more suitable for different users depending on how advanced you are at the subject.

If you are a beginner you are going to want to find a camera that has been designed specifically for beginner photographers, such as the very first camera in our list.

If you are a beginner it will be beneficial for you to have an automatic film camera.

As we discussed above, this is a camera that automatically calculates the levels needed for the perfect photograph.

Automatic cameras add a level of ease that beginner photographers will benefit from.

If you are a more advanced user then you should look at investing in a manual camera. This will allow you to create more unique pictures and set the levels of exposure yourself.

Manual cameras give the user a lot more control over the pictures.

You should also look at reviews to find out whether the camera you are interested in is user friendly.

Looking at reviews from people in real life will give you a realistic impression of the camera and how easy or difficult it will be to use.

Researching the camera and how user friendly it is beforehand will give you an advantage.

Even if you are a beginner at photography, there will be a film camera that will be perfect for your ability level.

Lenses And Lense Mounts

The next feature of a film camera that you should pay close attention to is whether the lens is interchangeable, and if it has a universal lens mount.

A universal lens mount means that many different lenses can be used on the same camera, which will save you money if you like to switch between cameras and lenses.

It is also important that the camera you choose has an interchangeable lens because this means you will be able to swap them out to create different style pictures from different aspects and angles.

This will give much more range and depth in your photographs, and bring you to a more advanced level as a photographer.

It is always beneficial to have a camera that can switch lenses because it opens up many more opportunities in terms of what you can photograph and the style in which you photograph.

Shutter Speed

The shutter speed is also a very important feature to take into consideration.

If you are a photographer that would usually capture moving images, then you will want a camera with a fast shutter speed.

This will ensure that you don’t miss any quick moving movements that other cameras might. Cameras with a fast shutter speed and that are automatic are especially great for moving subjects.

This is because the camera can calculate the correct settings to produce the best image possible.

Essentially, a faster shutter speed means you are more likely to capture any fast movements, and provide a crisper, non-blurry image.

Age Of Camera

The age of the camera you buy will determine different factors. The older the camera, the difference in film or even lenses that you might have to buy.

It is important to understand the age of your camera so that you can find the right accessories for it, which may be especially hard if it is an older model.

Older models of camera can have different lenses compared to newer models and may not be compatible with new lenses on the market, limiting the choices you have.

You also need to consider the condition the camera will be in if you are buying a vintage product, and ensure that you know it is in perfect working order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Nikon Film Cameras Good?

Nikon are renowned for their reliable and high-quality film cameras which they have been producing over the span of several decades.

This means that they have made some of the best film cameras of all time, and many of the cameras can still be used today to create authentic and unique photographs.

Nikon film cameras are great because there is such a range in variation, meaning there is a camera suitable for any level of photographer – whether that be beginner, advanced or anywhere in between.

The Nikon FM2 is widely said to be one of the best film cameras and is often used for professional film photography.

It is a great and popular camera that can produce great quality images in almost any condition.

Does It Matter What Film Camera You Use?

The two most important things you need in a camera are the ability to focus and control over the exposure.

As long as your camera allows you to do these, you will be able to create fantastic images.

Focus will allow you to take sharp and crisp photos, whereas changing the exposure will mean you can take pictures in many different settings and lightings.

Does Camera Film Expire?

Film camera does expire. Usually, film will be okay for roughly two to three years after it has been manufactured.

Using expired film may mean that your pictures don’t come out as you hope, and may even be damaged or ruined.

Is Film Better Than Digital Photography?

It depends on how you want your photographs to look.

Film cameras capture photos at a higher resolution than most digital cameras, but digital cameras can store a larger amount of photographs.

Final Thoughts

There are many different types of film cameras by Nikon available to you today, each ranging in features and qualities.

Whether you are looking for your first film camera or an upgrade, there will be the right camera for you and your abilities.

There are many factors that you should consider when you’re trying to find the perfect camera for you. Do you want an automatic or manual camera? What kind of lens do you want?

Hopefully this has been a useful and helpful article for you and you now know exactly what you want in a film camera.

So, those are the best Nikon film cameras available, so what are you waiting for? Go take some photographs!