Okay, so you’re a photographer who loves film. That’s great—but if you’re looking for a new film camera, finding the perfect model can be tough.
We researched the best film cameras on the market, evaluating each on ease of use, image quality, and versatility. Our top pick, the Fujifilm Flash 400 Disposable 35mm Camera, is a classic SLR that’s a joy to use and offers professional-quality images.
Here are the best specialty film cameras.
Best Specialty Film Cameras: Editor Recommended
Our Editor’s Best Specialty Film Cameras Reviews
- 135 Film (35mm Film) Camera
- Built-in Flash
- Set Includes: Camera body, hand strap
- Battery: 1 x AAA alkaline battery (not included)
- Weight: Approx. 6.1 oz (170 g) (not including film and battery)
- Pre-loaded with ISO 400 speed film with 27 exposures
- Built-in 10’ flash range and a continuous flash switch
- Disposable one-time-use camera in compact body
- Very sharp pictures with a 10-foot built-in flash
- Fun and easy to use
- ✨ Built-in Star Filter: Photographs tiny light sources to create a four-beam flare on light spots.
- 🔍 Coated, Improved Glass Lens: One element of glass lens sharpens the clarity of the images.
- 💡 Bulb Function (Long Exposure): Helps to capture the trail of moving objects, mostly at night.
- 📷 Tripod Hole: Uses a tripod to keep your camera steady to support long exposure photography.
- ⚠️ Film, AAA battery, cable release and tripod are not included with the product.
- Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Film Camera
- Brand : Kodak
- Product Type : Camera Film
- Color: Size: Black
- Compact and cute design. Easily twist the lens to turn on and off
- Built-in selfie mirror for easy selfies Close-up mode with parallax correction
- Features automatic exposure and flash control for bright photos that are not “washed-out”
- Prints out high-quality, 2” x 3” INSTAX MINI instant photos in approximately five seconds (Development time thereafter is approximately 90 seconds). Uses INSTAX MINI instant film, which is sold separately.
- Includes: Hand strap, user manual, (2) AA batteries and 1-year limited warranty
- 📷 35mm Film Camera : suitable for 35mm negatives and slides, either colors or B&W
- 📷 Suit for Film Beginner : easy to use and control for every film use, even beginners
- 📷 22mm Ultra Wide Lens : capture wide views and put everything in the picture
- 📷 Slim and Lightweight : pocket-size camera which weights only 68.8g
- 📷 Daylight Use : perfect for street snapshots to record your bright, everyday life
- Affordable 35mm SLR camera (body only)
- Automatic features great for beginning photographers
- Built-in flash with red-eye reduction capability
- 11 exposure modes--full auto to metered manual with indicator
- Shutter speeds of 30 to 1/2000 seconds
- 35mm Film Format: The Rebel 2000 uses standard 35mm film, providing compatibility with a wide range of film types and offering the classic film photography experience.
- Autofocus System: It features a 7-point autofocus system, which helps in achieving accurate and quick focus on subjects, even in challenging shooting conditions.
- Built-In Flash: The camera includes a built-in pop-up flash, which can be used for additional lighting in low-light situations or as a fill flash to soften shadows.
- Exposure Modes: Program AE, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual Mode
- Film Transport: It features automatic film loading, advancing, and rewinding, simplifying the process of handling film.
- Ilford Sprite 35-II Camera, Black
Best Specialty Film Cameras Buying Guide
Before choosing the best specialty film camera you should consider the following options:
1. Imaginative Potential: All cameras have some creative potential, but specialty film cameras have more.
The larger image format allows for a more expressive and creative use of depth, and the film itself is more expressive. The film stock has grain, which is part of its aesthetic.
On digital, you can’t achieve the same look. You can fake it with some special effects, but to start with a camera that has that aesthetic built into the medium itself is a big plus.
2. Image Quality: This is the area where digital cameras have the upper hand. There is no doubt that a digital image will be sharper, with less grain, and less likely to require some special effect to make it look like film.
But specialty film cameras are better in other ways. For one thing, they have a larger image format. This means that you can crop your image without losing much detail.
That’s something you can’t do with a digital image. Also, the stock has a unique tone that digital doesn’t have.
3. Cost: Digital cameras are cheaper, but only when you disregard the cost of the stock. If you shoot more than a few rolls, then the film will be cheaper.
Another important point is that digital cameras are easier to sell than film cameras. This means that if you switch to digital, then you’ll probably get your money back.
4. Availability of Film: This is a big advantage of digital cameras. The film is available everywhere, even at convenience stores. The film is also cheaper and more convenient.
Specialty film cameras are more expensive and harder to find. Of course, this is more of a problem if you shoot black and white films.
5. Availability of Training: If you have never used a film camera, this is an important point. Not only are film cameras more complicated, but there is a lot more to learn.
Training is more readily available with digital cameras, and there is plenty of information online.
6. Image Quality: The final point to consider is image quality. A digital image will be sharper, with less grain, and less likely to require special effects to make it look like film.
But specialty film cameras are better in other ways. For one thing, they have a larger image format.
What else you should know about the best specialty film cameras
1. What are the best specialty film cameras for beginners?
Some of the best specialty film cameras for beginners include the Leica M6, the Nikon F3, and the Canon AE-1.
2. What are the best specialty film cameras for professionals?
Some of the most popular specialty film cameras among professional photographers include the Hasselblad X1D, the Leica M10, and the Fuji GFX 50S.
3. What are the best specialty film cameras for low light photography?
There are a few different types of specialty film cameras that are known for their low light photography capabilities. Some of the most popular ones include the Leica M6, the Nikon F6, and the Contax G2.
4. What are the best specialty film cameras for black and white photography?
The best specialty film cameras for black and white photography are the Leica M6 and the Hasselblad 501CM.
5. What are the best specialty film cameras for landscape photography?
The best specialty film cameras for landscape photography are large format cameras. These cameras are the best for capturing wide scenes with great detail.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best specialty film cameras. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best specialty film cameras will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.