A good film camera is a great investment for any photography buff, whether you’re a beginner or a professional looking to expand your collection.
We researched dozens of film cameras, evaluating ease of use, portability, and image quality. Our top pick, the Canon EOS Rebel 2000 35mm Film SLR Camera, is a durable, easy-to-use instant film camera that produces high-quality photos with a retro look.
Here are the best SLR film cameras.
Best Slr Film Cameras: Editor Recommended
Our Editor’s Best Slr Film Cameras Reviews
- The Pentax K1000 35mm SLR is one of photography's greatest, most popular and longest-lived cameras.
- This Pentax film camera is completely mechanical and needs no battery to run, however, you must purchase an A76 cell battery to run the light meter.
- Unlike other SLR and DSLR cameras, the K1000 is simple and has little to no learning curve. There is three shooting controls: aperture, shutter speed and focus. You set the film speed when you load it.
- An extraordinary simple camera that forces you to think about your picture instead of your camera. As a result, it's recommended by most photography teachers, instructors, and professors to be used in their classes.
- The Pentax K1000 is so brilliant that you never need to turn the meter or camera on or off: both are always on for instant picture taking
- 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
- Versatile Film Camera: Compatible with both color and black & white film, offering endless creative possibilities
- Advanced Autofocus: Phase detection AF system with One-Shot and AI Servo modes for sharp, accurate shots
- Manual & Automatic Shutter Control: 30 sec. to 1/2000 sec. shutter speed range with manual and automatic settings
- Built-in Flash & Red-Eye Reduction: Auto pop-up flash with off-the-film metering and red-eye reduction for well-lit, natural portraits
- Durable & Reliable: Powered by two 3V CR123A lithium batteries, ensuring long-lasting performance
- 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.
- 35mm SLR (Single-Lens-Reflex) camera with electronically controlled AE (Automatic Exposure) and focal plane shutter.
- Canon FD series interchangeable lenses with full aperture metering and AE coupling. Canon FL series with stopped-down metering.
- Standard lenses for the Canon AE are Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C, Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C, Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 S.C.
- Canon Breech-Lock mount, Canon FD, FL and R lenses can be used. The viewfinder is fixed eye-level pentaprism with a field of view that is 93.5% vertical and 96% horizontal coverage of the actual picture
- Viewfinder information includes aperture scale with meter needle and stopped-down metering which also serves as a battery charge level check mark.
- Item weight : 2.1 pounds
- Camera lens.description : 35 mm
- Classic Design: Enjoy the timeless appeal of this black Nikon EM, a compact and lightweight SLR camera designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike
- Versatile Lens: Capture a wide range of subjects with the included 50mm f/1.8 AI manual focus lens, perfect for portraits, landscapes, and everyday photography
- Manual Focus: Experience the precision and control of manual focusing, allowing you to create stunning images with precise depth of field
- Automatic Exposure: Easily capture well-exposed images with the camera's automatic exposure control and center-weighted metering
- Durable Construction: Built to last, this camera features a robust, all-black body that's ready to withstand the rigors of everyday use
- 35-zone metering system linked to 7-point high speed autofocus system
- 12 shooting modes including 7 programmed image control modes
- Advanced E-TTL flash metering system
- Futuristic styling, innovative control layout and large LCD panel
- Standard 28 to 90 mm (3.2x) zoom lens
Best Slr Film Cameras Buying Guide
Before choosing the best SLR film camera you should consider the following options:
1. Image Quality: When looking at film cameras, image quality is similar to digital. Faster films mean less grain, and therefore clearer images. ISO 400 and 800 films are some of the most popular for street photography.
2. Battery: Battery life is very important to consider as film cameras don’t have a built-in power source. You’ll need to purchase a new battery and charger along with your camera.
3. Lens Compatibility: If you plan on using only the kit lens that comes with your camera, you can ignore this. However, if you want to expand your lens collection, make sure the camera has a mount compatible with the lens you already own or plan to purchase.
4. Manual Features: Most film cameras do not have many manual features, but some do. If you enjoy photography and want to expand your understanding of the craft, opt for a camera that has more manual features.
5. Price: Film cameras are not as expensive as they used to be. You can get a decent camera for around $100.
6. Weight: A camera that’s lightweight is important, especially if you plan on taking a lot of photos on the go. Check the specs to see how heavy the camera is before purchasing.
7. ISO Range: Film ISO ratings are similar to digital ISO. The lower the ISO number, the lighter the film can handle. If you plan on taking photos in low light conditions, look for a camera with a higher ISO range.
What else you should know about the best SLR film cameras
1. What are the best SLR film cameras?
Some of the best SLR film cameras include the Canon EOS Rebel, the Nikon D5500, and the Sony Alpha a6000.
2. What are the features of a good SLR film camera?
Some features that may be considered important in a good SLR film camera include a fast shutter speed, a wide range of aperture settings, and the ability to interchange lenses.
3. What are the different types of SLR film cameras?
35mm SLR, Medium Format SLR, Large Format SLR
4. How do I choose the right SLR film camera for me?
The best way to choose the right SLR film camera for you is to determine what you want to use the camera for. If you are a professional photographer, you will need a camera that is able to take high-quality photos. However, if you are an amateur photographer, you can get by with a less expensive camera. Once you know what you need the camera for, you can then start to narrow down your choices.
5. How do I use an SLR film camera?
To use an SLR film camera, you will need to load the film into the camera and then wind the film until it is tight. Once the film is tight, you will need to cock the shutter and then press the shutter release button.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best SLR film cameras. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best slr film cameras will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.