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
- INCLUDES: Holga 120N Camera + Ilford HP5 Film + MicroFiber Cloth
- Classic Toy Camera - 60mm f/8 Plastic Lens
- Zone Focusing System - Shutter Speeds: 1/100 sec. and Bulb
- Aperture Settings: f/8 or f/11 - Hot Shoe and Tripod Mount
- Uses 120 Roll Film - Includes 6 x 4.5cm and 6 x 6cm Masks
- 📷 Film-saving: You can have twice as many images per roll. For example, a film roll with 36 exposures can yield around 72 half-frame photos - doubled!
- 📷 Lightweight and Easy-to-use: The pocket-size camera is light and tiny, and hence convenient for you to bring along daily. Since its instructions are simple, it is suitable for all analog hobbyists.
- 📷 Built-in Flash: Turning on the flash by adjusting the silver ring around the lens so that you can use KODAK EKTAR H35 during days and nights, outdoor and indoor.
- 📷 Perfect for Beginners: The point-and-shoot camera is easy to use for new analogue hobbyists.
- 📷 Five colors: Off-white, black, brown, sage and sand. Neat and natural.
- INCLUDES: Holga 120N Camera + Kodak TX Film + MicroFiber Cloth
- Classic Toy Camera - 60mm f/8 Plastic Lens
- Zone Focusing System - Shutter Speeds: 1/100 sec. and Bulb
- Aperture Settings: f/8 or f/11 - Hot Shoe and Tripod Mount
- Uses 120 Roll Film - Includes 6 x 4.5cm and 6 x 6cm Masks
- 📷 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
- Uses 120 medium format film.2 film masks for either 12- 6x6 cm images or 16- 6x4. 5cm images;Shutter speeds: normal - 1/100S; bulb - Holds shutter Open. Apertures: sunny - f/11; shade/flash - f/8;Built-in flash with Color Filters: white, red, Blue, yellow. Standard tripod mount (1/4-20);Lens cap. Strap;Uses 2 AA batteries (not included)
- ⚠️ This bundle included one roll of Ultramax400 24exp film. While battery, cable release and tripod are not included.
- ✨ 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.
- 35mm Reusable Film Camera
- Accepts 1 x AAA Battery
- Fixed-Focus Wide-Angle Lens
- Built-In Flash
- Optical Viewfinder
- 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)
- 📸 KODAK FILM CAMERA Set Includes 1 Kodak 35 MM Film Camera (Black) | 1 Kodak Camera Film Ultramax 400 | 1 Microfiber Cleaning Cloth and 1 Camera Bag by USEFILL5
- 🎉 PERFECT FOR ALL OCCASIONS. Whether you're enjoying festivals with your friends, capturing special weddings, or fascinated by the lively stories on the streets, the Kodak 35mm Film Camera helps you seize life's greatest moments.
- 😍 EASY TO USE. This 35mm camera film features a compact and lightweight design, serving as your ideal on-the-go companion for spontaneous photo adventures. No more complicated settings too! Simply point, snap, and let this half frame camera do its magic.
- ✨ EFFORTLESS PORTABILITY. Forget about the frustration of digging through your bag for your Kodak Ektar 35mm. We've included a cross bag as the perfect storage solution. With this addition, your experience becomes seamless and enjoyable, letting you concentrate on capturing your subject, not on searching.
- ✅ YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. This bundle comes with a Branded Microfiber Cloth so you can keep your lens clear and ready for the next captivating shot. At USEFILL5, we strive to exceed your expectations.
- Enhanced command dial for mode selection , 11 exposure modes
- Canon's exclusive AIM (Advanced Integrated Multipoint) control system
- Kit includes camera and 35-80mm lens detachable Canon EF zoom lens
- Autofocus 35mm Film SLR with full manual options. Two CR123A/DL123A lithium batteries (3v) housed inside the camera grip
- Retractable built-in flash, improved control of red-eye reduction
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.