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
- 📷 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.
- 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)
- Bundle Includes: 2 x Kodak Fun Saver Single Use Camera
- Ideal For: If you're looking for a fun, easy way to take great pictures, indoors or out, the Kodak Fun Saver Single-Use Camera is a great choice
- Brighter, Vibrant Colors: Loaded with Kodak 800 speed, 27 exposure film for pictures with bright, vibrant colors
- 23% Better Pictures: Compared to any 400-speed film camera
- Simple Manual Flash: With a 4 to 11.5-feet flash range. Must charge before every picture
- Design and Build: The OM-10 follows the design philosophy of the OM series, which emphasizes compactness and portability. It has a small, lightweight body compared to many other SLRs of its time, making it convenient for travel and everyday use.
- Viewfinder: The camera features a bright and clear viewfinder with a split-image rangefinder and microprism collar, aiding in accurate focusing.
- Exposure Control: The OM-10 is primarily designed as an aperture-priority automatic exposure camera. This means that users can select the desired aperture, and the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed to achieve proper exposure. It does not have full manual exposure control, which sets it apart from other cameras in the OM series.
- Light Metering: The OM-10 uses a TTL (Through-The-Lens) center-weighted metering system for accurate exposure readings. This system helps in achieving well-exposed photographs even in challenging lighting conditions.
- Lens Compatibility: The OM-10 is compatible with Olympus OM-series lenses, known for their excellent optical quality and compact size. These lenses cover a wide range of focal lengths and apertures, catering to various photographic needs.
- Excellent consistency & Excellent processing robustness.
- High sharpness and high resolution.
- Designed for exposure by daylight and electronic flash.
- 35mm iso 200
- 36 exposures
- 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
- 3 pack Kodak Ultra Max 400 Color print film 36 exp. 35mm DX 400 135-36 (108 pics)
- Country of Origin:China
- Package weight:4.0 lb
- Package dimensions:4.32"L x 9.65"W x 19.05"H
- 35mm Reusable Film Camera
- Accepts 1 x AAA Battery
- Fixed-Focus Wide-Angle Lens
- Built-In Flash
- Optical Viewfinder
- Premium Quality Film: Experience vivid colors and exceptional detail with Kodak Gold 200 35mm film. Each roll provides 36 exposures, perfect for capturing every memorable moment in stunning clarity. Ideal for both outdoor and indoor settings, Kodak film delivers consistently reliable performance.
- Versatile Use: Suited for all 35mm film cameras, this film is perfect for a range of photographic applications, from spontaneous snapshots to detailed portraits. Its 200 ISO rating ensures excellent performance across various lighting conditions.
- Enhanced Color Reproduction: Kodak Gold 200 film offers enhanced color reproduction, fine grain, and high sharpness. This film is particularly good at capturing vibrant yellows, greens, and reds, making it a favorite for film photography enthusiasts who value rich and warm hues.
- Bulk Pack Value: Get more and spend less with this multi-pack bundle. It includes six rolls of Kodak Gold 200 35mm film, ensuring you have enough supply for all your photographic needs, paired with a high-quality Balveli microfiber cloth for keeping your camera lens clean.
- Ready for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a sunny day at the beach or an indoor celebration, Kodak Gold 200 is ready to go. Its versatility and ease of use make it an excellent choice for both novice photographers and seasoned professionals alike.
- 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 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.