Which Film Camera Should You Choose? Free Quiz / Buying Guide.
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Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to decide which film camera to buy? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with a free quiz that will help you choose the best film camera for your specific needs.
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The quiz is super quick and you’re free to take it as many times as you like. You’ll answer a few questions about your preferences for a camera, including the most important question of all: your budget.
Based on your answers, you’ll be presented with the camera in our database that best matches your needs. It’s a quick way to get a personalized recommendation of what film camera you should buy.
If you need more help, check out our guide to choosing a film camera, below – we’ve included all of the info you need to make an informed decision.
Why Choose a Film Camera in 2023
In an age where digital photography is a regular part of life, you may be wondering if it’s still common to shoot film. Even though it can be more difficult and expensive, film photography is the most popular it’s been since the start of the digital camera revolution. So why do so many people still choose a film camera in 2023?
One reason is the undeniable “look” of film photos. The colors are richer and more saturated and the grain gives photos a unique texture. Many people appreciate the timeless yet nostalgic quality of film photos and find they also enjoy the process of creating them.
Shooting film is also a slow and deliberate process. With a limited number of shots on each roll of film, photographers must be more selective with the photos they take. The inability to see your shots until the film is developed forces you to do everything you can to get the shot the first time, and then move on.
While it is true that shooting film can be quite expensive, there are still some film cameras that go for a fraction of the cost of a new digital camera while producing similar quality results.
It may not be the easiest or most cost-effective option in 2023, but many photographers are hooked on shooting film and they aren’t stopping any time soon. We’re just happy we aren’t the only ones.
Which Film Camera Should You Buy? Here’s What to Consider
An understanding of photography basics will make it much easier to choose the perfect film camera. This info will help you determine which features are most important to you and ensure that your new camera fits all of your needs.
We’ve broken down the most important considerations when shopping for a film camera, as well as links to learn more about each topic, if you’d like.
What Type of Film Camera is Best For You?
There are a few types of film camera to choose from, each with their own pros and cons. The best type of film camera depends entirely on what type of photos you want to take.
Point and Shoot Film Cameras
Point and shoot film cameras are great for beginners or those who just want an easy option. Also known as “compact film cameras”, their small, lightweight design makes them ideal for taking on the go.
Probably the biggest advantage of point and shoot cameras is their simplicity. They are designed to be used with minimal effort and most models have fully automatic settings. For beginners and advanced users alike, an easy-to-use camera allows you to focus entirely on your subject.
While point and shoots are great for everyday snapshots, they do have some limitations. One of the biggest drawbacks is that you often can’t control settings such as aperture and shutter speed (which we’ll discuss further down).
For most models, the image quality isn’t as high as it would be with other types of cameras. It shouldn’t matter much for casual photos, but if you need the best quality possible, there are better choices.
Most people don’t buy a point and shoot for the image quality, though – they buy them because they want something lightweight and easy to use. If that’s your case, a point and shoot film camera may be the perfect choice.
SLR Film Cameras
An SLR film camera is a better option if you want more control over your images. Plus, when you look through the viewfinder of an SLR, you’ll see exactly what will be captured in your image. With a point and shoot, the viewfinder isn’t anywhere near as accurate.
The biggest advantage of SLRs is their versatility. They’re popular for many styles including portraits, landscapes, and studio photography. SLR cameras offer many more features and settings that allow for precise control of your images.
However, SLRs are definitely more complex than point and shoot cameras, which can be intimidating for beginners. The additional settings require more time to master and the cameras are bulkier and heavier.
If you’re a beginner who’s interested in learning the ins and outs of photography, a film SLR might be a good choice. You’ll build a much better foundation than you would with a point and shoot.
Rangefinder Film Cameras
Rangefinders are less common and often overlooked in favor of more popular options. That said, these cameras have a devoted following, especially among street photographers and photojournalists.
Photographers love rangefinders because of their compact size and quiet operation. Even the lenses are smaller than those used on SLRs, making the cameras much easier to carry around all day.
Rangefinders also tend to produce sharp and contrasty images. Their unique focusing system is quick and precise, making them ideal for street photography and candid photos.
A rangefinder might not be the best choice for everyone, though. For starters, these cameras and their lenses tend to cost more than other types. It can be difficult to track moving subjects through the viewfinder of a rangefinder and long, telephoto lenses don’t always work well.
If you’re interested in street photography or looking for a compact and quiet camera that produces high-quality images, a rangefinder may be worth considering.
Which Focal Length Should You Choose?
Focal length is the measurement of a lens that determines how wide or zoomed in your photos will appear. With a shorter focal length, your subject will appear small and far away (zoomed out), with a longer focal length, the subject will appear large and close up (zoomed in).
Some film cameras, especially point and shoots, come with a fixed lens, meaning the lens is built in and cannot be changed. If you’re looking at a fixed lens camera, it’s especially important to choose a focal length that suits your needs.
Most SLRs and rangefinders come with interchangeable lenses, allowing you to switch your lens to achieve a different focal length. You’ll need to buy lenses separately, which can add up, but having a variety of lenses makes your camera more versatile.
Focal lengths are usually broken down into a few categories. We’ve included the approximate range of focal lengths for each category, but these are not definitive numbers, just a rough idea. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each:
Super Wide-Angle (Less than 24mm)
A super wide-angle focal length provides the most zoomed out image possible. This type of lens is an excellent choice for people interested in shooting landscapes and architecture.
They can produce dramatic, distorted perspectives that add a unique look to your images. That said, super wide-angle lenses are more of a specialty lens that are not the best option for general photography.
The distortion they produce can make subjects appear stretched or warped. The zoomed out view can also make it difficult to isolate your subject or create a nice looking composition.
Super wide-angle lenses can be a great addition to a photographer’s toolkit, but we probably wouldn’t consider getting one until you have another, more versatile lens.
Wide-Angle (24mm – 35mm)
Traditional wide angle lenses are much more versatile than their super wide counterparts. Many photographers consider a wide angle lens the perfect everyday carry. It’s not a coincidence that a lot of point and shoots also use a wide-angle lens.
Landscape, architectural, and interior photography are all styles that a wide angle lens is great for. These focal lengths can create unique looking images that emphasize depth and perspective.
However, wide-angle lenses can also distort images, particularly at the edges of the frame. This distortion can make objects appear stretched or distorted. It shouldn’t be as severe as you’d find with a super wide-angle lens, but it can still be noticeable.
For this reason, wide-angle lenses aren’t the best choice for portraits. Not only will your subject’s face appear distorted if you get close to them, but you may have trouble filling the frame with your subject.
Standard Focal Length (35mm – 55mm)
Standard focal lengths, especially around 50mm, are roughly equal to what the human eye sees. This makes them ideal for capturing a natural-looking image without any distortion or exaggeration.
The vast majority of 35mm SLR film cameras ever produced came standard with a 50mm lens, commonly called a “nifty fifty”. This is because the standard focal length can be used for any type of photography, from portraits to landscapes and everything in between.
Just because this focal length is versatile doesn’t mean it’s what everyone likes to shoot, though. If you’re a true beginner in film photography, a standard focal length is a great place to start. Once you get your the hang of things, it should be easy to decide if you want to try a longer or shorter focal length.
Telephoto (70mm or More)
In the world of film photography, telephoto lenses are the least common of all. These zoomed in focal lengths are great for specific circumstances but they aren’t a very good all-around option.
If the photos you’re interested in taking require you to be far away from your subject, like wildlife or action shots, a telephoto lens is probably what you need.
Not only do your subjects appear closer and more zoomed in with a telephoto lens, but these focal lengths dramatically separate the subject from the background, which appears blurred. Telephoto lenses can be a good choice for photos where you really want to emphasize your subject.
Aside from being somewhat niche and unsuitable for many types of photography, telephoto lenses can also be difficult to use with film cameras. The longer the lens, the more likely it is to produce blurry photos if you’re using the camera handheld.
Telephoto lenses often require the use of a tripod, or a camera with a fast shutter speed (don’t worry, we’ll explain shutter speed shortly).
Zoom Lenses vs Prime Lenses
Now that you have an idea of the different focal lengths, there’s one more key distinction when deciding on a camera or lens.
Zoom lenses are those that can zoom in and out, giving you access to a variety of focal lengths in one lens. The available focal lengths on a zoom lens are noted as a range, for example: 38-80mm.
Prime lenses have just one focal length and cannot zoom at all. While this may seem like a disadvantage at first, you should know that prime lenses are actually the more popular choice.
Generally speaking, the image quality in a prime lens is higher than it would be in a comparable zoom lens. Prime lenses are also usually more compact, reducing the size and bulk of your setup.
Even from an artistic standpoint, many photographers prefer a prime lens because it forces them to get more creative with their composition, instead of using the multiple focal lengths as a crutch. There’s an old joke that prime lenses do actually have a way to zoom in…your feet.
Aperture, F-Stops, and Bokeh
Once you’ve decided which focal length you’re interested in, the next thing to consider is the available aperture of the lens.
Aperture is the amount of light that enters a camera, determined by the size of the opening in the lens. The f-stop scale is how to measure aperture and the values ranges all the way from f/1.4 to f/22.
This part gets a little bit confusing; a lower f-stop number actually means a wider opening, letting more light into the camera. So, f/1.4 is a significantly larger opening than f/22.
In a practical sense, a wider opening translates to a blurrier background in your images, also known as “bokeh”. Images where the subject is sharp and focussed but the background is soft and blurry were taken with a low f-stop.
Whether you’re looking at a fixed lens camera or a lens that you buy separately, the available aperture should be listed on the front, along with the focal length. For example, a lens that reads: 35mm 1:2.8 means that the lens has a focal length of 35mm and the lowest possible aperture is f/2.8.
In general, a lower aperture equates to higher quality, but also higher cost. Some of the most popular point and shoot cameras have gained their popularity because they offer a lens with a lower aperture than most other compact options.
Minimum and Maximum Shutter Speeds
The available shutter speeds are another consideration when deciding on a film camera. This determines the amount of time that the camera shutter stays open, allowing light to hit the film and create your image.
Each camera has a wide range of available shutter speeds, from a few full seconds at the slowest all the way up to 1/1000th of a second or faster. Shutter speed is how you can control the appearance of motion in your photos.
If you’re planning to shoot fast-moving subjects like sports, wildlife, or action photography, you’ll need a camera with a fast maximum shutter speed. A fast shutter speed freezes motion, allowing you to capture sharp images of moving subjects.
On the other hand, if you prefer shooting portraits, landscapes, or other still subjects, a fast maximum shutter speed isn’t as important.
The slowest, or minimum shutter speed isn’t usually as important as the maximum. When you use your camera’s slower shutter speeds, you’ll probably need to use a tripod. Slow shutter speeds are most often used for dramatic effect in specific styles like astrophotography or time lapses.
We’d pay much more attention to the fastest shutter speed of a camera and make sure that it seems adequate for your needs. Old film cameras often have much slower max shutter speeds than modern options.
What Film Speed Do You Need?
Film speed, measured in ISO, determines a films sensitivity to light. A higher ISO means that the film is more sensitive to light, while a lower rating means it’s less sensitive.
Modern film speeds range from ISO 100 to 3200, although there are not as many high speed options.
If you’re planning to shoot outdoors during bright daylight, a lower ISO such as 100 or 200 should be sufficient. On the other hand, low-light conditions or indoor conditions would be better suited by a higher ISO like 800.
When choosing a vintage film camera, it’s important to consider the maximum film speed it can handle. Some older models don’t accept high-speed films, which could limit your shooting flexibility.
Cameras with automatic features, including most point and shoot film cameras, will automatically set the film speed for you. The maximum film speed becomes crucial in these situations.
If the camera has a low maximum film speed, then the automatic setting will only go up to that limit and you may struggle to get good exposures in low light.
Film Camera Prices in 2023
For a lot of people, the biggest concern when looking to buy a film camera is the price. With the resurgence of analog photography, the market for used film cameras has exploded in the past few decades.
This has led to a significant increase in prices, particularly for popular and trendy models. If you’re on a budget, there are still plenty of great deals to be found, they’ll just require you to do some digging.
It’s important to keep in mind that almost all film cameras on the market today are used. It’s common for film cameras to need a little bit of maintenance, especially if the camera has been sitting unused for a while.
Unfortunately, on models with electronically controlled components – including almost every point and shoot – repairs aren’t always possible. And since there are essentially no new film cameras being produced, the supply of functional cameras is continuing to dwindle.
We don’t see the market for used film cameras going anywhere but up as the supply continues to dry out.
If you’re considering buying a film camera with interchangeable lenses, it’s important to factor in the cost of lenses as well. In some cases, the cost of a single lens can exceed the cost of the camera it was purchased for.
No matter which film camera you’re interested in, it’s important to do your research and shop around to find the best deals. Don’t be afraid to consider lesser-known models as long as the specifications fit your needs.
We won’t beat around the bush: film photography isn’t the cheapest hobby to get into. When you’re deciding on your budget for a film camera, make sure to account for the constant cost of buying film and having it developed.
Where to Buy Film Cameras
A plus side to the explosion in film photography is that it’s easier than ever to find a film camera. Just about every online marketplace has film cameras for sale and there are specialty websites dedicated entirely to this specific niche.
Here are some of our favorite places to buy film cameras in 2023:
Buying Film Cameras on eBay
We still consider eBay one of the best places to start your search. With a vast array of sellers and listings, there is a good chance you can find any film camera you’re looking for.
One of the biggest advantages of buying from eBay is that many listings are sourced from Japan where there is a larger stock of used film cameras. Some people have mixed reviews buying from Japanese sellers, but we’ve had nothing but positive experiences.
Some sellers offer returns for a certain number of days, giving you time to test the camera and make sure it’s working properly. You may see listings claim that a camera is “film tested” meaning that they’ve actually shot a roll of film on the camera and it worked without any issues.
Checking auctions on eBay can be another way to find a great deal. If you have the patience, you can often score a film camera at a much lower price than it would sell for in a “buy it now” listing.
Buying from eBay can be a good option, but it’s important to be cautious. Make sure to check the seller’s feedback and read their reviews before making a purchase. It’s important to always thoroughly read the description, look at all the photos, and ask any questions that you may have.
Overall, eBay can be a great option for finding a used film camera, just be sure to do your research and shop smart.
Buying Film Cameras on KEH
KEH is a marketplace specifically for buying used cameras. All of their gear is inspected and graded on a universal scale, giving you a clear idea of what condition the camera is in.
A huge benefit of buying from KEH is that most products come with a warranty, giving you time to make sure everything works as intended and make a return if it doesn’t.
A potential downside is that KEH may not have the exact model you’re looking for in stock. The majority of products on their site are digital and we’ve found that a lot of their film cameras for sale have issues.
It’s still worth your while to quickly check what’s in stock. The peace of mind that comes with a warranty and grading system might be worth the potential savings you could find on eBay.
Buying Film Cameras on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace
You can find great deals if you keep an eye on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for your city. Neither of these websites are as popular as they were in the past, but they’re still worth checking.
You’ll often find listings for multiple items at a discounted group price and, unlike an online store, you have the ability to negotiate. It may seem small, but even the savings from not having to pay sales tax could add up to a few hundred dollars.
In general, we’ve had positive experiences buying film cameras from these marketplaces. It seems like a small enough niche that most photographers are trustworthy and don’t want to betray their fellow photographers.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case – the bottom line is that purchasing from an individual seller is probably the riskiest option. You’ll have to trust that the seller is being honest about the condition of the camera and you’re pretty much out of luck if there ends up being a problem.
Making the purchase in person can help you feel a little bit more confident, since you’ll at least get to physically see the camera before forking over your money. Remember that even if it looks flawless, you’ll never truly know the status of a camera until you shoot a roll of film through the camera and get it developed.
At least make sure that the camera looks the exact same as the photos you saw online and don’t be afraid to ask questions before committing to a purchase.
Buying Film Cameras at a Camera Shop
While there are endless sources to buy a film camera online, you can still shop in person if you’d prefer. A lot of photo shops carry used film cameras, even if the rest of their inventory is geared towards digital.
Not only do you get to browse the selection in person, but chances are, the staff will be able to answer any questions or help you make a decision. It’s common for camera stores to offer repairs and many times, film cameras are already tuned up before they go on sale.
A camera shop is a nice option because you have someone to help you in the case of issues or questions about your camera. This can be a valuable resource for beginners who might need assistance down the line.
The downside of camera shops is that prices can be marked up quite a bit for the convenience. In many cases, we think paying a little bit more for the peace of mind is perfectly worth it, but it depends on your budget and your confidence in shopping online.
Free Quiz – Which Film Camera Should You Buy?
Now that you’re well versed in the basics, you should have no problem choosing a film camera with the help of our free quiz. If you’re on the fence for any of the questions, try taking the quiz a few times to see other recommendations.
Get started below and we wish you luck in the search for your perfect film camera!