It can be difficult to get into film photography, but this page will provide detailed information about the best film cameras through which you can develop your analogue snaps and start shooting immediately. Even if you already have some experience or background knowledge about film photography and are wanting to re-learn the ropes, this guide includes models that will grow along with you. These options, such as the Nikon FE2, also include semi-automatic features such as aperture priority mode and the ability to shoot fully manually.
The cameras that let the cameraman capture his videos or photos quickly and with precision can be considered a fine starter model for film. Of course, at the best of times, balancing camera settings and framing up a shot can be tricky. And for film cameras that have no live view LCD screens or an ability to preview the clicked photo, it’s absolutely true. Which is why choosing a camera with a simple control layout and film loading process is the best.
How to Choose the Best Beginner Film Camera for You
There is a steep learning curve in film photography. While you have to learn all the physical principles, such as balancing aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity, getting composition nailed, and using accessories like lens filters just like digital photographers, you will also have to do all these tasks without previewing your capture.
To aid in composition, look for film cameras that autofocus with sets of lenses or that are compatible with zoom lenses. Semi-automatic modes such as shutter priority or aperture prove to be useful by removing the need to balance both shutter speed and aperture.
The Best Film Cameras for Beginners in 2022
1) Canon AE-1
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: SLR
- Film Format: 25mm
- Year introduced: 1976
- Availability: Second-hand
- Viewfinder: 0.83X
- Lenses: Canon FD Mount
- User Level: Beginner
ADVANTAGES:
- It is very portable and lightweight.
- It has robust aluminium construction.
DISADVANTAGES:
- Its body materials feel a bit cheap.
- Its cloth shutter may require maintenance.
2.) Nikon FE 2
SPECIFICATIONS:
Type: SLR
Film Format: 5mm
Year introduced: 1983
Availability: Second-hand
Viewfinder: 0.86X
Lenses: Nikon F-Mount
User Level: Beginner
ADVANTAGES:
- Its solid workhorse will keep up with any shutter.
- It is expandable for semi-pro use.
DISADVANTAGES:
- The device is battery-powered only.
- It is limited to manual focusing.
3). Olympus Pen-EE
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Point and Shoot
- Film Format: 35mm
- Year introduced: 1961
- Availability: Second-hand
- Viewfinder: Direct Optical
- Lenses: Fixed
- User Level: Beginner
ADVANTAGES:
- Its controls are minimalist for beginners.
- It is portable, small, and lightweight.
DISADVANTAGES:
- It has no manual controls.
- It has a fixed focus and a fixed lens.
4.) Lomography Diana F+
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Toy
- Film Format: 120 or 35mm with additional
- Year introduced: 2007
- Availability: New
- Viewfinder: Direct Optical
- Lenses: Diana Lenses
- User Level: Beginners
ADVANTAGES:
- It is worth its price.
- It captures wonderful vintage-style images.
- It is an aesthetically pleasing camera
DISADVANTAGES:
- Its build quality isn’t that great.
- It has restricted manual control.
5.) Canon EOS 630
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: SLR
- Film Format: 35mm
- Year introduced: 1989
- Availability: Second-hand
- Viewfinder: 0.8X
- Lenses: EF-Mount
- User Level: Beginners
ADVANTAGES:
- Its selection of EF-Mount lenses is good.
- Its autofocus is speedy.
DISADVANTAGES:
- It has only 2.5FPS in AI-Servo mode
- Its autofocus is sometimes unreliable.
6.) Asahi Pentax K1000
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: SLR
- Film Format: 35mm
- Year introduced: 1976
- Availability: Second-hand
- Viewfinder: 0.88X
- Lenses: Pentax K-Mount
- User Level: Beginner
ADVANTAGES:
- It has room to grow with manual controls.
- It is built like a tank.
DISADVANTAGES:
- It requires some maintenance.
- It is not small enough to slip into a pocket.
7.) Polaroid New+ i-Type
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Instant
- Film Format: i-Type and 600
- Year introduced: 2020
- Availability- New
- Viewfinder: Direct Optical
- Lenses: fixed lenses
- User Level, Beginner
ADVANTAGES:
- It clicks with classic instant Polaroid photos
- It has autofocus to keep things sharp.
DISADVANTAGES:
- It is very basic for those who want to learn more.
- It gives limited-sized prints.
Bullet points:
- It can be tough to get started with film photography, but this website will provide thorough information about the best film cameras that will allow you to develop your analogue photos and begin shooting right away.
- Even if you already have some film photography expertise or background knowledge and wish to re-learn the ropes, this course features models that will grow with you.
- Cameras that allow the cinematographer to take his videos or images swiftly and precisely can be considered a good entry-level model for film.
- Of all, even in the best of circumstances, adjusting camera settings and framing a photo may be difficult.
- As a result, selecting a camera with a straightforward control structure and film loading process is the ideal option.
