Last updated on June 1st, 2021 at 06:16 am
With the market saturated with innovative DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and digital cameras, photographers often wonder if they should invest in a film camera. Manufacturers don’t produce them anymore and what would one do with decades-old technology. Contrary to popular belief, they are still in high demand, especially by customers who like collecting vintage items for their shelf.
However, buying one isn’t as easy as it sounds. There are limited pieces left in the market, and unfortunately, most of them have succumbed to wear and tear. Users often receive worn out cameras with either a malfunctioning lens or a frightening light leak. Moreover, not every film camera is worth it. To make the process easier for you, we have listed down some film cameras by reputable brands that offer you an old school experience without leaving you with any regrets.
Best Point and Shoot Film Cameras
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Canon Sure Shot 35mm | Nikon AF-S Canon AE-1 35mm | HOLGA 120GCFN |
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Point and Shoot Film Camera Reviews
1. Canon Sure Shot 35mm Point And Shoot Film Camera
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- Lens: 38mm f/2.8-16
- Automated flash: yes
- Focal length: 28 mm – 90 mm
- Weight: 300g
- Zoom:2 x
Features:
Canon Sure Shot 35mm might seem like one of those ordinary film cameras, but it’s much more than that. The wonderful image quality and the classic design may be the two best reasons that make this a great option for those willing to purchase a film camera.
About the manufacturer
Almost every photographer’s bucket list includes cameras from Canon, and why shouldn’t it? They have succeeded in launching something new in the market every time in terms of innovation and design, while the range of features within each camera is incomparable. This Japanese company entered the market in 1934 and released the first-ever 35mm focal-plane shutter cameras.
Design
There is a 38 mm f2.8 autofocus lens with a built-in flash and self-timer. The design, itself, resembles a typical 1980s camera, so if you’re into the 80’s vibe, this is a pretty great option. It looks like a big black plastic brick with a red ring around the lens as its signature look. There is a dial that sets the film speed, and you can switch it for automatic rewinding. There is a pop-up flash that also serves as a fill flash- great for backlit images.
Performance
The 38mm lens isn’t something out of the ordinary with many Japanese compact rangefinders making use of it. It’s not the slowest but certainly not fast either, and we could spot soft edges even under bright sunlight.
Talking about the focus, we weren’t really disappointed. If anything, we were pretty surprised by its ability to automatically focus on anything in the middle of the screen. The focus lock is meant for pointing to the center of your desired subject, after which you need to half-press the shutter, recompose and fully press it again. This may seem like a long process, but we promise, it’s much shorter than that. The overall image quality is better than average as the results are sharp but a bit grainy for some.
However, don’t consider the latter a disadvantage as many people opt for a grainy image filter for their Instagram feed. It makes use of two regular AA batteries, so you don’t need to worry about running out of charge: all you need are spare batteries.
Bottom line
The Canon Sure Shot 35mm film camera isn’t a bad option for those dying to get their hands on a 20th-century production. The overall results are relatively sharp and contrasty. If anything, we were a bit concerned about the sound produced because boy, it was loud. However, this isn’t an issue for photographers who only care about the end result.
What we like:
- Has a great autofocus
- Has a builtin flash
What we don’t:
- It is very loud
- Has a bulky design
2. Olympus Infinity Zoom 80 QD 35mm Camera
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- Lens: 2 aspherical lenses f/4.5-8.9
- Flash: Builtin multimode flash + 6 modes
- Viewfinder: Autofocus frame and close up correction frame
- Focal length: 38mm – 80 mm
- Weight:52 oz
- Zoom:1 x
Features:
Don’t consider the Olympus Infinity Zoom 80 QD 35mm to be just like any other plastic toy camera. If anything, we found this to be one of the best cameras we’ve ever laid our hands-on. The compact body doesn’t compromise on the performance, and we find it safe to say that Infinity Zoom is the best amongst its rivals.
Design
The design is pretty basic, with a metallic silver finish and plastic body. It’s light compact and pocket friendly body means that you can carry it around without any hassle. It features autofocus, autoexposure, and motorized film transport; however, the overall design doesn’t hold much monetary value. There is a 38-80mm zoom lens with f/4.5 aperture with an ability to use to ISO 100 – 3200 DX-coded 35mm film.
Moreover, it comprises a built-in flash feature with red-eye reduction making it worthy of use in low light conditions. The shutter speed is around 2-1/600s, which is pretty great for any film camera. Photographers love the self-timer and the classic timestamp: it’s perfect for giving your photos an old school touch.
Performance
Talking about its performance, we are intrigued by the zoom viewfinder. There are separate optics to imitate the lens magnification when the focal length is adjusted by the motorized extension tube. Even though it requires several additional components, Olympus made sure to include them to enhance the photographer’s comfort. The image quality didn’t disappoint us as the overall results were great to produce a decent print. As we mentioned earlier, the lens is sharp enough for web scans. However, the slow maximum aperture and overzealous flash may not match your standards.
The autofocus system works well in terms of focusing quickly, and with great exposure automation, you won’t have to waste any time in snapping the perfect picture. Just like the other film cameras, the performance also depends on the quality of the film used. This full-frame camera will give its rivals a run for their money when used with an equally amazing film.
Moving on, the automated flash feature gets enabled under dusk lighting to produce flat images with bleached colors. Even though it didn’t match the aesthetic of the ’90s, photographers strive to achieve this look through Instagram filters and whatnot. Most people love using a monochrome film to achieve a classic contrasty look.
Bottom line
We found Olympus Infinity Zoom 80 to be an amazing camera in terms of an easy user interface, comfort, and versatility. The plastic build cuts back on the cost but works much better than its rivals. Even though you don’t get much creative control, this cheap gadget is definitely a fun companion.
What we like:
- Classic finish
- Has a built-in flash
- Great exposure automation
What we don’t:
- Uncomfortable button layout
- Bulky zoom lens
3. Pentax IQ Zoom 105WR QD Date 35mm Camera
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- Flash: Built-in flash
- Lens: f/4.5-11 aspherical lens
- Viewfinder Frames: autofocus frame, close-up correction frame, and panorama frame
- Focal length: 38 mm – 105 mm
- Weight: 12.07oz
- Zoom: 2.8 x
Features:
Pentax IQ Zoom 105WR QD is a fully automatic 35mm compact camera and a great option for both beginners and novices interested in testing out the dynamics of film cameras.
About the manufacturer
Pentax is a renowned Japanese multinational electronics company that specializes in 35mm cameras, CCTV optics, and sport optics. They have been around since 1919 and became a major part of the photographic industry after the second world war by releasing a huge range of 35mm SLRs. Their first SLR released in 1952 by the name of Asahiflex.
Design
It’s a lightweight, compact camera with a durable body that features JIS Class 5 weather resistance. As a result, you can use it regardless of extreme dust and heat, while the waterproof surface protects it from rain. It features a built-in flash with a simple button layout for easy control. The frame display on the top shows how much the film has progressed with additional buttons beside it.
Performance
It has a 38-105mm f/4.5 – f/11 lens with six elements in 5 groups: wide-angle lenses are excellent for landscape photography, so this might be your best bet for architectural images. There is an auto DX encoding from 25-3200 ISO along with a 5 point autofocus system. We were quite impressed with this feature since it consists of a great focus lock and automatic focus aid illuminator. Moreover, point-and-shoot cameras are known best for their effortless focusing: all you need to do is point the camera at your desired subject. Within the button layout, you may find a programmed auto-exposure control, too, which gives it an edge compared to its rivals. The flash allows users to opt between red-eye reduction and backlight compensation so you can get stunning images under low light conditions as well.
Furthermore, all you need is a CR123A battery to power Pentax, which is pretty convenient since you won’t have to worry about the camera running out of charge.
Bottom line
The Pentax IQ Zoom 105WR QD is a terrific film camera- much better than its rivals in terms of Iof design and features. We weren’t disappointed by the image quality either but absolutely loved having a weather-resistant surface.
What we like:
- Has an automatic flash
- Weather-resistant
- Lightweight and compact
What we don’t:
- Not meant for portrait photography.
4. Canon Sure Shot Tele 80 35mm Camera
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- AF system: 3-point Smart Autofocus
- Lens: 38mm f/3.7 and 80mm f/7.3
- Viewfinder: Direct zoom viewfinder
- Flash: built-in flash
- Focal length: 38 mm to 80mm
- Weight: 235g
- Zoom: 2.1 x
Features:
Canon Sure Shot Tele 80 35mm Camera might look like a typical point and shoot film camera but consists of several interesting features that give it an edge compared to its rivals.
About the manufacturer
It’s impossible to be unaware of Canon and its huge share in the camera market. Starting out in 1930, they have managed to earn a solid reputation with a huge range of optical products, cameras, camcorders, and printers. Their love for groundbreaking inventions means that each new release becomes an example of innovation, while photographers can’t stop praising the amazing image quality.
Design
The only word we have to describe the design of the camera is unique since we haven’t seen any gadgets like Tele up till now. There’s a basic flash on the front without any LED. However, this doesn’t concern most photographers. A simple button allows you to switch from tele to wide for a diverse range of pictures along with a simple shutter button on the top. The button layout is pretty simple, if anything, since we didn’t find any crowded areas. The circular dial allows you to switch within a flash and self-timer, the basic features that almost every photographer makes use of.
Performance
We used a Duracell Lithium 123 battery to get the camera in motion. Fortunately, they last for a long time, so you don’t need to worry about carrying spare batteries. There are two modes: zoom and flash, so there isn’t any room for any experimentation. The zoom button brings out the lens around 80mm after being pressed, and we haven’t seen anything like this before. For the focal length, you can measure the camera strap to get a rough estimate.
If you haven’t used a point and shoot camera before, the autofocus system points directly in the center, which in this case worked pretty effectively. If the subject is off point, push the shutter halfway down and fully press it again after recomposing it. The lens works well for both portrait and landscape photography: wide-angle lenses make objects closer to the lens appear bigger, and most photographers use this distortion to their advantage.
Bottom line
The Canon Sure Shot Tele is perfect for beginners or all those interested in experimenting with a film camera. The basic design, easy user interface, and great results mean that you will get the best of all worlds.
What we like:
- Great autofocus
- Basic design
What we don’t:
- No LED feature.
5. Halina Ansco Pix Flash 35mm Film Camera
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- Lens: 28mm f/9.5
- Power: 2 x AAA batteries
- Shutter Speed: 1/100 sec
- Viewfinder: Optical window
- Focus: Fixed
- Weight: 0.35lb
Features:
Halina Ansco Pix Flash 35mm Film Camera is a small point and shoot plastic camera meant for all those interested in experimenting with film photography. There’s no better way to start your journey than investing in one of Anscos cameras since their diverse range of film cameras have earned a positive repute over the years.
About the manufacturer
Haking was a Hong Kong-based company that specialized in cameras under the brand name Halina. They have around since 1956, with a huge range of 35mm film cameras. You won’t recognize them by the name Haking anymore: they are now known as Ansco.
Design
There’s not much to say about the design except that it’s pretty basic. The lightweight, compact plastic body has a black matte finish for hassle-free movement with minimal buttons and a pretty simple layout.
Performance
It requires AAA batteries to power the camera, which is a great feature since you can simply stock up on additional batteries without worrying about it running out of charge. As we mentioned earlier, there is a built-in flash that turned out to be necessary under dim light conditions. It’s pretty bright and not as flattering, but you can always turn it off.
Since the lens is made of plastic, the image results were soft, but they managed to look great regardless. Moreover, this 28mm wide-angle lens works best for landscape photography. To get the best pictures, you may have to move pretty close to the subject. The overall image results turned out to be great, and even though some of them were relatively dark, they all matched a similar” moody” theme: a filter that everyone on Instagram dies for.
Bottom line
We weren’t expecting much from PixFlash, keeping in mind the extremely low price and some unfortunate experiments with other film cameras. But it proved us wrong. The moody image aesthetic gives serious competition to its rivals while the sturdy body promises to remain intact throughout the journey.
What we like:
- It is affordable
- Resembles a disposable camera
What we don’t:
- Feels plasticky
- Soft images
6. HOLGA 120GCFN Medium Format Camera
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- Lens: 60mm f/8 glass lens
- Lens aperture: f/8 to f/11
- Focus: Manual zone focusing system
- Shutter speed: 1/100 sec
- Viewfinder: optical
- Weight: 0.83lbs
- Flash: Built-in flash with four color filters
- Power: 2 AA batteries
Features:
HOLGA 120GCFN is a medium format toy camera for people who love to experiment and collect vintage gadgets. We had quite an interesting time using this camera to shoot various landscapes and portraits, and to be very honest; the results were better than average.
Design
The Holga camera is made completely out of structural plastic for a lightweight body to minimize any hassle while carrying it. It isn’t pocket friendly considering the large dimensions. The black and metallic silver finish match the aesthetic of other vintage cameras. It features two-mode dials for control purposes. We recommend you hold the camera securely as the locks keeping the backplate in place aren’t the strongest, which might cause your film to get exposed and damaged.
Furthermore, Holga consists of a built-in color flash with a glass lens too to obtain a more diverse range of pictures. There is an exposure setting button as well as a tripod mount on the bottom of the camera.
Performance
It requires a 120 film, but you may buy the 35mm film adapter for better usage. We were impressed by its ability to focus on our desired subjects. The focus ring beside the lens adjusts the focus after we rotate it. There is a 6×4.5cm frame that allows your pictures to be taken from a long, vertical angle. The 6x6cm spring allows users to take square pictures. As we mentioned earlier, there is an exposure setting button at the bottom of the lens, which basically allows users to switch to a black and white effect.
However, there was some blurring near the edges, which is great for people who want a slight bokeh effect. On the other hand, the overall result portrayed vibrant colors, especially images of the sea and sky. Thanks to the color flash, you can adjust the color from red, orange, blue and white every time you take a picture, so if you’re into experimenting, this is the perfect camera for you. We didn’t have much use of the viewfinder as it doesn’t give the point of view of the lens.
You don’t need any batteries if you don’t want to use the flash, which is a pretty great feature considering the additional cost incurred by constantly purchasing them.
Bottom line
This is a pretty great toy camera if you are interested in experimenting with film cameras. The 90’s aesthetic design looks great on shelves, and its ability to shoot vibrant images has made it a photographer’s favorite toy camera.
What we like:
- Has colored flash
- Doesn’t require batteries
- Has different frames for diverse images
What we don’t:
- It’s not secure
- Poor viewfinder
7. Halina Tegra AF290 35mm Film Camera
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- Lens: 28mm wide-angle lens
- Power: 2x AA batteries
- Flash: Built-in flash
- Auto Focus: yes
- Weight: 8.5 ounces
- Dimensions: 5.7 x 3.7 x 2.4 inches
Features:
Halina Tegra AF290 35mm Film Camera is a cheap film camera with several functions, so film photographers, as well as beginners, can experiment and produce a diverse range of images.
Design
It functions as a panoramic camera: you need to press a button near the lens to open it and simply press on the lens to close it. We would’ve preferred a simple on/off switch, but this would suffice too. There is a button on the top to switch to the panoramic mode. Moving on, we were surprised to see a function display due to the low price, but hey, we aren’t complaining.
However, the only thing it does is show how far the film has advanced, which is useful for some photographers. The rewind switch allows users to manually rewind the film, but the rest of the camera and its functions are motorized. The overall design features a basic button layout with a black and metallic silver finish, similar to the other film cameras of that era.
Performance
As we mentioned earlier, it is capable of taking panoramic pictures. After pressing the button, you can see that the image becomes narrower, as seen in the viewfinder. Motorized cameras are much better in terms of installing the film: amateur users aren’t aware of loading the film properly, which eventually ruins the entire roll. Fortunately, you won’t have to go through this experience. Moreover, the camera runs on two AA batteries, which is great since you don’t need to worry about having your camera run out of charge: just keep some share batteries in handy. Thanks to the self-timer mode and flash button, you can get more out of your photography experience.
Moving on to the image quality, it wasn’t disappointing since the colors appeared vibrant under good lighting, and the autofocus system worked pretty well. This is the best thing about point and shoot cameras: all you have to do is point the camera at the desired subject for it to start the magic.
The 28mm wide-angle lens is meant for shooting landscapes, so if you’re into architecture, we recommend Tegra to you.
Bottom line
In short, we weren’t disappointed since the image quality was reasonable considering the low price and the age of the camera. The robust body felt secure in our hands, while the basic 90’s design may turn out to be a valuable addition to your vintage camera collection.
What we like:
- Has a basic design
- Offers panorama mode
- Has a self-timer and flash mode
What we don’t:
- Produces a lot of noise
- Flash doesn’t turn off.
8. Halina Prestige 280S 35mm Film Camera
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- Flash: Automatic Built-in flash
- Lens: 28mm wide-angle lens
- Modes: self-timer and panoramic mode
- Weight: 5.6 ounces
- Dimensions: 5.3 x 3.9 x 2.3 inches
Features:
Halina Prestige 280S is a 35mm point-and-shoot camera with a range of interesting features and a stunning design for all those interested in giving a shot to film photography.
About the manufacturer
Ansco, previously known as Haking, is a photographic company that specializes in papers, photographic films, and cameras based on the mid 19th century to the late 20th century.
Design
The design resembles a typical 80’s camera, which makes it a highly sought after gadget by collectors and vintage-themed decorators. The black matte body features a built-in flash and a viewfinder with a focus-free 28mm lens. The plastic body allows users to carry it along easily while the easy user interface makes Halina quite popular amongst beginners. There are hardly any buttons for a clean, minimalistic look.
Performance
Fortunately, Halina consists of a built-in flash, self-timer, and a Panoramic mode that allows users to experiment with a range of images. The only thing you need to do is load a 35mm film roll for the magic to begin. We were impressed by its ability to deal with the exposure and focus automatically- a huge plus point. Point and shoot cameras are known for the effective autofocus systems that just ask users to point the camera at their chosen subject. Moreover, the 35mm wide-angle lens works well with landscape photography.
Bottom line
There’s no way you could go wrong with investing in one of Ansco’s products, especially the Prestige 280s. Whether you love collecting vintage cameras or prefer the film image aesthetic, Prestige is definitely the one for you.
What we like:
- Built-in flash
- Panoramic mode
- Easy to carry
- Beginner-friendly
What we don’t:
- Unsecure backplate
9. Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 QD CG Date 35mm Camera
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- Flash: pop-up flash
- Lens: Zoom lens f/4.0-11
- Viewfinder: Autofocus frame and close-up correction frame
- Image stabilization: none
- Focal length: 38 mm – 140 mm
- Weight: 8.99 oz
- Zoom: 3.7 x
Features:
Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 QD CG Date 35mm Camera is a great option for all those willing to invest in a film camera.
About the manufacturer
Olympus is another Japanese corporation that deals with optics and reprography products. It started out in 1919 by releasing a series of specialized microscopes and thermometers and proceeded to release its first camera, the Semi Olympus I, in 1936. The Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 was released in 1998 and is still demanded by many film photographers.
Design
Olympus features a decent compact design with a silver finish for a very basic look. The body, itself, feels sturdy enough to withstand the harsh filming conditions and is also weatherproof, so you don’t need to worry about dust or heat.
However, it’s not waterproof, but this isn’t a huge issue as hardly anyone uses a film camera underwater. Similar to the other Olympus cameras, it has a slider instead of a power switch that needs to be dragged away from the lens to turn the camera on. There is a 38-140mm lens f/4-11: widest at 38mm and maximum at 140mm. There are ten elements in 8 groups with a pop-up flash that shouldn’t be blocked while shooting.
Performance
Olympus features a close focus of 60cm when set to around 2 feet wide. It makes use of the phase-detection system, which is extraordinary for such an old camera. Moreover, it sets the exposure automatically either through spot metering or the three-zone pattern. As we mentioned earlier, it features a flash with four modes. There is an automatic flash mode that turns on automatically, a red-eye mode which turns on a pre-flash to contract the eyes, a fill mode with slow shutter speed and flash- ideal for backlit images while the fourth mode is the red-eye night scene.
Moving on, Olympus is powered by 3V batteries (CR123A), which means that you don’t need to worry about charging it: just replace the battery, and you’re good to go. On the other hand, film loading is automatic: all you have to do is to start the film across to the take-up and then close the door, after which the camera winds it to the first frame and advances after the shutter button is pressed.
Bottom line
Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 is a great camera for taking sharp and contrasty images. If you love snapping pictures while walking, this is a great option for you since compact point-and-shoot cameras suit such scenarios well.
What we like:
- Great zoom
- Basic design
- Sharp, contrasty images
What we don’t:
- Not waterproof
- Has a bulky body
10. Canon AE-1 35mm Film Camera
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- Focus: Manual
- Exposure: Shutter priority, manual
- Flash: Hot shoe and PC socket 1/60s
- Shutter speed range: 2 s to 1/1000 s
- Power: 4SR44 6 V battery
- Weight: 590g
Features:
Canon AE-1 35mm Film Camera is a product of Canon Inc and is an ideal film camera for photographers interested in the vintage design yet stunning images. It obviously doesn’t compare to a DSLR but is meant to satisfy our particular aesthetic sense.
About the manufacturer
We know that you’re probably aware of Canon, the leading camera manufacturer, and its stunning image quality, as well as the diverse range of features. This Japanese brand released its first-ever film camera in 1934 and proceeded to improve and innovate ever since. The Canon AE-1 launched in 1976 with the title of being the world’s first camera with an embedded microcomputer. As of now, Canon serves worldwide with 383 subsidiaries with products ranging from printers to film equipment.
Design
The design of this camera allowed Canon to make a comeback after Nikon started gaining more fame. Every manufacturer seemed to ditch the typical all-metal manual bodies and was switching to compact versions with IC electronic automation. It reduced its cost by sharing major components such as a viewfinder information display, autoflash control, and a cheap horizontal cloth curtain shutter with other SLRs in the same range. There is a significant amount of structural plastic to make it lightweight. However, you may have to compromise on the impact resistance.
The top panel has a satin chrome finish while the bottom plate is made of brass. There are straightforward controls along with various manual controls and system accessories for professional photographers and automatic aperture for amateurs.
Performance
AE-1 comprises of a breech-lock lens mount to fit into any FD lens. If you want to use other lenses, we recommend you to invest in an adapter. The original FD lens doesn’t get attached by rotating in the mounting process but by turning the locking ring at the base. Moving on, there are fully automatic modes on offer while the auto settings are ideal for street photographers. This microprocessor-controlled SLR supports shutter priority auto-exposure and manual exposure control too. The exposure system has a needle that points along a vertical f-stop scale to indicate the readings of the light meter.
On the other hand, we were impressed to see a viewfinder, which was basically a standard split image range fixed with micro prism aids. You require a 4LR44 battery to power this camera.
Bottom line
If you are fond of single-lens reflex film cameras that are versatile and reliable, the Canon AE-1 is the ideal option for you. The design was to die for, and even though there weren’t many features, similar to its rivals, the existing components performed well.
What we like:
- Simple controls
- Neat layout
- Great design
What we don’t:
- Less impact resistance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): About Point And Shoot Film Cameras
Q: What is a point-and-shoot film camera?
A: Often referred to as a compact camera, it is meant for simple photography. We don’t mean that you would have to compromise on the number of subjects and sceneries you want to shoot but refer to the basic operations: it often has a focus-free lens for focusing purposes while an automatic system sets the exposure and other settings. We grew up with them, and we find it safe to say that they are the best substitutes for phone cameras.
If you think that you’re not fit to operate a DSLR or mirrorless camera due to the complex functions, a point and hope camera might be great.
Q: What is the difference between a point-and-shoot camera and SLR?
A: SLRs, also known as single-lens reflex cameras, aren’t the same as point-and-cameras. The latter makes use of a viewfinder: the photographer doesn’t see the image that passes through the primary lens as the image in the viewfinder passes through a different lens.
However, SLRs only have one lens; therefore, the image is diverted from the lens into a viewfinder through a mirror. The mirror retracts after the image is taken for it to be recorded on the film. Therefore, images can not be viewed on the LCD screens of SLRs. Point and shoot cameras don’t have any addon lenses; therefore, they don’t need to worry about the images being similar to the film and viewfinder.
Q: Are old cameras worth money?
A: Let’s say that you just cleaned your garage and found your dad’s vintage film camera. It’s quite possible that you may think of reselling this but for how much? Luckily for you, old film cameras have a lot of value. Not all of them, though. We heard that a prototype Leica 35mm camera was sold for 2.2 million euros as it was one of the only 25 prototypes made in 1923. Most people like the typical vintage look of them and use it for stylish indoor decor, while some common old cameras also have a retail value of around $20-$50, and as we always say, something is better than nothing.
We recommend you to browse the model number of the camera to figure out its value: it goes up with every extra accessory you find. You can also go to your nearby auction center to see how much you can grab for the old gadget.
Q: How do I choose a film camera?
A: There’s no fun of sticking to digital photography when you have the opportunity to try film cameras, the limelight of the previous decades. There declining popularity doesn’t mean that you’ll regret your decision to purchase a film camera. However, this exciting yet exotic gadget needs a lot of thought while purchasing it. Moreover, buying second-hand film cameras come with their own bunch of issues. Firstly, you need to observe it’s shutter speed. Cameras that haven’t been cleaned up in a long time may possess clogged up slow shutter speeds. They tend to depreciate faster than fast speeds.
We recommend you to test it out: turn on your smartphone’s timer and test whether the 1s shutter speed actually lasts for a whole second. For cameras with leaf shutters, they might not work due to the oil excreted from the stuck leaves. However, this is often solved with alcohol. Secondly, you should check the light coming through the lens. Any light leak may destroy your images; thus, you should check around the edges of the door, which might flock to create a seal. Cameras with cloth shutter curtains are prone to leaks: try to shine a bright flashlight through it to find the holes.
Moving on, you need to check the quality of the lens too. Old film cameras often have fungus and haze, and you may have to take the lens apart to clean it. Moreover, any signs of oil on the aperture blades cause it to jam, and this may create issues for beginners. Furthermore, keep an eye on the focusing accuracy if you want sharp photos (who doesn’t). A rangefinder camera should have a correctly moving patch that focuses on the roughly exact distance. You also need to ensure that the two patches have proper horizontal and vertical orientation after alignment. Lastly, bring along a new battery while purchasing the camera to check if it works properly. A flashlight may help you to check the inside of the lens and light seals. Working with a film camera is an interesting experience, but there’s a high probability of buying a faulty one if you don’t pay attention.
Q: Why you need a 35mm lens?
A: The best part of photography is the huge range of lenses that allow you to take the perfect shot, regardless of the subject or background. Wide-angle lenses work perfectly with landscapes, while telephoto lenses are great for wildlife and sports photography. 50mm lens is inexpensive but quite versatile: you can capture everything from macro shots to portraits.
However, the old 35mm lens is a valuable addition to your camera bag due to a number of reasons. First of all, it gives us a sense of familiarity with the images. Ultra wide-angle lens produces a much wider angle of view, whereas the super-telephoto lens produces a narrower angle of view. However, the 35mm lens gives you a relatively similar image that resembles what you see with your eyes. If you want a realistic point of view, this is an ideal option.
Moreover, the fixed focal length allows you to change the composition without relying on zoom. Pretty cool, right? Moreover, they have large apertures. This is great for obtaining blurry backgrounds, I.e., Bokeh effect for portraits and also allows you to shoot in challenging lighting conditions without affecting the shutter speed. Along with this, you get more freedom with your ISO setting as you can use a high ISO for a grainy effect or a low ISO for minimal chromatic noise.
Furthermore, the 35mm lens is compact and lightweight, which means that it is much easier to carry along compared to the bulky, long telephoto lens. This versatile piece of lens works great with a full-frame camera for a stunning landscape view or a crop sensor camera for a long focal length. It’s great for product photography, major shots, street shots, and architecture. If anything, it provides an ideal compromise between a wide-angle and standard lens.
Conclusion
We hope you appreciated our list of the best point and shoot film cameras. Whether you prefer the reliability of Canon or the vintage look of Ansco, we have a film camera for everyone. Moreover, the FAQ section clears some of your assumptions about film cameras and their usage. It’s necessary to understand that manufacturers just don’t produce film cameras anymore, so there’s a high possibility that you may end up with a second-hand version that might or might not work. We recommend you to order them from a trustworthy seller to get the most out of your filming experience without any faulty lens or apparent light leaks.