How to Choose the Right Film Camera
Choosing your first (or next) film camera can feel overwhelming. There are hundreds of models out there, and they all look great on a shelf. The good news is that it gets much easier once you know what kind of photographer you are and how you want to shoot. Here's how I'd go about it.
1. Start with how you want to shoot
Before looking at specific models, ask yourself a few simple questions:
Do you want to point and shoot, or do you want to learn exposure and control every setting?
Will the camera live in your pocket or bag every day, or come out for planned shoots?
Are you shooting people, travel, street, landscapes or a bit of everything?
Your answers point you towards one of the main camera types below.
2. Know the main camera types
Point-and-shoot (compact) cameras
Small, light and simple. You load the film, frame your shot and press the button, and the camera takes care of the rest. They're perfect for everyday snaps, travel and nights out, and a great choice if you just want to enjoy the film look without the learning curve. The Olympus Trip 35 is a classic example.
SLRs (single lens reflex)
An SLR lets you look straight through the lens, so what you see is what you get. Most give you full control over shutter speed, aperture and focus, and you can swap lenses. They're the best way to really learn photography. The Pentax K1000, Canon AE-1 and Olympus OM-10 are all brilliant first SLRs.
Rangefinders
Rangefinders are compact and quiet, and you focus by lining up two images in the viewfinder. They're loved for street and travel photography because they're discreet and quick to use once you get the hang of them.
Half-frame cameras
These take two pictures on every normal 35mm frame, so a 36-exposure roll gives you around 72 shots. A great way to make your film go further.
Medium format
Medium format cameras use larger 120 film, which gives beautifully detailed, rich images. They're bigger and slower to use, and you get fewer shots per roll, so they suit people who already know the basics and want to take their photography further.
3. Manual, automatic or a bit of both?
Fully mechanical cameras, like the Pentax K1000, will work without a battery for almost everything (often the battery only powers the light meter). They're tough and simple, and they teach you a lot. Cameras with automatic or aperture-priority modes do some of the thinking for you, which is handy when you're starting out or shooting fast-moving moments. There's no wrong answer. Pick the one that sounds more fun to use.
4. Think about lenses
If you go for an SLR or rangefinder, a 50mm lens is the perfect place to start. It's sharp, bright and works for almost everything. Once you know what you enjoy shooting, you can add a wide-angle or a longer lens later. Check which lens mount your camera uses so any extra lenses will fit.
5. Make sure it actually works
This is the most important bit. A film camera might be 40 or 50 years old, and problems like sticky shutters, inaccurate speeds, crumbling light seals or fungus in the lens aren't always obvious until you've wasted a roll of film. Buying a camera that has been serviced and properly tested saves a lot of frustration and money.
Every camera I sell is serviced, has its shutter speeds checked on a shutter speed tester, and has a test roll of film put through it before it's listed, so you can start shooting straight away.
Still not sure?
If you can't decide, send me a message through the contact page. Tell me what you'd like to shoot and I'll happily point you in the right direction.