Culture 

A Beginner's Guide to 35mm Film Cameras

Explore photography with analog models from Canon, Nikon and more.

104.6K

A Beginner's Guide to 35mm Film Cameras

Explore photography with analog models from Canon, Nikon and more.

For those looking to explore their creativity and develop their photographer‘s eye, consider picking up a 35mm camera. The Analog Club gives us the lowdown on this specific type of film camera.

According to the photography community’s founder Mathis Clamens, when shopping for a film camera online, it is crucial to check the seller’s reputation first. This can be done by looking at their ranking and reviews from previous customers. Additionally, do your own research on how cameras age over time to determine which model suits your lifestyle best. “Electronic cameras have more issues than mechanical ones due to the fragility of the electronic components,” Clamens tells us. “If you purchase a camera in person, be sure to check if the foams of the camera are of quality, and if it can prevent light from passing through the case.”

Below, Clamens rounds up some of the best 35mm cameras and films for beginners.

For more camera recommendations, here’s list of the best point and shoot models.

Best 35mm cameras for beginners

Canon A-1

This mechanical camera is very simple to use and it’s durable. It has speed priority, aperture priority and an automatic mode. It also has a great range of lenses, and you can capture great double exposures with it.

Average price range: $150 to $350 USD
Where to buy: Sellers on eBayAmazon and Etsy.

Nikon F2

Just like the Canon A-1, this beast is very simple to use and almost immortal.

Average price range: $199 to $375 USD
Where to buy: Sellers on eBayAmazon and Etsy.

Olympus MJU ii

The Olympus MJU ii is very small and compact. It features a quality lens, but comes at a hefty price point nowadays.

Average price range: $170 to $545 USD
Where to buy: Sellers on Etsy.

Rollei 35

Capturing images with this model will produce content with a vintage look. Compared to other compacts on the market, the Rollei 35 is the most affordable.

Average price range: $120 to $395 USD
Where to buy: Sellers on eBay.

Best 35mm films for beginners

Kodak Portra 400

This film is great for portrait and skin colors.

Average price range: $14 to $95 USD
Where to buy: Sellers on eBay, Amazon and Etsy.

Kodak T-Max 400

The T-Max 400 is great for contrast in black-and-white.

Average price range: $14 to $60 USD
Where to buy: Sellers on Amazon and Etsy.

CineStill 800T

The CineStill 800T is ideal for cinematographic shots at night.

Average price range: $16 to $55 USD
Where to buy: Sellers on eBay, Amazon and Etsy.

How to maintain the condition of a film camera

It’s important to clean your camera from the dust quite often. Also, one of the biggest issues is that few brands don’t offer cleaning services anymore. Brands like Nikon, Leica or Canon can still repair your gear and provide spare parts.

Photography tips 

Take the time to observe and be present with your surroundings. At some point, you will feel this magical moment where you’ll have the urge to capture what you’re witnessing.

Read Full Article
Text By
Share this article

What to Read Next

Winnie Harlow Stars in PUMA Cali Dream Campaign
Footwear

Winnie Harlow Stars in PUMA Cali Dream Campaign

Celebrating confidence, freedom and authenticity.

Kanye West Says He Wants To Stay With Kim Kardashian
Entertainment

Kanye West Says He Wants To Stay With Kim Kardashian

Amid rumors she’s dating Pete Davidson.

Here's What Went Down at SHAKE SHACK x HYPEBAE's Pop-Up Launch Event
Culture

Here's What Went Down at SHAKE SHACK x HYPEBAE's Pop-Up Launch Event

Introducing the exclusive Supernova Shake, collaborative merch collection and more.

Explore the Parisian Basketball Scene with the Launch of Zalando Street
Fashion 

Explore the Parisian Basketball Scene with the Launch of Zalando Street

Presented by Zalando
The dedicated streetwear account launches with a digital magazine led by the blossoming Parisian community.

Lorde Drops 'Solar Power' Bonus Tracks, "Helen of Troy" and "Hold No Grudge"
Music

Lorde Drops 'Solar Power' Bonus Tracks, "Helen of Troy" and "Hold No Grudge"

In addition to a surprise music video.

Tiffany & Co. Releases $150,000 USD Advent Calendar
Art

Tiffany & Co. Releases $150,000 USD Advent Calendar

Covered in Jean-Michel Basquiat’s “Equals Pi” artwork.

November Officially Declared Hip Hop History Month
Music

November Officially Declared Hip Hop History Month

As approved by the U.S. Congress.

Take a Closer Look at the Virgil Abloh x NIGO LV² Trainer
Footwear

Take a Closer Look at the Virgil Abloh x NIGO LV² Trainer

Two streetwear giants link up for luxury kicks.

Kim Kardashian's SKIMS Might Launch a Men's Line
Fashion

Kim Kardashian's SKIMS Might Launch a Men's Line

HIMS by SKIMS.

Becky G's Treslúce Beauty Drops "Noche de Celebración" Holiday Collection
Beauty

Becky G's Treslúce Beauty Drops "Noche de Celebración" Holiday Collection

Experiment with the Tres Reinas Shadow Palette for a unique festive look.

More ▾
 

Looks like you’re using an ad-blocker

We charge advertisers instead of our readers. Support us by whitelisting our site.

Whitelist Us

How to Whitelist Us

screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Under “Pause on this site” click “Always”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock Plus icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Block ads on – This website” switch off the toggle to turn it from blue to gray.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlocker Ultimate icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Switch off the toggle to turn it from “Enabled on this site” to “Disabled on this site”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the Ghostery icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the “Ad-Blocking” button at the bottom. It will turn gray and the text above will go from “ON” to “OFF”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the UBlock Origin icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the large blue power icon at the top.
  3. When it turns gray, click the refresh icon that has appeared next to it or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the icon of the ad-blocker extension installed on your browser.You’ll usually find this icon in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. You may have more than one ad-blocker installed.
  2. Follow the instructions for disabling the ad blocker on the site you’re viewing.You may have to select a menu option or click a button.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.