One carefree snap accompanied by a #35mm hashtag? It’s the only way we want to do Instagram.
Film cameras have long been having a moment, and it’s not hard to see why. The unique grain, the rawness of every snap, the inability to ‘take another one’ (or 40) — film photographs are the antithesis to an overly curated grid.
If you’re just dipping your toes into the aesthetic film photography world, read on for our list of beginner-friendly reusable film cameras that will turn your summer memories into works of art – whether you’re on holiday or on a night out with friends.
The Best Film Cameras To Buy In 2024
Kodak M38 Film Camera
$49.95 at Amazon
This super compact camera will easily slip into your purse for the best picnic film pics. Or, if you’re looking to bring this on a night out, its easy-to-use flash will make sure you’re always looking fresh (and well lit).
Key features:
- 4:3 ratio
- Manual exposure
- RAW, JPEG file types
RETO 3D Classic Film Camera
$149.95 at Camera House
Just as we thought film cameras couldn’t get any cooler, this takes film pictures into a new dimension – 3D. Featuring three optical grade acrylic lenses, it stitches the images taken on the triple lens to create livelier, artistic shots.
Key features:
- Lens 30mm f/11
- 1 x AA battery for power
- Wrist strap
35mm Co The Reloader
$119.95 at The Iconic
This chic 35mm film camera is the perfect choice for weddings and events. The pre-loaded Snap Film will ensure your photos come out rich in colour while still sitting in the film camera grain-y aesthetic.
Key features:
- Built-in flash
- Lens 31mm f/9
- Shutter speed 1/120S
- Vegan leather wrist strap
Dubblefilm Show Reusable Film Camera
$64.71 at Amazon
This super lightweight camera packs a punch. At only 100 grams, it’s easy to carry around with you on your adventures all day, every day. Plus, the turquoise colourway is super cute.
Key features:
- Weighs 100 grams
- Lens 32mm f/8
- Focal length range – 1m to infinity
Lomography Diana Mini
$119 at DigiDirect
Do you have a big group of friends to fit into your photo? The Lomography Diana Mini features a wide-angle lens with four different focal distances to choose from so no one is ever awkwardly cut off. Plus, there’s a tripod mount-a group pic essential.
Key features:
- 4 F=focal distances
- Sunny, cloudy or B exposure settings
- 36 Sq or 72 1/2 frame photos on a roll
Lomography Simple Use – Colour Negative 400
$59.95 at Camera House
Add a splash of colour with Lomography’s Simple Use film camera. With magenta, yellow and cyan flash filters at your fingertips, you can create unique hues with each click.
Key features:
- 1/120 s shutter speed
- 31 mm lens
- Flash
Ilford Sprite35-II
$49 at DigiDirect
If you’re not here to get down to the nitty gritty of film cameras, then the Ilford film camera is the one for you. Just load the camera up with film, click the shutter and press the film lever. Fuss-free memory making if you ask us.
Key features:
- Fixed-focus wide-angle lens
- Built-in flash
- Optical viewfinder
Are Film Cameras Beginner Friendly?
There’s a bunch of simple-to-use point-and-shoot cameras available if you’re looking to try your hand at film photography. Just load up your film and get snapping.
Is It Worth Getting A Film Camera?
A film camera is the perfect way to get off your phone and capture memories that will last a lifetime. There’s something special about having printed photos – pop them on your wall or give them to your friends and family as mementos of the time you’ve spent together. Plus, it will save you from having to pay for extra iCloud storage for a bunch of photos you don’t need but overshot because you could.
Looking to save money on cameras? Check out our coupon codes for The Iconic, Amazon and more.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
