The 5 Best Film Cameras for Beginners to Invest In

In today’s world of digital filmmaking, the nostalgic charm of film photography and filmmaking is making a strong comeback. Whether you're a budding filmmaker, hobbyist, or simply looking to dive into the world of analog film, choosing the right film camera is crucial. For beginners, the process of selecting the right camera can feel overwhelming with so many options available. But don’t worry—we’ve compiled a list of the top five film cameras that strike a perfect balance between quality, affordability, and ease of use. These cameras will help you build a solid foundation in the art of film without breaking the bank.

1. Canon AE-1 (35mm SLR)

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The Canon AE-1 is one of the most iconic cameras for film photography, and it’s a great option for beginners. With its automatic exposure control, easy-to-read viewfinder, and solid build, it’s an excellent choice for those just starting out in film photography.

Why Choose the Canon AE-1?

• Simple controls: The AE-1 has a user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to understand exposure, shutter speed, and aperture settings.
• Availability: Because of its popularity, the AE-1 is widely available in used camera stores at a reasonable price.
• Versatile lenses: The Canon FD lens mount allows you to experiment with various lenses, so you can grow your film photography skills as you go.

Price Range: $100–$200 (used)

2. Nikon FM10 (35mm SLR)

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Nikon has long been a trusted brand in photography, and the FM10 is one of their most beginner-friendly film SLR cameras. It’s entirely manual, offering hands-on experience with controlling your exposure settings, which can be an excellent learning opportunity for newcomers.

Why Choose the Nikon FM10?

• Fully manual: It encourages you to learn the fundamentals of photography by giving you full control over the exposure triangle (shutter speed, aperture, and ISO).
• Sturdy and reliable: The FM10 is built to last and offers consistent performance in various shooting conditions.
• Compact: Its lightweight design makes it easy to take anywhere.

Price Range: $250–$300 (new/used)

3. Pentax K1000 (35mm SLR)

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The Pentax K1000 is often recommended as one of the best entry-level film cameras for beginners, and for good reason. It’s simple, reliable, and offers manual control, providing a great learning tool for budding filmmakers and photographers.

Why Choose the Pentax K1000?

• Excellent build: The K1000 is known for its tough, metal body that can withstand heavy use.
• Great manual experience: Like the Nikon FM10, the K1000 is manual-only, helping you to understand the mechanics of exposure and focus.
• Affordable lenses: Pentax K-mount lenses are plentiful and relatively inexpensive, offering great flexibility as you develop your skills.

Price Range: $150–$250 (used)

4. Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 (Instant Camera)

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For beginners who want to experiment with film in a more immediate and fun way, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 is an instant camera that delivers satisfying results right away. While it’s not the traditional 35mm or medium format camera, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking the charm of instant photos.

Why Choose the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90?

• Instant gratification: You get to see and hold your photos instantly, which is a rewarding experience for beginners.
• Compact and portable: The camera is lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for casual shooting.
• Different shooting modes: The camera offers various modes for creative effects, including macro and double exposure.

Price Range: $100–$150 (new)

5. Holga 120N (Medium Format)

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If you want to take a step beyond 35mm and try medium format film, the Holga 120N is a fun and affordable option. Known for its quirky, lo-fi aesthetic, it’s ideal for creative photographers who want to experiment with film in a non-traditional way.

Why Choose the Holga 120N?

• Low cost for medium format: The Holga is one of the most affordable ways to get into medium format photography.
• Unique results: Due to its plastic lens, the Holga produces dreamy, often unpredictable images with a lot of character.
• Easy to use: It’s a basic, fully manual camera that encourages creative exploration.

Price Range: $50–$100 (new)

Conclusion: The Best Film Camera for You

Whether you’re interested in the precision of an SLR or the instant gratification of a Polaroid-style camera, the five options above are all fantastic choices for beginners. Each of them offers a different experience, from the completely manual settings of the Pentax K1000 and Nikon FM10 to the instant fun of the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 and the creative freedom of the Holga 120N. Your choice will depend on your interests and what kind of experience you want to have with your film photography journey.

Remember, there’s no "right" camera for everyone—it’s all about finding the one that fits your style and helps you learn the most. Happy shooting!

Need help capturing photography of video? Connect with BW Productions here to see how we can help! 

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