7 Best 35 Mm Film Cameras 2025 in the United States

The Nikon F100 35mm SLR camera is a solid choice for professional photographers looking for a reliable film camera with high-performance capabilities. It sits comfortably in Nikon's lineup, offering a balance between the more advanced F5 and the less feature-rich N90. One of its major strengths is its build quality, featuring a lightweight yet durable magnesium alloy body that can withstand the rigors of professional use.

The camera also boasts a built-in motor drive capable of shooting up to 4.5 frames per second, which is great for capturing action shots. The 10-segment 3D Matrix Metering system, along with center-weighted and 5-area metering modes, provides versatile exposure control, ensuring well-exposed photos in various lighting conditions. The 5-area autofocus system with dynamic autofocus is another highlight, offering quick and accurate focusing even on moving subjects.

On the downside, the camera requires 6 AA batteries, which can be cumbersome to carry and replace. Additionally, while the viewfinder magnification of 0.76x is decent, some users might prefer a higher magnification for better clarity. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Nikon F100 remains a highly regarded film camera, especially for those who appreciate the nuances of 35mm photography. Its film loading mechanism is straightforward, making it user-friendly, and it is compatible with a wide range of Nikon lenses, adding to its versatility.

The Leica MP 10301 35mm Rangefinder Camera stands out for its exceptional build quality and reliability, which is a hallmark of the Leica brand. Constructed with precision, it offers a robust and durable body that can withstand extensive use. The lens compatibility is a significant plus, supporting 14 Leica M lenses with focal lengths ranging from 21 to 135mm, allowing for a versatile range of photography styles and needs.

The 0.72x magnification viewfinder is clear and bright, making it easy to frame shots accurately. The camera's exposure control is automatic, which simplifies the shooting process for those who may not want to manually adjust settings, although this may be seen as a limitation by more experienced photographers seeking greater control. Film loading is manual, which may require a bit of practice for beginners but is standard for most film cameras. The metering system is reliable, ensuring well-exposed images even in varying lighting conditions.

Weighing in at 1.29 pounds, the camera is relatively lightweight and portable. However, it comes with a premium price tag, which might be a deterrent for budget-conscious users. In conclusion, the Leica MP 10301 is an excellent choice for serious film photographers who value build quality, lens versatility, and a reliable metering system, though its automatic exposure control might not satisfy those looking for full manual control.

The Kodak Ektar H35 is a compact and lightweight half-frame 35mm film camera designed mainly for beginners and casual users who want an easy and fun film photography experience. Its half-frame format lets you capture twice as many photos per roll compared to standard 35mm cameras, which is great if you want to save on film costs. The camera has a fixed focus lens, meaning you don't have to worry about adjusting focus, making it very straightforward to use, especially for those new to film cameras. Exposure control is automatic, so it handles light settings for you, simplifying shooting in different lighting conditions. The built-in flash is a handy feature for indoor or low-light situations, activated by a simple ring around the lens.

Film loading is reusable and straightforward, adding to the convenience. The build is lightweight and pocket-friendly, which is ideal for everyday carry, though it might feel less durable compared to more rugged models. Lens compatibility is fixed, so you cannot change lenses, limiting versatility but ensuring ease of use.

If you want an affordable, easy-to-use camera to explore film photography without the complexity of manual settings or lens changes, the Kodak Ektar H35 is a solid choice. Those seeking manual control or interchangeable lenses might find it limiting.