10 Best 35 Mm Film Cameras 2025 in the United States

The Leica M6 is a classic 35mm film rangefinder camera that combines timeless design with modern improvements, making it a solid choice for serious film photography enthusiasts. It features a 0.72x magnification rangefinder viewfinder, which helps with precise focusing and composing images, although beginners might find rangefinder focusing takes some practice. The camera offers automatic exposure control with a built-in light meter that uses simple red dot and arrow symbols, making it easy to get the right exposure without complex settings.

Its film loading mechanism is traditional but reliable, reflecting Leica's commitment to craftsmanship with a solid brass top cover and a distinctive slanted rewind crank for film rewinding. The build quality is exceptional, handcrafted in Germany with durable materials that ensure it can last many years. The metering system reads light through the shutter area, preserving the classic Leica experience while offering accurate exposure readings.

This camera is designed primarily for users who appreciate analog photography and don’t mind manual film handling. It may not suit those looking for automatic features or digital convenience. The Leica M6 is an ideal choice for photographers seeking a dependable, beautifully made 35mm camera with a rich heritage and straightforward exposure controls.

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 Pentax 17 is a compact half-frame 35mm film camera featuring a fixed 25mm f/3.5 lens with advanced HD coating, delivering sharp image quality. Although the lens is not interchangeable, it provides a useful wide-angle perspective ideal for everyday snapshots and street photography. The camera employs a zone-focus system with six focus zones, which simplifies focusing without complicated manual adjustments, making it user-friendly yet precise across various distances.

Exposure control is manual, allowing ISO settings from 50 to 3200 and ±2 EV exposure compensation for creative control, which may appeal to those familiar with exposure settings. Build quality is solid and portable, emphasizing ease of use and convenient carrying. The camera includes bundled Kodak Gold 200 film known for vibrant color and good sharpness, complementing its imaging performance. Included accessories such as a lens cap, wrist strap, lithium battery, and microfiber cleaning cloth add value to the package.

This camera suits enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, creative film camera capable of producing distinctive half-frame images, though it may not fulfill the needs of users desiring interchangeable lenses or advanced automation features.